Central South University
Tuition Fee
¥ 28,000 CNY
Duration
3 Years
Language
English
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The CSCA exam is now MANDATORY for ALL international students applying for Chinese Government Scholarships. No exceptions! Get prepared with our comprehensive guide covering subjects, scoring, and proven strategies.
Tests held in March & September each year
Start preparing at least 3 months before
Degree Level
Master
Minimum GPA
2.5
Language Score
This program equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in big data analytics, machine learning, and data mining techniques. Graduates will be prepared for high-demand roles in data-driven industries globally.
Applicants must submit notarized Chinese or English copies of degree certificates obtained from the undergraduate level onwards. Doctoral applicants are required to submit both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates. Applicants who are expected to graduate in June must provide a pre-graduation certificate issued by their current institution. All certificates must be officially issued and legally notarized.
Notarized Chinese or English transcripts of the Bachelor’s degree, and Master’s degree (if applicable) are required. The transcripts must: Be officially issued and sealed by the Academic Affairs Office, Graduate School, or Student Management Department of the attending university Clearly show all courses taken, grades received, and academic performance
Applicants must submit a valid English language proficiency certificate meeting at least one of the following minimum requirements: IELTS: 6.0 or above TOEFL: 85 or above The certificate must be issued by an officially recognized testing authority and be valid at the time of application.
Application Form
Applicants must complete and submit the official application form accurately and truthfully. All personal, academic, and contact information provided must be consistent with the supporting documents uploaded.
Acceptance Letter and Supporting Materials
Applicants may submit an Acceptance Letter for International Students, published academic essays, or other relevant supporting materials that demonstrate academic strength and research ability.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Self-Introduction Video
Applicants must submit: A CV outlining their academic background, research experience, and relevant achievements A self-introduction video with the following requirements: Maximum duration: 1 minute Format: MP4 File size: less than 40MB Applicants holding HSK certificates must introduce themselves in Chinese The video should clearly present the applicant’s academic motivation and communication skills.
Applicants must provide proof of sufficient financial capability to support their study and living expenses during the study period. Acceptable documents may include bank statements or other officially recognized financial proof.
Supporting materials such as a professor’s acceptance letter and published academic essays are not mandatory, but they may significantly increase the probability of admission.
Applicants should be between 18-35 years old
Applicants are required to submit a self-introduction video in which they briefly introduce themselves, describe their academic background, study or research interests, reasons for applying, and future academic goals. The video should be clear, well-organized, and recorded in a quiet environment with good audio and video quality. It should be presented in English or Chinese in accordance with the language requirements of the applied program and will be used as part of the overall evaluation of the applicant’s suitability and motivation for the program.
An interview may be required depending on the supervisor’s decision.
Central South University offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options for international students across different dormitory buildings. Accommodation types include single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms, and apartments, with prices varying depending on the building and room type.
Price Range
290-1330 CNY/month
Single rooms provide private living space for students who prefer individual accommodation. Available dormitories and fees: Xiangya 8 & 9 Buildings: RMB 6,000/year ≈ RMB 600/month (10 months) | RMB 500/month (12 months) Shenhua Dormitory: RMB 8,000/year ≈ RMB 800/month (10 months) | RMB 670/month (12 months) Tiedao Dormitory 1: RMB 8,000/year ≈ RMB 800/month (10 months) | RMB 670/month (12 months) Tiedao Dormitory 3: RMB 8,000/year ≈ RMB 800/month (10 months) | RMB 670/month (12 months) Tiedao Dormitory (Other Buildings): RMB 8,000/year ≈ RMB 800/month (10 months) | RMB 670/month (12 months)
Room Features:
Double rooms are shared by two students and offer a cost-effective on-campus living option. Available dormitories and fees: Shenhua Dormitory: RMB 5,000/year ≈ RMB 500/month (10 months) | RMB 420/month (12 months) Tiedao Dormitory 1: RMB 5,000/year ≈ RMB 500/month (10 months) | RMB 420/month (12 months) Tiedao Dormitory 2: RMB 4,000/year ≈ RMB 400/month (10 months) | RMB 330/month (12 months) Tiedao Dormitory 3: RMB 5,000/year ≈ RMB 500/month (10 months) | RMB 420/month (12 months) Tiedao Dormitory (Other Buildings): RMB 3,500/year ≈ RMB 350/month (10 months) | RMB 290/month (12 months)
Room Features:
Triple rooms are shared by three students and are a more economical option for on-campus living. Available dormitories and fees: Tiedao Dormitory 3: RMB 4,500/year ≈ RMB 450/month (10 months) | RMB 375/month (12 months)
Room Features:
Apartment Accommodation Apartments offer more independent and comfortable living space and are suitable for students seeking higher privacy. Available dormitories and fees: Xiangya 8 & 9 Buildings: RMB 5,000–7,000/year ≈ RMB 500–700/month (10 months) | RMB 420–580/month (12 months) Shenhua Dormitory: RMB 9,000/year ≈ RMB 900/month (10 months) | RMB 750/month (12 months) Tiedao Dormitory 1: RMB 16,000/year ≈ RMB 1,600/month (10 months) | RMB 1,330/month (12 months)
Room Features:
** Additional costs may include accommodation, visa, and living expenses
Internationally recognized degree
Experienced faculty members
Modern facilities & resources
Career development support
Supervisor Acceptance Letter
An official acceptance or preliminary supervision letter issued by a potential academic supervisor. It is strongly recommended to obtain this letter.
Passport (Valid for at Least 12 Months)
A clear copy of a valid passport is required. The passport must remain valid for at least 12 months from the date of application to ensure eligibility for enrollment, visa issuance, and residence permit procedures.
Foreigner Physical Examination Form
A completed Foreigner Physical Examination Form issued by an authorized medical institution. Please note that the form will be considered invalid if it is incomplete or missing: The attending physician’s signature The hospital’s official stamp The applicant’s photo or official seal The physical examination results are valid for six (6) months from the date of issue.
Statement of Not Receiving Other Scholarships or Funding
Applicants must submit a signed statement confirming that they are not receiving any other scholarships or forms of financial support during the same study period.
Exam
University entrance examination newly implemented in China for international students.
Recommendation Letters
Applicants must submit two different letters of recommendation written by professors or associate professors. Each letter must: Include the recommender’s full contact details Be signed by the recommender Have a signature date later than October 1, 2025 The letters should evaluate the applicant’s academic ability, research potential, and suitability for advanced study.
Photo
A recent passport-sized photo, preferably with a white or plain background.
Study Plan
A detailed study plan of no less than 1,000 words, clearly explaining the applicant’s: Research background Research methods Proposed research content Academic significance and objectives This document plays a key role in evaluating the applicant’s academic preparedness and research potential.
X1 Visa / Residence Permit (For Applicants Currently in China Only)
Applicants who are currently residing in China must submit a copy of their valid X1 visa or Residence Permit as proof of legal stay status.
Non-Criminal Record Certificate
An official Non-Criminal Record Certificate issued by the local police authority, confirming that the applicant has no criminal history. This document is mandatory for admission and residence procedures.
Renting accommodation outside the dormitory is not allowed.