University profile

China's first Western-style educational university

- Founded in 1900 by American missionaries, it is one of the earliest universities in China.

A Top Comprehensive University in China

- The university was among the first batch to be selected as one of the '2011 Plan' and 'Double First-class' universities by Ministry of Education.

A Top Research-Oriented University in China

-19 disciplines have been listed among the top 1% of ESI.

-5 disciplines have been listed among the top 1‰ of ESI

A University Speaking Highly of Internationalization

- Developing cooperation and exchanges with over 200 universities in more than 30 countries or regions.

27 undergraduate programs are open to international students in the 2025-2026 academic year. The length of undergraduate program is generally 4 – 5 years (6 years for MBBS). Students who take Chinese-taught major should be able to reach HSK level 5 or above upon graduation. Students who take English-taught major should have at least HSK Level 4 or above upon graduation.

I. Application requirements

1. Non-Chinese citizens under 30, who are in good health and holding valid ordinary foreign passports, and applicants under the age of 18 are required to provide guardianship certificates. Please see relevant regulation on: http://www.moe.gov.cn/srcsite/A20/moe_850/202006/t20200609_464159.html

2. High school graduate or equivalent.

Ⅱ. Available Major

Note:

* Except for international students’ class, all other majors are interlocking;

* The music performance major is only open to western music, and requires submission of performance works;

* All majors in the School of Art are required to submit a portfolio.

Ⅲ. Application process

1.Participate in the "China Scholarship Competency Assessment"

Applicants must take the "China Scholarship Competency Assessment" (hereinafter referred to as "CSCA") organized by the China Scholarship Council of the Ministry of Education of China and obtain the test results. The specific test time and content can be viewed on the official website of CSCA (www.csca.cn).

Test Subjects:

2.Login to Soochow University International Student Service System at https://suda.17gz.orgor https://iaa.suda.edu.cn and fill in the required information (choose ‘self-sponsored’):

(1) The applicant shall ensure that all information is accurate.

(2) Applicants should keep the phoneline open and check the online registration system and E-mail regularly. The University will contact the applicants through registered phone number and e-mail based on actual needs.

3. Upload and submit the following application materials in the system:

(1) Information page of valid passport (meaning the passport will be valid after March 1, 2027). Applicants who have already studied in China are required to submit a passport visa page.

(2) Notarized high-school diploma. Prospective diploma applicant must submit official proof of student status or pre-graduation certificate by their current school. For languages other than English, an English translation and a notarized copy in English or Chinese are required.

(3) Academic transcripts of high-school. These transcripts shall be issued and sealed by the student management department. Transcripts can be provided in Chinese or English. If they are in languages other than English, an English translation and a notarized copy in Chinese or English should be provided.

(4)The score report of CSCA test issued by the Ministry of Education of China (or a screenshot of the examination registration no later than April 2026, with the score to be supplemented later.)

(5)Language Proficiency Certificate:

- To apply for majors taught in Chinese, applicants should hold the valid certificate of HSK 4 scoring 180 or above. (Valid on and after June 15, 2026)

Note: Applicants whose mother tongue is Chinese or whose senior high school is taught in Chinese will be exempted from providing HSK scores upon verification by our school.

- To apply for majors taught in English, applicants must meet at least one of the English proficiency requirements: TOEFL score ≥80 / IELTS ≥6.0 / Native English speaker / English as the medium of instruction for master program / other valid evidence of equivalent English proficiency recognized by Soochow University. (Valid on and after June 15, 2026)

(6) A study plan proposal. A study plan must be written in Chinese or English and shall contain more than 600 characters or words.

(7) A valid health certificate within 6 months. Download the 《Foreigner Physical Examination Form》(Certificates issued on or after October 1, 2025 shall be deemed valid ) and go to a regular local hospital to complete the examination. The physical examinations must cover all the items listed in the Foreigner Physical Examination Form. The records must be completed in English or Chinese; incomplete records or those without the signature of the attending physician, the official stamp of the hospital, or a sealed photograph of the applicant are invalid.

(8) Non-criminal record report. The applicant shall submit a valid certificate of Non- Criminal Record issued by the local public security authority, usually issued within 6 months prior to the submission date of the application.

(9) Letter of Economic Support Guarantee. Evidence of the guarantor’s fund deposit (no less than 5000 USD). Guarantor’s income certificate.

(10) Other supporting documents (award certificate, paper publication, participation certificate in international conference or volunteer activity, etc.)

Note: Uploaded supporting documents must be clear, authentic and valid.

Applicants are recommended to use a professional device to scan the relevant documents. Applicants shall bear the consequences caused by unclear or unidentifiable uploaded materials. New-comers will have these documents re-certified upon entrance of school. The re-certification period will last more than three months, any form fortification of the documents found will cause the suspension or expulsion of the students. Any form of payment will not be returned.

Ⅳ. Review and Admission

Applicants shall be required to provide supplementary materials or be assessed by written test or interview. Admission results will come out through the online application system. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.

V. Expense standard

1. Tuition

2. Application fee: 650 RMB (non-refundable regardless of admission results, paid upon submission of application)

3. Accommodation fee: East campus: 800-900 RMB/person/month. Du Shu Lake Campus: 600 RMB/person/month. (Two person shared room) .

4. Insurance fee: 1000 RMB/person/year

Note: 1) Due to the shortage of dormitory resources, campus accommodation will be arranged according to the actual situation.

2) All students are required to purchase their own textbooks and pay for laboratory and equipment fees according to the requirements of each school (department).

Ⅵ. Scholarship

Chinese Government Scholarship

Type A (applicants must be under 25 years of age) :

Step 1: Select Soochow University and the program you wish to apply for.  

Step 2: Contact Soochow University to obtain any required pre-admission materials.  

Step 3: Reach out to the relevant dispatching agency to obtain the recommendation for the Chinese Government Scholarship.  

Step 4: Applicants should log into the "Chinese Government Scholarship Information System" (http://www.campuschina.org), fill out the online "Chinese Government Scholarship Application Form," upload the necessary application materials, and submit the application. （Soochow University agency code: 10285 ）

Ⅶ. Contact information    

International Student’s Affairs Office, International Office

Telephone: + 86-512-67165752

Email: studyinsuda@suda.edu.cn (Email subject: Application Number + passport name + consultation subject)

International Student Admission Website: http://apply.international.suda.edu.cn/main.htm