Central South University for Nigerian Students

🇨🇳 Changsha, China · 985 Project / QS Top 500
Direct Entry Available WAEC Accepted 3 Scholarships ✓ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #475
Founded 2000
Students 60,000+
Last updated: 2026-04 · Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts — Nigerian Students
WAEC/NECO Accepted Yes (via Foundation Year)
Minimum GPA (Masters) 2.5 / 4
IELTS Required 6 overall
Tuition Range ¥20,000 – ¥25,000/yr
Scholarships Available Yes – 3 available
Application Deadline October–January for September intake; April for spring intake
Processing Time 3–8 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Foundation Year required via Chinese Language Foundation Year (1 year, university-run) (¥9,000/year). WAEC/NECO accepted as O-level equivalent. Mining and Metallurgy programs are directly relevant for Nigeria's solid minerals sector. Large Nigerian student community on campus. Changsha is affordable and student-friendly.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: ¥16,000–¥20,000. Application deadline: March–May (annual intake).

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 2.5/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. CSU is the number one choice for Nigerian mining and metallurgy students. The CSU President Scholarship and CSC Silk Road Program are both available. Among the most affordable 985 universities in China.

English Language

IELTS: 6+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: ¥20,000–¥25,000. Application deadline: October–January for September intake; April for spring intake. Decision time: 3–8 weeks.

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
WAEC/NECO certificate or result slip
Motivation letter (500–1,000 words)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)

Available Scholarships

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Full tuition + free accommodation + ¥3,000/month stipend + medical insurance Deadline: January–April (annual)

by Chinese Government (MOE) · Undergraduate, Masters, Phd

Learn more →

Belt and Road / Silk Road Scholarship

Full tuition + accommodation + ¥1,500–2,500/month stipend Deadline: March–May (annual)

by Chinese Government · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

CSU President Scholarship

Full tuition waiver + ¥1,000–2,000/month stipend Deadline: March–May (check CSU admissions portal)

by Central South University · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Central South University accept WAEC for Nigerian students?

Yes, WAEC/NECO is widely accepted at CSU for undergraduate foundation admission. CSU has one of the largest Nigerian student communities in China and is highly experienced with Nigerian applications at all levels. For Masters, your Nigerian bachelor's degree qualifies for direct entry.

What GPA do I need for Masters at Central South University?

CSU requires a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0 — one of the most accessible thresholds among 985 universities. This is below the Second Class Lower mark in Nigerian grading, making CSU a strong option for students who graduated with average grades but have strong practical experience in mining, engineering, or business.

Why is CSU so popular with Nigerian and Zambian students?

Central South University's Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, and Materials Science programs are world-renowned and directly relevant to the mineral-rich economies of sub-Saharan Africa. CSU has decades of active cooperation with African governments, has graduated thousands of African engineers, and maintains the largest African student community of any Hunan university.

Tips for Applying to CSU

Central South University is the most popular destination in China for Nigerian mining and engineering students — and for good reason. Its mining, metallurgy, and materials science programs are world-class, directly applicable to Nigeria's solid minerals sector, and available at some of the lowest tuition rates among 985 universities. The CSU President Scholarship and low GPA threshold make it accessible to a wide range of Nigerian graduates.

Official source: Central South University ↗

Cost of Living in Changsha

Accommodation ¥1,000 – ¥2,200/month

On-campus dormitories from ¥800/month. Changsha is one of the most affordable major Chinese cities.

Food & Groceries ¥500 – ¥900/month

Changsha is famous for its spicy Hunan cuisine. Street food from ¥5. University canteen very cheap.

Transport ¥100 – ¥250/month

Changsha metro is expanding. Buses and ride-sharing are cheap.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost ¥1,600 – ¥3,350/month