Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 4 November 2026
Soochow University English requirement
From the 2026-2027 undergraduate application notice and graduate application notice, both on the International Office site. Neither gives band minimums.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's, English-taught majors | 6.0 | TOEFL 80 |
| Master's and doctoral, English-taught majors | 6.0 | TOEFL 80 |
| Chinese-taught undergraduate majors | Not needed | HSK 4 scoring 180 or above |
| Chinese-taught graduate majors | Not needed | HSK 5 scoring 180 or above |
Other routes and which majors are in English
The notices list the English options as TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.0, native English speaker, English as the medium of instruction for a master's programme, or other valid evidence of equivalent proficiency recognised by Soochow University. The scores are described as valid on and after 15 June 2026.
Almost all undergraduate majors in the notice are taught in Chinese. English-taught ones include Clinical Medicine (MBBS, six years, for international students) and Pharmaceutical Science in the College of Pharmaceutical Science, with Musical Performance open in Chinese or English. English-taught master's and doctoral majors are in two annexes (Excel files) attached to the graduate notice.
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Fees, batches and how to check
The undergraduate notice lists tuition of RMB 16,250 per semester for English-medium Medicine and an application fee of RMB 650. It sets three application batches, with deadlines of 30 March, 15 May and 15 June 2026. Those dates are for the 2026 cycle, so look for the next notice before planning.
The undergraduate notice also states that students on English-taught majors should reach at least HSK Level 4 by graduation.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Soochow University programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Soochow University publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score does Soochow University need?+
IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 for English-taught majors, at bachelor's and graduate level, per its 2026-2027 notices.
Does Soochow University state IELTS band minimums?+
No. The notices give only an overall 6.0 for IELTS. Ask the International Office whether a sub-score minimum applies.
Can I skip IELTS at Soochow University?+
The notices list native English speakers and applicants who studied a master's in English as meeting the requirement.
Which Soochow undergraduate degrees are in English?+
The notice lists Clinical Medicine (MBBS) and Pharmaceutical Science as English-taught, and Musical Performance as Chinese or English.
Is Chinese needed for English-taught majors at Soochow?+
Not to apply, but the undergraduate notice says English-taught students should reach HSK Level 4 by graduation.
Keep reading
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Guide updated on 4 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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