In short
Sichuan University is a comprehensive national key university in Chengdu, China, offering a wide range of disciplines for international students. It provides a dynamic academic environment with strong research and collaborations, and is ranked among China's top institutions.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1896
- Students
- 70,000
- International students
- 4,000
- Acceptance rate
- 45%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–6k/yr
- Languages
- ZH
- Location
- Chengdu, China
Sichuan University is a comprehensive national key university located in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. It is one of the earliest modern universities established in China, with a rich history spanning over a century. The university offers a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, science, engineering, medicine, and agriculture, and is committed to fostering talent and advancing scientific research. Sichuan University is known for its strong emphasis on both teaching and research, contributing significantly to various fields through its numerous research platforms and achievements. It actively engages in both domestic and international collaborations, providing a dynamic academic environment for its students and faculty. The university is a prominent institution in China's higher education landscape, dedicated to excellence in education and innovation.
Why study here
- Study at a Double First-Class and Project 985 university ranked among China's top 15 institutions.
- Access world-class medical training through the renowned West China medical schools and hospitals.
- Join a large, diverse international community with partnerships across hundreds of global universities.
- Benefit from major national research laboratories and high scientific output across disciplines.
- Live in Chengdu, one of China's most liveable and culturally rich cities.
Student life
Sichuan University spans multiple campuses in Chengdu, offering extensive libraries, sports facilities, and student associations. International students join Mandarin-language and English-taught programmes, with dedicated support, on-campus dormitories, and cultural immersion in a city famous for Sichuan cuisine, teahouses, and nearby panda reserves.
Fees
InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition typically ranges from about 20,000 to 26,000 RMB per year, with medical and graduate programmes higher.
HomeDomestic tuition is set by national and provincial guidelines and is substantially lower than international rates.
LivingLiving costs in Chengdu are moderate, with student budgets commonly around 2,500 to 4,000 RMB per month including accommodation.
Chinese Government Scholarships and Sichuan Provincial Scholarships can cover tuition and living stipends for eligible international students.
Admissions
AcademicCompleted secondary schooling for bachelor's programmes; a relevant bachelor's degree for master's programmes.
LanguageHSK 4-5 for Chinese-taught programmes, or proof of English proficiency for English-taught programmes.
IELTS6.0 (English-taught programmes)
TOEFL80 (English-taught programmes)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings324
National (China)15
University scholarships
Chinese Government ScholarshipFull tuition, accommodation and monthly stipend
Sichuan Provincial Government ScholarshipPartial to full tuition support
Accreditation
Recognised by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China; member of Project 985, Project 211, and the Double First-Class Construction.
Programs
a selectionScholarships
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 estimated tuition fees for international students at Sichuan University?
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International undergraduate tuition typically ranges from about 20,000 to 26,000 RMB per year. Medical and graduate programs may have higher fees.
What are the living costs for students in Chengdu?
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Living costs in Chengdu are considered moderate. Student budgets commonly range from 2,500 to 4,000 RMB per month, which typically includes accommodation.
What academic qualifications are required for international applicants?
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For bachelor's programs, applicants need to have completed secondary schooling. For master's programs, a relevant bachelor's degree is required.
What are the language requirements for international students?
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For Chinese-taught programs, HSK 4-5 is generally required. For English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency such as an IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 80 is needed.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Yes, Sichuan University offers scholarships such as the Chinese Government Scholarship, which can cover full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend, and the Sichuan Provincial Government Scholarship for partial to full tuition support.
What is Sichuan University's international ranking?
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Sichuan University is ranked 324th in the QS World University Rankings and is among the top 15 national universities in China.
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