Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS): Admission for International Students and Tuition

Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) in Guangzhou accepts international students to bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs taught in Chinese and in English. According to the university's Institute for International Education, applications are submitted online and the fee is 500 RMB. Below we cover programs, tuition, HSK and CSCA, documents and the dates of the two admission rounds.

What is Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and who is it for

GDUFS is in Guangzhou, in Guangdong province. International education is run by a separate body, the Institute for International Education (IIE). According to the university, it offers 57 bachelor's programs: international economics and trade, international business, finance, marketing, accounting, management, computer science, journalism, law, diplomacy and international politics, and dozens of languages, from English and Japanese to Thai and Hindi.

It suits applicants interested in languages, trade and international business in southern China. If you are still choosing a city, read our overview of the best cities in China for international students, and compare universities in our guide to the top universities in China.

Programs open to international students

The bachelor's takes four years. Here is what the institute offers.

Chinese-taught bachelor's

The notice for the autumn 2026 intake names three formats: Chinese-taught programs for both Chinese and international students (the university publishes the list of majors), special Chinese B.A. programs for international students, and English-taught programs. For the Chinese language programs the university names two options: Chinese Language (Business Chinese) and Chinese Language (Culture and Communication); the conditions are described on the program page. Beginners start in the first year, while students with HSK 4 can go directly into the second year and those with HSK 5 into the third.

English-taught bachelor's

The university offers International Business in English; the page with conditions is in the section on English-taught programs. It requires a high school certificate and TOEFL 70 or IELTS 5.5 for applicants from non-English-speaking countries, and without a certificate you must pass the institute's exam.

Master's and doctoral programs

The master's takes mostly three years (academic) or 2–3 years (professional), and the doctorate takes four. The master's majors are listed on the postgraduate programs page: world and regional economics, international trade, accounting, management, law, international relations, linguistics, translation and languages. There are also professional programs: the Master of International Business (MIB), the Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages, the Master of Translation and an English-taught MBA.

How much it costs

The institute publishes a single tuition table for international students:

Source: GDUFS notice for spring 2027, appendix 1

The application fee is 500 RMB, charged once for new students. In the table the university states that the fee is non-refundable, and that 80% of tuition can be refunded if you apply for a justified reason before the semester starts and the institute approves it. For a full budget, see our breakdown of the cost of studying and living in China.

Language requirements

Chinese-taught bachelor's programs require an HSK 5 certificate with at least 180 points, plus an entrance examination: a written test and an interview, or an interview only. For the special Chinese language programs no HSK is required for the first year, but you need a foundation at about HSK 3; for the second year you need HSK 4 with at least 180, and for the third year of Business Chinese, HSK 5 with at least 180. English-taught programs require TOEFL 70 or IELTS 5.5; without a certificate you must pass the institute's exam, and native English speakers are exempt from the written part but still take an interview. HSK is not mandatory for English-taught programs, but you must pass HSK 4 before graduation.

For Chinese-taught master's programs you need HSK 5 with at least 180, and for self-funded applicants to the programs in teaching Chinese and in translation, at least 210. For the MBA no Chinese certificate is needed: GMAT, GRE, TOEFL or IELTS and work experience are enough, and HSK 4 must be passed before graduation.

Is CSCA required

Bachelor's applicants need a CSCA result. According to the university's table, mathematics is compulsory for everyone: Chinese-taught programs (including languages, trade, management, law and journalism) require mathematics and professional Chinese for humanities, computer science and applied psychology require mathematics, professional Chinese for science and physics or chemistry, and International Business in English requires only mathematics. For the Chinese language major, a valid HSK 4 report with at least 180 exempts you from the Chinese test. Results must be submitted by early January for the spring intake and by late June for the autumn intake. For details the university refers applicants to the official exam website. According to the university's notice, from 2026 the exam is held five times a year: in January, March, April, June and December, and the first session took place on December 21, 2025. We explain how the exam works in our CSCA guide.

When to apply

Applications are accepted through the institute's online system, and after submitting you must confirm the application by phone or email. Dates:

Source: GDUFS autumn 2026, GDUFS spring 2027

For the spring 2027 intake the university plans to release results gradually from mid-to-late January 2027; the final decision arrives by email, and the status shown in the system reflects only the university's preliminary opinion. The university publishes the autumn 2027 calendar later, so use the 2026 dates as a guide for now.

Documents you need

For a bachelor's the university lists this package:

1. A high school certificate and transcript; documents not in Chinese or English need a notarized translation.

2. A CSCA result.

3. An HSK 5 certificate with at least 180 (Chinese-taught programs) or TOEFL/IELTS (English-taught programs).

4. A copy of the passport page and the Chinese visa page (if any), and a one-inch color digital photo.

5. A valid medical examination report.

6. Additional materials requested by the university: a recommendation letter, a non-criminal record certificate and others.

The non-criminal record certificate must be issued within the last six months, with a Chinese translation and notarization or an apostille, and the original must be sent to the university. If you are under 18 on September 1, 2026, you need a notarized birth certificate and a guarantee from a guardian who is an adult living in mainland China. For applicants of Chinese origin the university lists separate documents: proof of nationality held for at least four years and entry and exit records for the past four years. Age limits: under 30 for the bachelor's, under 35 for the master's and under 40 for the doctorate.

Whom to contact

For admission questions write to the Institute for International Education: Office 102, Mingede No. 7 Academic Building, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, No. 2 North Baiyun Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510420. The telephone numbers are +86-20-36207141 and 36207142, the email is studyiniie@gdufs.edu.cn, and the WeChat account is GDUFSIIE. You must confirm a submitted application by phone or email, so save these contacts.

Scholarships

In its scholarship section the institute names the Chinese government scholarships, the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, the Guangdong Province Government scholarship and GDUFS scholarships. According to the notice on 2026 scholarships, the university gives an "Excellent New Degree Student Scholarship": full exemption from first-year tuition or 50%. It is given to those who hold no other scholarship. You send the application with two recommendation letters to the email address in the notice by July 5, 2026, and the university announces results before the end of August. A separate scholarship exists for continuing students with excellent results: an average score of at least 90, no subject below 80 and attendance of at least 90%. For a broader overview, see our guide to scholarships in China.

Frequently asked questions

Does GDUFS accept international students without Chinese?

Yes. The university has International Business in English and an English-taught MBA. A bachelor's requires TOEFL 70 or IELTS 5.5, or the institute's exam. HSK 4 must be passed before graduation.

Which HSK level do I need for a Chinese-taught bachelor's?

HSK 5 with at least 180. For the special Chinese language programs no HSK is required for the first year, but you need a foundation at about HSK 3.

How much is the application fee?

The fee is 500 RMB, charged once at enrollment and non-refundable.

Which CSCA subjects do I need for a bachelor's?

Mathematics is compulsory for everyone. Chinese-taught programs add professional Chinese (humanities or science), and computer science and applied psychology also add physics or chemistry. International Business in English requires only mathematics.

How much does it cost to study?

A Chinese-taught bachelor's costs 20,000 RMB per year and an English-taught one 33,800 RMB. A master's costs from 25,000 RMB per year and a doctorate 30,000 RMB.

Is there an age limit?

The university states under 30 for a bachelor's, under 35 for a master's and under 40 for a doctorate, "in principle."

When are applications for spring 2027 accepted?

From September 30 to December 10, 2026. The university plans to release results gradually from mid-to-late January 2027.

Action plan

1. Choose the level, the language of the program and the format: special Chinese program or regular program.

2. Check the HSK or English requirement and the CSCA subjects.

3. Take CSCA and prepare your language certificate.

4. Collect your documents: color scans, the medical report, the non-criminal record and, if needed, a guardian's guarantee.

5. Submit the application in the online system in the right round and pay the 500 RMB fee.

6. Take the entrance exam or interview and wait for the decision by email.

Information verified on October 19, 2026. Requirements, costs and deadlines depend on the university and may change — always check the official university website before applying.

Useful articles about studying in China

1. Studying in Guangzhou for International Students in 2027: Universities, Cost of Living and Admission
2. Bachelor’s Degree in China After High School: Requirements, CSCA, Costs and 2027 Admission
3. Master’s Degree in China for International Students: Programmes, Requirements, Costs and Admission
4. China Student Visa: X1 and X2 Visas — Documents, Process and Residence Permit