Central South University
中南大学 · CSU
Changsha, Hunan · QS #452
QS Rank
#452
City
Changsha
Founded
2000
Students
56,000+
Intl Students
2,000+
CSC Eligible
Yes — Type A & B
Tuition
$2,000–4,500/yr
Living Cost
$200–400/mo
Language
HSK 4+ (Chinese-taught) / IELTS 5.5+ (English-taught)
Deadline
April 30 (CSC) / June 30 (self-funded)
About Central South University
Central South University was formed in 2000 from the merger of three prestigious institutions, including the legendary Xiangya Medical School (established 1914 with Yale-China cooperation). CSU is China's undisputed leader in metallurgy, mining engineering, and has one of the top medical schools. Located in Changsha, the capital of Hunan — known for its fiery cuisine, revolutionary history, and increasingly modern tech scene — CSU offers exceptional value for money. The city has been dubbed 'China's entertainment capital' with a famous nightlife and media industry.
Motto: "Seeking Truth, Reaching New Heights"
Programs Offered
Key Strengths
- Xiangya Medical School — one of China's oldest (1914)
- #1 in Metallurgy & Mining in China
- Extremely affordable city
- China's entertainment capital
- Strong industry connections
Admission Tips
CSU is highly accessible with generous CSC quotas. The medical programs are excellent and significantly easier to get into than SJTU or PKU medicine. Engineering programs are strong. Changsha's low cost makes it ideal for budget-conscious students. GPA: 2.5+/4.0.
Campus Life
Changsha is an exciting city — incredible Hunan cuisine (prepare for spice!), vibrant night markets, and a booming entertainment industry. Orange Island in the Xiang River is a popular student hangout. The city has a modern metro system. Budget: ¥1,500–2,500/month — one of the cheapest 985 cities in China.
Why Choose Central South University?
Historic Xiangya Medical School
Cheapest 985 city in China
Top metallurgy and mining
Incredible Hunan food culture
Growing entertainment and tech hub
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