Incoming

We welcome international students to spend a semester at Lingnan College.

NOMINATION DEADLINES

·April 15 for exchange in the fall semester

·October 7 for exchange in the spring semester

APPLICATION

To apply for exchange at Lingnan College, you must be:

·A full-time undergraduate or graduate student at one of our partner schools

·Nominated for exchange by your home university by the relevant deadlines

Once nomination is confirmed, we will send detailed instructions for online application to incoming students by email. 

VISA

The Office of International Students' Affairs at Sun Yat-sen University will issue acceptance packages (Admission letter and JW202 form) to students to apply for a study visa to China. Students should check with the China Embassy or Consulate in their countries for the latest visa information and prepare the visa application documents accordingly.

X2 visa will be granted to students who study in China for no more than 6 months, while X1 visa will be granted to those who study in China for more than 6 months. 

INSURANCE

Incoming students should be covered by medical insurance during the entire exchange period, according to the regulations of China and the requirements of Sun Yat-sen University. 

International students are required to purchase insurance plans on the website of the International Student Insurance (http://www.lxbx.net) after registration. The basic plan is 400 RMB per semester or 800 RMB per year. 

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

At Sun Yat-sen University, there are 19 weeks each semester. Courses will be offered from week 1 to week 17, week 18 to 19 are the examination weeks.

·Spring semester: Late February/Early March—July

·Fall semester: Late August/Early September—January

COURSES

Lingnan College offers a wide range of English-taught courses in economics and finance for exchange students. Course information will be available to students one month before the start of the semester. Exchange students should confirm their course choices within the first week of the semester. 

Grades are given on a 100-mark system with 60 the minimum passing grade. One Chinese credit is equal to approximately 2 ECTS credits. 

An e-copy of the official transcript will be sent directly to the relevant office at the student's home university, about 3 months after the completion of the exchange.

ACCOMMODATION

Generally, incoming students will be assigned a dormitory room by the university. 

Students can also choose to look for an off-campus apartment through real estate agencies near the North Gate of the university, which is about 10 minutes' walk to Lingnan's classroom buildings. The rent is approximately 2,500 RMB/month/person (electricity and water excluded, which should be paid according to monthly actual consumption).

Since school dormitory is limited, students should inform us in advance if they prefer to live off campus. 

TO DO ON ARRIVAL

1. Registration at Lingnan College

2. Check in at the dormitory or off-campus housing

3. Registration at local police station

International students must go to the local police station within 24 hours after entering China and obtain a Registration Form of Temporary Residence for Visitors. Materials needed include Passport (original, photocopy of passport information page, visa page and entry stamp page), a color photo (35 mm (width) x 49mm (height) in size), and Accommodation Proof.

4. Purchase the required medical insurance

5. Activate your NetID and join SYSU WeCom

Each student will be assigned a unique NetID, which can help access all of the university systems, while joining SYSU WeCom can facilitate internal communication with other students, faculty members and staffs. Detailed instructions will be sent to students by email.

USEFUL LINKS

1. Weather Forecast in China: http://www.weather.com.cn/english/

2. Trip.com (for flights and hotel bookings): https://www.trip.com/

3. Mobile payment has become a key part of daily life in China. Before arrival, please follow this guide to learn about payment services in China and download the essential apps such as Alipay and WeChat: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/pdf/2025/20250520english.pdf

STUDENT SUPPORT

The Global Engagement Office is here to answer any questions concerning your exchange at Lingnan. 

Contact: lnipo@mail.sysu.edu.cn

Meanwhile, volunteer local students are selected each semester to pair with exchange students to help them get acquainted with the new environment, and to provide assistance in accommodation, transportation, campus life, cultural exploration, etc.