Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026
SYSU TOEFL iBT minimums
From SYSU's 2026 enrollment guidelines for international master's and doctoral students.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English-taught master's programmes | 79, no less than 15 in each section | Programme guidelines may add more |
| English-taught doctoral programmes | 79, no less than 15 in each section | Programme guidelines may add more |
Test rules at SYSU
Both guidelines say the specific English requirements are subject to the application guidelines for each English-taught programme. They give no validity period, MyBest or Home Edition rules, or institution code.
TOEFL iBT score reports issued since January 2026 also carry a 1 to 6 band score alongside the 0 to 120 total; see our guide to the new TOEFL score scale. The page above gives only 0 to 120 figures, so that is what this guide reports.
On the same pages, the IELTS Academic alternative is 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in each component.
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If your TOEFL score falls short
If you took courses taught in English, you can submit a Certificate of English-Medium Instruction from your school; after SYSU verifies it, the English test may be waived. Neither guideline describes conditional entry for a lower score.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SYSU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Sun Yat-sen University need?+
TOEFL iBT 79 with no less than 15 in each section for English-taught master's and doctoral programmes.
What IELTS score does SYSU accept?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each component.
Can I skip TOEFL at SYSU?+
Possibly. A Certificate of English-Medium Instruction may waive the test once SYSU verifies it.
Do some SYSU programmes ask for more?+
The guidelines say requirements are subject to each English-taught programme's own application guidelines.
Keep reading
Related
- Sun Yat-sen University IELTS requirement
- Wuhan University TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL fee in China
- The new TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale (2026)
- All 5495 guides
Guide updated on 2 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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