Postgraduate

Why GIIS

Location and Economic Advantages

Guangdong University of Foreign Studies is located in Guangzhou—China’s renowned historical and cultural metropolis and the economic powerhouse of South China in Guangdong Province. The university spans three campuses: one nestled at the northern foothills of Guangzhou’s nationally celebrated Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, another in the vibrant Higher Education Mega City, and the third at the Dalang Campus.

Located at the forefront of China’s opening up to the world, Guangdong is adjacent to some of today’s most economically dynamic regions including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and ASEAN. Over 200 Fortune Global 500 companies have already established their presence here. As the political, economic, and cultural hub of South China—and recognized as a national central city—Guangzhou stands as one of the most important centers for international business. It proudly hosts the Canton Fair, China’s largest and most prestigious comprehensive international trade exhibition, renowned for its scale, high standards, vast number of buyers, and outstanding trade achievements. In addition, Guangzhou boasts a thriving market and a robust private sector, with privately owned enterprises constituting nearly half of Guangdong’s economy—the highest proportion nationwide.

These remarkable factors not only provide an expansive practical platform for nurturing talents in Global Economic Governance and European Studies but also create tremendous market demand for experts in these fields throughout Guangzhou and the entire Pearl River Delta. With an unparalleled combination of location advantages and timely opportunities, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies is uniquely positioned to train graduate students in Global Economic Governance and European Studies. Choosing our programs means securing the ultimate launchpad for a dynamic and successful professional career.

Disciplines and Specialties Advantages

GDUFS has established a disciplinary structure driven by twin engines of development -- foreign languages and non-foreign language disciplines, fostering the coordinated development of multiple fields. It is a teaching and research-oriented university with eight major disciplines, including literature, economics, management, law, engineering, science, education, and art, among others. In 2010, the university was recognized by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education as the only university in the Province distinguished by its focus on internationalization.

The PhD and Master’s Programs in Global Economic Governance are an interdisciplinary graduate initiative based on the Applied Economics discipline. It offers three focused research tracks: Global Trade and Investment Governance, Global Value Chains and Industrial Governance, as well as Global Economic Governance Innovation with China's Participation. These programs are designed to nurture high-caliber, research- and application-oriented professionals with a global vision. Graduates will not only master foundational theories across economics, management, and international political economy but also attain specialized expertise in fields such as international trade, international investment, international finance, global industrial strategy, and transnational enterprise management.

Launched in 2009 as China’s first Master's Program in European Studies and open for enrollment nationwide, the program leverages the strength of the Foreign Language and Literature discipline through an interdisciplinary approach. It is divided into three research directions: European Politics and Diplomacy, European Economic Studies, and European Social and Cultural Studies. The aim is to cultivate professionals who are not only experts in European-related fields but who also possess a broad, international perspective.

Compensation and Employment Advantages

Graduates of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies consistently boast high employment rates, secure prestigious positions, and demonstrate exceptional language proficiency. According to the 2023 National Graduate Salary Index published by China Salary Network, GDUFS ranks 7th nationwide and holds the top spot in Guangdong Province. Employment rates for programs such as International Business, Economics, and International Trade have remained impressively above 96%. Furthermore, the MYCOS survey report highlights that for many years, not only have our graduates excelled in national employment rankings, but employers have also expressed an outstanding 95% satisfaction rate with their performance. In the 2022 Graduate Employment Quality Report, employer’s satisfaction with GDUFS graduates reached an extraordinary 99.98%, while graduates themselves reported nearly 100% satisfaction with their current job positions.

International Talent Development

The Campus EUROASIA International Talents Development Program is a collaborative initiative between GDUFS and nine prestigious European institutions: Lancaster University (UK), Rennes School of Business (France), University of Naples “L’Orientale” (Italy), University of Porto (Portugal), Sofia University (Bulgaria), Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland), Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland), Charles University (Czech Republic), and the University of Macerata (Italy). The program was officially recognized as an innovative international talent training project by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) in June 2020.

Established on a national-level collaborative innovation platform in partnership with provincial and ministerial research institutions, this program leverages our expertise in global economic governance to develop high-caliber, multidisciplinary professionals. It aims to cultivate high-caliber, multidisciplinary professionals who contribute to international rule-making, serve the Belt and Road Initiative, and participate in global economic governance..

Each year, approximately 12 outstanding graduate students are selected to study abroad or pursue double degree opportunities. To date, over 30 students have completed their oversea education through Campus EUROASIA Program. Notably, in 2021, Ms. Huang Shexiu secured an internship with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), while Ms. Zheng Danni obtained an internship with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Furthermore, 15 students have gained valuable hands-on experience through internships with international organizations and prestigious European research institutions.

Professional Faulty Team

GIIS boasts a highly qualified faculty, including 21 professors and 7 associate professors. Among them, 17 serve as graduate and doctoral supervisors for the Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Global Economic Governance, 12 are supervisors for the Master’s program in European Studies, and 5 in Country and Regional Studies. The faculty includes 8 chief experts for major projects funded by the China’s National Social Science Fund, with over 10 national-level social science projects currently being undertaken. The younger faculty members also lead national-level research initiatives. Additionally, the institute has appointed renowned international scholars as distinguished researchers, such as Professor Colin Mackerras from the Australian Academy of the Humanities and Professor John Kirton from the University of Toronto in Canada.

Internationalized Curriculum and Credit Standards

|Doctoral Program in Global Economic Governance

*Reglonal Economics and the Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area

|Master’s Program in Global Economic Governance

|Master’s Program in European Studies

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Application Procedure

1. Registration: March 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025

2. Online Application: Visit gdufs.17gz.org to register and complete your application. Once registered, please confirm your application with the International Student Admissions Office via telephone or email.

3. Admission Requirements

(1) Non-Chinese nationality, must hold a valid foreign passport, and meet the requirements of the “Jiao Wai Han [2020] No. 12.”

(2) Applicants must be in sound physical and mental condition, meeting the standards defined by the Chinese government for obtaining a study visa or residence permit.

(3) A friendly attitude toward China is essential. Applicants should abide by all Chinese laws, regulations, and the university’s policies, maintain excellent academic performance and conduct, and have no records of disciplinary violations, public security penalties, or criminal offenses.

(4) •Applicants’ educational background and language proficiency must meet the specific requirements of the program.

(5) For scholarship applicants: Those applying for a bachelor’s degree shall be under the age of 30; Those applying for a Master’s degree shall be under the age of 35; Those applying for a PhD degree shall be under the age of 40.

(6) Applicants must also comply with all other pertinent legal and regulatory requirements.

4. Required Documents

Documents required for Postgraduate:

(1) Undergraduate diploma and bachelor degree certificate and academic transcripts, the notarized Chinese or English version must be provided if the originals are in other languages.

(2) Photocopy of new HSK level 5 certificate with score of 180 points or above level for those who applying for Chinese-taught programs.

(3) Must take part in entrance exam including written exam and interview;

(4) Copies of two recommendation letters from your referees. The title of your referees should be associate professor or above.

(5) A study plan about 1500 words, as well as the abstract of the undergraduate graduation thesis.

(6) Photocopy of passport main page and Chinese visa page *(if have), and a 1-inch digital bareheaded colorized photo.

(7) Medical examination report valid within 6 months.

(8) Other necessary materials informed by the University additionally.

Documents required for PhD:

(1) Graduate diploma and postgraduate degree certificate and academic transcripts, the notarized Chinese or English version must be provided if the originals are in other languages.

(2) Language Proficiency: Chinese. Photocopy of new HSK level 5 certificates with score of 180 points or above for those who applying for Chinese-taught programs

(3) Must take part in entrance exam including written exam and interview.

(4) Copies of two recommendation letters from your referees. The title of your referees should be associate professor or above.

(5) A study plan about 1500 words, as well as the abstract of the postgraduate graduation thesis.

(6) Photocopy of passport main page and Chinese visa page *(if any), and a 1-inch digital bareheaded colorized photo.

(7) Medical examination report valid within 6 months.

(8) Other necessary materials informed by the University additionally.

Tuition and Program Duration

Postgraduate:

1.The tuition fee is set at 25,000 RMB per year.

2.The program normally lasts for three years. The first year focuses on immersive on-campus learning, while the subsequent two years are dedicated to industry internships and dissertation.

3.The registration fee for new students is 500 RMB (to be paid for the first enrollment)

PhD:

1.The tuition fee is set at 30,000 RMB per year.

3.The program normally lasts for three years. The first year focuses on immersive on-campus learning, while the subsequent three years are dedicated to industry internships and dissertation.

3.The registration fee for new students is 500 RMB (to be paid for the first enrollment)

Degree Conferral

Candidates who successfully complete all required coursework and practical training, accumulate the necessary credits, and pass their dissertation defense will be awarded professional degrees in accordance with the postgraduate registration and degree conferral regulations of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Depending on the program that an applicant chooses, the following degrees could be conferred:

•Doctoral Degree in Global Economic Governance

• Master's Degree in Global Economic Governance

• Master's Degree in European Studies

Upon degree conferral, graduates will be issued official Master's or Doctoral certificates.

Contacts

Course Consulting: Guangdong Institute for International Strategies

Tel: 0086-20-86253521（Ms. Yang）

Web: en-giis.gdufs.edu.cn

Email: giis2009@gdufs.edu.cn

Office 203, No.5th Academic Building, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, No. 2nd Baiyun Avenue North, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China (North Campus, West Gate), Zip code: 510420

Application Consulting: Admission Office, Institute for International Education

Tel: 0086-20-36207141 / 36207142

Web: iie.gdufs.edu.cn, WeChat Public Account：GDUFSIIE

Email: studyiniie@gdufs.edu.cn

Application Platform: gdufs.17gz.org

Office 102, No.7th Academic Building, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, No. 2nd Baiyun Avenue North, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China (North Campus, North Gate), Zip code: 510420

If there are any new adjustments or regulations to the 2025 admissions policy from higher authorities, the updated policies will apply.