Sun Yat-sen University for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Foundation Year required via Chinese Language Foundation Year (1 year, university-run) (¥11,000/year). WAEC/NECO accepted as O-level equivalent. Guangzhou is the Chinese city with the largest African community, making integration much easier for Nigerian students. SYSU has multiple campuses across the Greater Bay Area.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: ¥18,000–¥25,000. Application deadline: March–May (annual intake).
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Public Health (MPH) program is particularly popular with Nigerian applicants. International Business and Marine Sciences also excellent. Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship is additional to CSC.
English Language
IELTS: 6+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: ¥30,000. Application deadline: October–January for September intake. Decision time: 4–8 weeks.
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
by Chinese Government (MOE) · Undergraduate, Masters, Phd
Learn more →Belt and Road / Silk Road Scholarship
by Chinese Government · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship
by Guangdong Provincial Government · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sun Yat-sen University accept WAEC results for Nigerian students?
Yes, WAEC/NECO is accepted as senior secondary school qualification for undergraduate foundation programs. For Masters, a Nigerian bachelor's degree qualifies for direct entry. Guangzhou has the largest African community in China, making SYSU particularly familiar with Nigerian and West African students.
What GPA do I need for Masters at Sun Yat-sen University?
SYSU requires a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 for Masters admission. This corresponds to a Second Class Upper in Nigerian grading. Public Health and International Business programs are competitive — a GPA of 3.2+ strengthens your application significantly.
Are there scholarships for Nigerian students at SYSU?
Yes. The CSC scholarship covers full tuition plus ¥3,000/month. The Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship and SYSU International Student Scholarship are additional options unique to Guangdong-based universities. Guangdong's scholarship offerings make SYSU one of the better-funded options for African students.
Tips for Applying to SYSU
Sun Yat-sen University is the natural choice for Nigerian students who want to study in Guangzhou — the Chinese city with the largest and most established African community. SYSU's Public Health and International Business programs are excellent, and the Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship provides an additional funding route beyond CSC. Living in Guangzhou means immersion in a city where Nigerians and West Africans have long-established business networks.
Official source: Sun Yat-sen University ↗Cost of Living in Guangzhou
On-campus dormitories available from ¥1,200/month. Guangzhou is more affordable than Shanghai or Beijing.
Guangzhou's Cantonese cuisine is world-famous. Affordable options near campus and in the African district.
Guangzhou metro is extensive. Bicycle sharing is popular and cheap.