Guangzhou, Guangdong · Founded 1952 · Project 985 · Project 211 · Double First Class
South China University of Technology 华南理工大学
South China University of Technology is the leading engineering and technology university in the Greater Bay Area, with deep industry links to Guangdong's electronics, automotive, materials and construction sectors.
Overview
South China University of Technology is the leading engineering and technology university in the Greater Bay Area, with deep industry links to Guangdong's electronics, automotive, materials and construction sectors.
SCUT's alumni founded or lead a remarkable share of Guangdong's listed companies, and its location gives students direct access to the Pearl River Delta's manufacturing and technology ecosystem.
History
SCUT was created in 1952 from the engineering faculties of several universities in the region, and became the South China Institute of Technology before taking its present name in 1988.
It merged with Guangdong University of Technology's main campus in 1970 and regained independence in 1978. SCUT joined Project 211 (1995), Project 985 (2001) and Double First Class (2017).
SCUT operates three campuses in Guangzhou and one in Shenzhen, and runs the Guangzhou International Campus with joint degrees offered with the University of Pittsburgh and other partners.
World rankings, 2017–2026
| Edition | QS | ARWU | THE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 471 | 301–400 | 801–1000 |
| 2018 | 481 | 301–400 | 801–1000 |
| 2019 | 441 | 201–300 | 601–800 |
| 2020 | 461 | 201–300 | 601–800 |
| 2021 | 425 | 151–200 | 501–600 |
| 2022 | 407 | 151–200 | 501–600 |
| 2023 | 392 | 151–200 | 401–500 |
| 2024 | 392 | 151–200 | 401–500 |
| 2025 | 385 | 151–200 | 351–400 |
| 2026 | 375 | 151–200 | 351–400 |
Compilations such as this one can lag a publisher's revisions; verify the current figure at source.
Campuses
| Campus | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Wushan Campus (Main) | 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou | Historic campus in the city centre; architecture, civil engineering and administration. |
| University Town Campus | Panyu District, Guangzhou | Modern campus for engineering, computer science and international student housing. |
| Guangzhou International Campus | Panyu District, Guangzhou | English-taught programmes with overseas partners, including the SCUT–Pittsburgh Institute. |
| Shenzhen Institute | Shenzhen | Graduate research and industry collaboration. |
Faculty and research
South China University of Technology employs around 4,000 academic staff, including about 13 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering. 13 national academy members. The School of Materials Science and Engineering and the School of Light Industry and Engineering are nationally top-ranked.
Discipline strength
| Discipline | National grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light Industry Technology & Engineering | A+ | Ranked first in China; pulp, paper and food engineering. |
| Architecture / Built Environment | A | One of the historic 'old eight' architecture schools. |
| Materials Science & Engineering | A | Polymer and composite materials. |
| Food Science & Engineering | A+ | One of China's strongest food science departments. |
| Chemical Engineering | A | Process engineering and catalysis. |
| Civil Engineering | A | Structural engineering and construction management. |
| Environmental Science & Engineering | A | Industrial pollution control in the Pearl River Delta. |
| Business Administration | A | Strong entrepreneurship teaching. |
Grades follow China's national discipline evaluation scheme (A+ is the highest). Consult the university for the most recent evaluation results.
Programmes open to international students
| Programme | Level | Language | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | Bachelor / Master | English | 4 / 3 years |
| Computer Science and Technology | Bachelor / Master | English | 4 / 3 years |
| Architecture | Bachelor | English | 5 years |
| Materials Science and Engineering | Master / PhD | English | 3 / 4 years |
| Chinese Language Programme | Language | Chinese | 0.5–1 year |
Admissions, tuition and deadlines
Requirements
Bachelor: high school diploma, SCUT entrance examination, IELTS 6.0 or HSK 4–5. Graduate: degree, transcripts, two references, study plan.
Deadlines and fees
Deadlines: Bachelor: December – April. Graduate: December – April.. Application fee: CNY 400. Tuition: CNY 22,000–28,000 per year for bachelor's; CNY 28,000–42,000 for master's.
Scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship, Confucius Institute Scholarship, Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship, SCUT President Scholarship.
Notable alumni
| Alumnus | Field | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zhang Zhidong (institutional legacy) | Qing reformer | Associated with the Lingnan technical education tradition. |
| Li Dongsheng | Founder of TCL | SCUT alumnus; built one of the world's largest TV and panel makers. |
| Zhang Zhuo (Hebo) | Entrepreneur | Founder of Hebo Group, SCUT graduate. |
| Chen Weidong | Engineer | Alumnus and leader in Guangdong's building materials industry. |
Why students choose this university
- Best engineering choice for a career in the Greater Bay Area
- Direct industry links to Guangdong's electronics and automotive sectors
- Year-round warm climate and a very large international food scene