Situated in Guangzhou, “City of Flowers”, South China Agricultural University (SCAU) is a high-level university listed in "Double-First Class University Program" of China. SCAU covers a total campus area of 550.7 hectares, of which constructed area is over 1.40 million square meters. With beautiful scenery and pleasant environment, the university is selected as one of the ten most beautiful campuses in China.

The history of SCAU can be traced back to its predecessors – Guangdong Agricultural Experimental Station and Training Center founded in 1909. In 1952, South China Agricultural College was founded through the merger of the Agricultural College of National Sun Yat-Sen University,  the Agricultural College of Lingnan University , and Veterinary Medicine Department & Pest Pathology Department of Guangxi University.  South China Agricultural College is directly affiliated to the the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). Chairman Mao Zedong autographed the original college name. In 1984, South China Agricultural College was renamed South China Agricultural University and was transferred to the administration of Guangdong Province in 2000. The Chairman of the SCAU Committee is Prof. LI Fengliang. SCAU's president is Prof. Xue Hongwei. 

The university has formed valuable tradition and shaped distinguished features as reflected by the university motto Integrity, Erudition, Practicality, Innovation. We provide high quality knowledge, education and research, and were evaluated “excellent”for undergraduate education by Ministry of Education.

A multi-layer educational system of graduate, undergraduate and continuing education has been established at SCAU. We offer 98 undergraduate programs, 139 master programs, 62 doctoral programs. We have 6 national key disciplines (1 under construction) and 35 key disciplines at the ministerial and provincial level, including:

- 1 National First-class discipline

- 5 key national disciplines

- 5 Key disciplines of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

- 13 Guangdong provincial primary key disciplines

- 4 Guangdong provincial secondary key disciplines

- 2 Key disciplines of National Forestry and Grassland Administration（Level-1）

- 1 Key disciplines of National Forestry and Grassland Administration（Level-2）

- 2 ESI Top 1‰ disciplines

- 13 ESI Top 1% disciplines

SCAU has 3380 employees, amongst 2360 are full-time teachers. We have one of China’s best-equipped and highly professional teaching and research staff, including 2 Academicians of Chinese Academy of Engineering and 1 Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Many of our teachers are awarded prominent titles at the national, ministerial and provincial levels. There are 25 colleges (departments). Full-time students total 50,000+, comprising more than 38,000 undergraduates and 13,000 graduates. 

Here are our position in major international Rankings:

- Ranked No.401-500 in ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024

-Agriculture & Forestry ranked No. 34 in the QS Ranking by Subject 2024

-Veterinary Sciences ranked No. 6 in the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024

-Agriculture Sciences ranked No. 6 in the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024

-Food Science and Technology ranked No. 20 in the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024

-13 disciplines that rank ESI Global Top 1%: Plant and Animal Science (ESI Global Top 1‰), Chemistry, Agricultural Sciences (ESI Global Top 1‰), Materials Science, Microbiology, Biology and Biochemistry, Environment/Ecology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Molecular Biology and Genetic, Immunology, Computer Science, Social Sciences and Engineering.

In the 21^st century, SCAU will uphold comprehensive, balanced and inclusive development of disciplines in agriculture, engineering, liberal arts, sciences, economy, management, law studies and art. With a highlight in agricultural sciences and life sciences, SCAU will strive to become a top agricultural university in China with global reputation.

(Updated in October 2024)