Sichuan University (四川大学, Sìchuān Dàxué), often called SCU, is the largest and most storied comprehensive university in southwest China. Founded in 1896 as the Sichuan Chinese and Western School, it grew through mergers into a national flagship, part of the former Project 985 and Project 211 plans and a current national "Double First-Class" university. With more than 60,000 students on three sprawling campuses, it is also one of the most open universities in the region, welcoming thousands of international students every year for degrees, Chinese language study and short-term exchanges.
What SCU is known for
SCU's reputation rests on several pillars. Its West China Medical Center (华西医学中心) grew out of the old West China Union University, and its affiliated West China Hospital is consistently ranked among the very best hospitals in China, drawing patients from across the country. Beyond medicine, SCU is strong in law, literature and history, chemistry, materials science, economics and management, and it runs one of the largest Chinese-language programs in the west of the country. Foreign students can choose between degree programs in English, graduate courses, or a pure Mandarin-intensive year.
The three campuses
- Wangjiang Campus (望江校区) in Wuhou District, the historic heart of the university, tree-lined and walkable, close to the city center.
- Huaxi Campus (华西校区), the medical and dental precinct next to West China Hospital, south of the Wangjiang area.
- Jiang'an Campus (江安校区) in Shuangliu District to the south, a modern, spacious campus where most first- and second-year undergraduates live and study.
The campuses are connected by university shuttle buses; Wangjiang to Jiang'an is roughly 40 minutes. Because the campuses are spread out, confirm exactly which campus your department or course uses before you book a hotel.
Practical Information
- Address: Wangjiang Campus, Wangjiang Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu; Huaxi near Renmin South Road; Jiang'an in Shuangliu District.
- Transport: Wangjiang is a short walk from Metro Line 1 / Line 8 Sichuan University station (四川大学); Jiang'an is reached by Metro Line 7 plus a campus bus, or by taxi from the airport (~30 minutes).
- Visiting: the campuses are open to walk in; bring your passport as ID. The Wangjiang historic buildings and the old Huaxi quadrangle are the most photogenic. Cafeterias sell visitor meals with a temporary card.
- Application: degree and language-program applications go through the International Students Office; deadlines fall roughly in spring for September entry and autumn for spring entry. Tuition varies widely by program; expect roughly RMB 25,000–40,000 per academic year for Chinese-taught degrees and more for English-taught medical or business programs. Fees are indicative and change yearly.
- Scholarships: the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), the Sichuan Provincial Government Scholarship and SCU's own scholarships are open to international applicants; apply well in advance.
Tips for foreign guests
- Bring your passport for campus access and for borrowing at the university library; campus internet often requires registration at the IT center.
- The campus language program runs from beginner to advanced; placement tests decide your level, and HSK preparation is built into advanced classes.
- Wangjiang campus sits beside the Jinjiang River and a lively student neighborhood with cheap Sichuan food, bookshops and teahouses; it is one of the nicest university areas to wander.
- Useful Chinese: 四川大学 (Sìchuān Dàxué = Sichuan University); 国际学生办公室 (guójì xuéshēng bàngōngshì = International Students Office); 留学生宿舍 (liúxuéshēng sùshè = international student dormitory).
Sichuan University is the natural first stop for anyone who wants to understand higher education in southwest China: historic, large, affordable and genuinely friendly to foreign visitors. Walk Wangjiang in the morning, eat on the student strip in the evening, and the scale of the place will make sense.
