In short
Central South University (CSU) is a top-ranked national research university in Changsha, China, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, many available in English. It provides diverse scholarship opportunities and a vibrant student life in a culturally rich city.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2000
- Students
- 55,000
- International students
- 4,500
- Acceptance rate
- 60%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–6k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ZH
- Location
- China
Central South University (CSU) is a comprehensive national research university in Changsha, Hunan, China, formed in 2000 from the merger of three major institutions. A Project 211, Project 985, and Double First-Class member, CSU is directly administered by China's Ministry of Education and ranks among the country's top 30 universities. With approximately 55,000 students, 33 colleges, and more than 200 international partner universities, CSU offers a wide range of programmes in engineering, medicine, materials science, management, and the humanities—many available in English for international students.
Why study here
- Ranked among China's top universities under Project 211, Project 985, and the Double First-Class initiative.
- Offers a wide array of programmes in engineering, medicine, materials science, and humanities, with English-taught options.
- Provides multiple scholarship opportunities including Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC), provincial, and university awards.
- Located in Changsha, a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, excellent food culture, and affordable living costs.
- Strong industry links and internship opportunities in mining, rail transit, metals, and medical sectors.
Student life
CSU's campus in Changsha features modern facilities including libraries, sports complexes, international student dormitories, and dining halls serving regional and international cuisine. The university hosts an annual International Culture Festival and a range of student clubs covering technology, arts, sports, and cultural exchange. Changsha itself is a lively city famed for its nightlife, street food, and proximity to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Fees
InternationalApproximately EUR 2,800–6,000 per year depending on programme (undergraduate to postgraduate). Medicine and clinical programmes typically at the higher end.
HomeChinese domestic students pay approx. CNY 4,500–6,500/yr (approx. EUR 580–840/yr).
LivingEstimated living costs in Changsha: EUR 400–600/month for accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
Applicants for Chinese-taught programmes need HSK4 (220 for science/engineering, 260 for arts/medical). A preparatory Chinese language year is available. Full CSC Scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
Admissions
Master's ProgramsBachelor's degree or equivalent, under 35 years old.
Doctorate ProgramsMaster's degree or equivalent, under 40 years old.
IELTSminimum 6.0
TOEFLminimum 85
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026491
Shanghai ARWU 2024101
Times Higher Education World Rankings 2026501
University scholarships
CSC Scholarship – Bilateral ProgramFull scholarship: tuition + accommodation + stipend (CNY 2,500–3,500/month depending on level)
CSC Scholarship – University ProgramFull or partial scholarship; see university admissions office for details
Hunan Government ScholarshipPartial tuition support for eligible international students
CSU University ScholarshipVaries by programme and merit
MOFCOM ScholarshipFull scholarship for Chinese Government-sponsored nominees
Accreditation
Directly administered by and accredited through China's Ministry of Education. Member of Project 211, Project 985, and the Double First-Class Construction initiative. Clinical medicine programmes accredited by the China Medical Board.
Programs
a selectionCentral South University · China
Central South University - Bachelor's Programs
Central South University (CSU) offers a wide array of Bachelor's degree programs across numerous disciplines. These programs are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in their chosen field, preparing them for future academic pursuits or professional careers. Most programs are taught in Chinese, with a duration of four years. Some specialized fields, such as Architecture, Rural and Urban Planning, and various medical programs, extend to five years, reflecting the in-depth study required. Students can explore a diverse range of subjects, from humanities and social sciences to engineering, medicine, and design, housed within various colleges and schools across the university. The curriculum aims to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Central South University · China
Chinese Language Program for International Students
Central South University offers a Chinese Language Program designed for international students. This program provides intensive language training to help students achieve proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. The curriculum covers various aspects of the language, from basic communication to specialized business Chinese, and includes cultural immersion activities. Students can choose between a one-academic-year program or a one-semester option.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
10 mo
Duration
Central South University · China
Doctoral programs
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Central South University · China
Doctorate degree programs
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Central South University · China
Graduate Programs
Central South University (CSU) offers a range of graduate programs for international students, including Master's and Doctoral degrees. Master's programs typically last for three years, while Doctoral programs extend to four years. To graduate, all students must successfully complete required credits, pass examinations, and defend their dissertations. Programs are available in both Chinese and English, with specific language proficiency requirements depending on the language of instruction and the discipline.
Master's
Level
€5k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Central South University · China
Master degree programs
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for China
full fundingTsinghua University
Schwarzman Scholars
Open to applicants of any nationality who hold (or will hold) a bachelor's degree by the programme start and are under ~29 years old at the deadline. English proficiency is required; Chinese is not. Selection seeks demonstrated leadership, academic strength, and the potential to bridge China and the world.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingTsinghua University (sponsored by Siemens Ltd., China)
Siemens China Scholarship at Tsinghua University
International students who meet Tsinghua University's PhD admission requirements, hold a strong academic background in computer science, engineering or AI, apply to one of the approved Siemens research fields, and do not hold another major PhD scholarship at Tsinghua. Applicants should be willing to collaborate on industry-focused research with Siemens.
full
Funding
€22k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
full fundingChina Scholarship Council (CSC), Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Open to non-Chinese citizens in good health who meet the academic and age requirements for their level (under ~25 for bachelor's, ~35 for master's, ~40 for doctoral, as a guideline). Applicants apply via a Chinese university, a Chinese embassy, or another dispatching authority, depending on the programme.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingTsinghua University / China Scholarship Council (CSC)
Tsinghua University Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
For non-Chinese citizens in good health who apply for a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The Chinese Government Scholarship is administered by Tsinghua as a designated host university; applicants apply both to the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and for Tsinghua admission, and must meet the relevant age and academic requirements.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Mar 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SHSMU)
SJTU School of Medicine Chinese Government Scholarship
Open to non-Chinese citizens in good health who are not currently studying in China. Master's applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and be under 35; doctoral applicants must hold a master's degree and be under 40. Applicants must show excellent academic records and must not hold any other Chinese government or organisation scholarship.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Apr 14, 2027
Deadline
full fundingSoochow University
Soochow University Chinese Government Scholarship
Open to non-Chinese citizens in good health with a valid passport. Master's applicants need a bachelor's degree with good grades and should preferably be under 35; doctoral applicants need a master's degree with strong academic results and should preferably be under 40. Applicants must not already hold another Chinese government or university scholarship.
full
Funding
€14k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the approximate tuition fees for international students at Central South University?
+
International student tuition fees at Central South University range from approximately EUR 2,800 to EUR 6,000 per year, depending on the program. Medicine and clinical programs are generally at the higher end of this range.
What are the language requirements for international students?
+
For Chinese-taught programs, applicants generally need HSK4. For English-taught programs, minimum scores are typically IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 85. A preparatory Chinese language year is also available.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Changsha?
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The estimated living costs in Changsha are around EUR 400–600 per month. This estimate includes accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
Does Central South University offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, Central South University offers various scholarships, including the full CSC Scholarship (covering tuition, accommodation, and stipend), the Hunan Government Scholarship, and the CSU University Scholarship.
What academic qualifications are needed for master's and doctoral programs?
+
For Master's programs, applicants need a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and should be under 35 years old. For Doctorate programs, a Master's degree or equivalent is required, and applicants should be under 40 years old.
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