Thirty-Three Foreign Languages
The widest language coverage in South China, from English and Japanese to Arabic, Swahili and Southeast Asian languages.
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
South China’s window on the world — languages, trade and global governance since 1965
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) was formed in 1995 from the merger of Guangzhou Institute of Foreign Languages, founded in 1965, and Guangdong Institute of Finance and Economics, and is today a provincial key university built on three pillars: foreign languages, international trade and global governance. It teaches 33 foreign languages across 76 undergraduate programs — the widest language coverage in South China — and its School of Interpreting and Translation Studies is one of China’s most respected conference-interpreting institutions, holding CIUTI membership and AIIC-recognised training. The university operates three campuses: the historic Baiyun Mountain north campus, the University Town campus in Panyu and the Dalang campus. GDUFS sits in Guangzhou, host city of the Canton Fair and headquarters to thousands of trading and logistics firms, which turns its business, trade and language degrees into direct career pathways. More than 1,650 international students from 99 countries study here, drawn by English-taught undergraduate degrees at CNY 33,800 per year, Chinese language programs, and one of China’s strongest environments for anyone building a career across languages and international business.
- Location
- Guangzhou, China
- Founded
- 1965
- International Students
- 1,650+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 25,000 - 33,800 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 20
Why Choose
Why Choose Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
Key reasons international students choose Guangdong University of Foreign Studies for their studies in China.
Elite Conference Interpreting
CIUTI-member School of Interpreting and Translation Studies with AIIC-recognised training used by national delegations.
Canton Fair Trade Network
Located in China’s trade capital, with student roles and internships tied to the Canton Fair and export firms.
Business English Discipline Leader
China’s first business English doctoral track, combining language mastery with international commerce training.
Global Governance Talent Focus
Programs designed to place graduates in international organisations, diplomacy, translation services and multinationals.
Three Distinct Campuses
Study on the Baiyun Mountain, University Town or Dalang campuses, each with its own schools and facilities.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#197
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
International Economics & Trade
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 33,800 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Guangdong Government Scholarship eligible
Business Administration
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 33,800 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Guangdong Government Scholarship eligible
Chinese Language & Literature
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 25,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: GDUFS University Scholarship eligible
International Business (MIB)
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: CNY 28,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Teaching Chinese To Speakers Of Other Languages
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: CNY 28,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship eligible
Foreign Languages & Literature
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 25,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Applied Economics
DoctorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Guangdong University of Foreign Studies as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with sound overall results for bachelor’s programs; a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s admission and a master’s degree for doctoral admission.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught programs: TOEFL 70 or IELTS 5.5 or above, or prior education in English. Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 4 or above, with HSK 5 expected for language and humanities majors.
- Entrance AssessmentUndergraduate applicants sit a written test and interview; applicants from English-speaking countries may be exempt from the written test.
- Required DocumentsPassport, highest diploma and transcripts, study plan or research proposal, language certificate, two recommendation letters for graduate applicants, physical examination form and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineApplications run March 1 to June 20 for the September intake; scholarship applicants should submit by March 31.
- Application FeeCNY 500, non-refundable, paid through the online application system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form issued within six months is required, and is re-verified in Guangzhou after arrival.
- InsurancePurchase of the Comprehensive Insurance Plan for Foreigners in China is mandatory before registration.
- Visa DocumentsGDUFS issues the JW202 form and Admission Notice so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 25,000 - 33,800 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 4,800 – 9,600 / yearOn-campus rooms; four-person from CNY 2,400 and twin from CNY 4,800 per semester
- Application Fee
- CNY 500 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearComprehensive Insurance Plan, mandatory for registration
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,000 – 3,500 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses in Guangzhou
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 70,000 – 100,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for master’s or doctoral programs, applying through a Chinese embassy or a designated agency.
Deadline: March 31
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, stipend and insurance for Chinese language and MTCSOL study.
Eligibility: Applicants for Chinese language programs or the MTCSOL master’s with the required HSK results.
Deadline: Per CLEC annual notice, generally April
Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship
Coverage: CNY 10,000 for bachelor’s, CNY 20,000 for master’s and CNY 30,000 for doctoral students per award.
Eligibility: Newly enrolled degree-seeking international students with strong academic records at a Guangdong university.
Deadline: Applied for after enrolment, per provincial notice
GDUFS University Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award renewed annually on academic performance.
Eligibility: Self-funded degree students confirmed by the Admission Office and maintaining excellent grades and conduct.
Deadline: Assessed each academic year
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
Baiyun Mountain Campus
The north campus sits on the wooded slopes of Baiyun Mountain, one of Guangzhou’s most scenic university settings.
International Dormitories
On-campus residences with four-person, twin and single room options priced by campus and room type.
Multilingual Library Collections
Library holdings in dozens of languages plus translation, trade and area-studies databases for research.
Language Partner Culture
Language exchange, corner and partner programs let you practise Mandarin daily with Chinese language majors.
Cultural And Debate Societies
Model United Nations, translation contests, drama and country-themed festivals run throughout the academic year.
Metro-Linked Guangzhou
Subway connections put the Canton Fair complex, city centre and high-speed rail within easy reach.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
Translation And Interpreting Studies
A national leader in conference interpreting research and corpus-based translation studies through its CIUTI-member school.
Global Governance Research
Institutes studying international rules, treaties and organisations to train China’s multilateral negotiation talent.
International Trade Economics
Research on export markets, cross-border e-commerce and Guangdong’s foreign trade competitiveness.
Linguistics And Applied Language
Provincial key research base in foreign linguistics and applied linguistics covering acquisition and pedagogy.
Country And Area Studies Centres
Dedicated centres on Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe supporting language and policy research.
Business English Scholarship
Home of China’s pioneering business English discipline, shaping national standards for the field.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies can take you after graduation.
International Trade Employers
Graduates join export, import, logistics and cross-border e-commerce firms across Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Translation And Interpreting Roles
Interpreting graduates work at conferences, government bodies, trade fairs and language service providers.
Multinational Corporate Careers
Bilingual business graduates enter multinational marketing, sourcing, finance and operations teams in the Pearl River Delta.
Diplomacy And Organisations
Language and governance graduates pursue embassies, chambers of commerce and international organisation roles.
Graduate Study Pathways
Strong bachelor’s graduates continue to GDUFS master’s programs or language and business degrees abroad.
Trade Alumni Network
Alumni lead trading companies, language services and export businesses throughout Guangdong and Southeast Asia.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Guangdong University of Foreign Studies helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus dormitory room on your assigned campus before you arrive in Guangzhou.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Orientation
Orientation covers registration, insurance, campus systems, safety and daily life in Guangzhou.
Academic Advising
School of Chinese Language and Culture advisors support course selection, credit planning and supervisor contact.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin courses for English-track students plus HSK preparation classes required for graduation.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, mandatory comprehensive insurance enrolment and referrals to Guangzhou hospitals.
Emergency Assistance
Campus security and international office contacts available for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations and cultural events spanning students from 99 countries.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
- From March 1
Applications Open
The GDUFS international student online application system opens for the September intake.
- March
Prepare Documents And Language Proof
Assemble transcripts, diploma, study plan and TOEFL, IELTS or HSK evidence for your program track.
- By March 31
Scholarship Deadline
Submit CSC, Chinese Language Teachers and provincial scholarship applications with supporting documents.
- April – June
Written Test And Interview
Undergraduate applicants sit the entrance test and interview, with exemptions for English-speaking countries.
- By June 20
Application Deadline
Final date for self-funded applicants to complete their application and upload all documents.
- June – July
Admission Results
Schools review applications and successful candidates receive Admission Notices and scholarship decisions.
- July – August
JW202 Issued And Visa Application
GDUFS sends your Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can apply for an X1 student visa.
- Early September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Guangzhou, move into your dormitory, buy insurance, register and complete the medical check.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
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