Double First-Class Crop Science
Study in a nationally designated discipline backed by expertise in breeding, genetics and sustainable crop production.
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
South China Agricultural University
Tropical agriculture, life science and food innovation in the heart of Guangzhou
South China Agricultural University (SCAU) traces its history to the Guangdong Agricultural Experimental Station and Training Center founded in 1909. Now a national Double First-Class university, SCAU combines agriculture and life sciences with engineering, computing, economics and management. Its 550-hectare Guangzhou campus supports more than 50,000 students and provides an unusually rich setting for crop science, tropical and subtropical agriculture, veterinary medicine, food science and smart farming. For international students, SCAU offers comparatively accessible tuition, a dedicated international college, scholarship routes and direct exposure to the agricultural technology and food industries of the Greater Bay Area.
Double First-Class
- Location
- Guangzhou, China
- Founded
- 1909
- International Students
- 110+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 15,000 - 30,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 30
Why Choose
Why Choose South China Agricultural University
Key reasons international students choose South China Agricultural University for their studies in China.
Subtropical Research Environment
Guangzhou provides a living laboratory for tropical crops, biodiversity, plant protection and climate-resilient agriculture.
Veterinary Science Depth
Specialist animal health facilities connect veterinary medicine with livestock production, disease control and One Health research.
Smart Agriculture Ecosystem
Engineering, computing and agricultural science converge in sensing, automation, robotics and data-driven farm management.
Food Science Strength
Learn across food processing, quality, safety and nutrition within one of SCAU’s internationally recognized research areas.
Greater Bay Area Access
Guangzhou connects students to major food, biotechnology, animal health and agricultural technology employers across southern China.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#103
National Designations
Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at South China Agricultural University.
Agronomy
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 15,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Guangdong Government Scholarship eligible
Veterinary Medicine
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 5 years
Tuition: CNY 15,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Guangdong Government Scholarship eligible
Food Science & Engineering
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 15,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Guangdong Government Scholarship eligible
Agricultural Mechanization & Automation
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 15,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Guangdong Government Scholarship eligible
Resource Utilization & Plant Protection
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Chinese Government Scholarship eligible
Crop Science
DoctorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 28,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Chinese Government Scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to South China Agricultural University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsA high school diploma for bachelor’s entry, a bachelor’s degree for master’s entry or a master’s degree for doctoral entry, with a strong academic record.
- Language RequirementsChinese-taught programs require HSK Level 4 or above. English-taught programs require TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent evidence of English proficiency.
- Undergraduate AssessmentBachelor’s applicants must submit CSCA results. Science and engineering applicants take Science Chinese and Mathematics; humanities and business applicants take Chinese and Mathematics.
- Required DocumentsApplication form, valid passport, diploma and transcripts, language certificate, personal statement, passport photo and CSCA transcript for bachelor’s applicants; graduate applicants also provide recommendation letters.
- Application DeadlineDegree-program applications for the September intake close on June 30.
- Application FeeCNY 500, non-refundable.
- Health & ConductApplicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health, with good conduct and no criminal record.
- Visa DocumentsAfter final admission, SCAU provides the Admission Notice and Visa Application for Study in China needed for an X1 student visa.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 15,000 - 30,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 700 / monthOn-campus international apartment, double room
- Application Fee
- CNY 500 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearRequired for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 1,500 – 3,000 / monthMeals, transport and personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 45,000 – 80,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Application fee, tuition, on-campus accommodation, comprehensive insurance and a monthly stipend of CNY 3,000 for master’s or CNY 3,500 for doctoral students.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for full-time master’s and doctoral programs; age and academic conditions follow the annual CSC notice.
Deadline: See annual CSC and SCAU notice
Guangdong Government Scholarship
Coverage: One-off award of CNY 10,000 for bachelor’s, CNY 20,000 for master’s or CNY 30,000 for doctoral students.
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants or students in Guangdong who meet the degree, age, health and academic requirements.
Deadline: Confirm with SCAU International Admissions
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at South China Agricultural University.
Expansive Green Campus
The 550-hectare campus combines lakes, woodland and teaching farms in Guangzhou’s established Wushan university district.
International Student Apartments
Double rooms include furniture, air conditioning, internet, bathroom and shower, with shared kitchens and study rooms.
Specialist Library Resources
Seventeen reading rooms and extensive digital collections emphasize tropical agriculture, life science and related disciplines.
Six Campus Canteens
Six dining halls and nearby restaurants provide practical, affordable choices across the large Wushan campus.
Large Sports Facilities
Playing fields and one of Guangdong universities’ largest comprehensive gymnasiums support recreation and student competitions.
Central Guangzhou Connections
The Tianhe District location offers convenient access to transit, technology districts and Greater Bay Area opportunities.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of South China Agricultural University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at South China Agricultural University.
Crop Science
SCAU’s Double First-Class discipline advances crop genetics, breeding, cultivation and resilient food production systems.
Subtropical Agro-Bioresources
National-level research investigates the conservation and productive use of distinctive southern Chinese agricultural biodiversity.
Animal Health & One Health
Veterinary teams study animal disease prevention, livestock health, zoonoses and safer animal production systems.
Smart Agriculture
Researchers combine sensors, artificial intelligence, agricultural machinery and automation for more precise farm management.
Food Science & Safety
Research spans food processing, preservation, quality control, nutrition and the safety of agricultural supply chains.
International Agricultural Partnerships
Joint centers and university partnerships connect SCAU research with agricultural challenges across Asia and beyond.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from South China Agricultural University can take you after graduation.
Crop & Seed Industries
Graduates enter breeding, seed technology, crop production and agricultural services in China and overseas.
Animal Health Careers
Veterinary and animal science training supports work in clinics, laboratories, livestock companies and public health agencies.
Food Industry Roles
Food science graduates pursue product development, quality assurance, safety testing, processing and supply-chain management.
Agri-Tech Opportunities
Smart agriculture skills transfer to agricultural robotics, sensing, data systems, machinery and precision-farming companies.
Greater Bay Area Employers
Guangzhou provides access to a major regional market for biotechnology, food, logistics and environmental services.
Research & Doctoral Pathways
Strong laboratories and specialist supervisors prepare graduates for doctoral study and agricultural research institutes.
Student Support
International Student Support
How South China Agricultural University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
The College of International Education helps admitted students arrange places in the international student apartments.
Residence Permit Support
Staff guide new students through registration, insurance and the post-arrival residence permit process.
Arrival Orientation
New-student guidance introduces academic procedures, campus services, safety and daily life in Guangzhou.
Academic Coordination
International education staff connect students with their school, program administrators and graduate supervisors.
Chinese Language Courses
Beginner, intermediate and advanced Chinese courses include listening, speaking, reading, writing and HSK preparation.
Insurance & Health Guidance
Students receive guidance on mandatory medical insurance, health requirements and access to local medical care.
Campus Safety Support
The international college and campus security provide contacts and procedures for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
International admissions staff support study-visa documents and explain renewal and residence procedures.
International Community
Students from 65 countries build connections through campus activities, cultural exchange and academic events.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to South China Agricultural University.
- October – December
Review Programs & Eligibility
Confirm the current program catalogue, teaching language and scholarship route with SCAU International Admissions.
- December – March
Prepare Application Documents
Arrange diplomas, transcripts, passport, language results, personal statement and graduate recommendation letters.
- February – May
Complete The CSCA
Bachelor’s applicants take the required CSCA subjects and obtain the transcript for their application.
- By June 30
Submit Degree Application
Complete the online application, upload all required documents and pay the non-refundable application fee.
- July – August
Admission Review
SCAU reviews eligible applications and successful candidates receive pre-admission followed by formal admission documents.
- After Formal Admission
Receive Visa Documents
Use the Admission Notice and Visa Application for Study in China to begin the X1 visa process.
- July – August
Arrange Visa & Housing
Apply for the X1 visa, confirm accommodation, purchase travel and prepare for arrival in Guangzhou.
- September
Arrive & Register
Report by the date on the Admission Notice, complete registration and begin orientation and classes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about South China Agricultural University.
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