Admissions brochure - Shenzhen International Foundation College

19129547636
admission@sifc.net.cn

What Kind of School is SIFC?

SIFC is an international high school dedicated to cultivating well-rounded individuals. We provide a comprehensive liberal arts education that seamlessly integrates Chinese and Western cultures, balances both liberal arts and sciences, and considers physical education and the arts as essential components.

Legacy & Prestige

Founded in 2004 by Professor Fu Tengxiao—then Executive Dean of Shenzhen University’s School of Teacher Education—SIFC was among Shenzhen’s first international schools approved by the Municipal Education Bureau, with records filed at the provincial and national levels. With over two decades of excellence, SIFC has earned a prestigious reputation in China’s international education landscape. We have consistently ranked among the Top 20 Nationwide and Top 3 in Shenzhen in the Forbes China Annual Ranking of International Schools, recognized for educational innovation and outstanding student outcomes.

Academic Excellence

Education Led by Educators: Academic rigor is core to SIFC's DNA. We have meticulously developed a distinctive curriculum and robust teaching framework, attracting elite international faculty to provide students with exceptional educational resources.

Our commitment is validated by prestigious international accreditations and authorizations:

Cognia & CIS: Accredited by the world’s largest school accreditation agency Cognia and recognized as a member of Council of International Schools (CIS), making SIFC one of the few international schools in the Greater Bay Area with both qualifications.

College Board: Authorized provider of AP® courses, including the prestigious AP Capstone™ program.

UK Dual Certification: Recognition from both Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA , the UK's leading exam boards.

Personalized Education

“Every Student is Unique": This guiding principle shapes SIFC's entire educational approach. We offer diverse curriculum pathways—including American High School , British A-Level , Arts , and Innovation —implemented through our unique "SIFC + X" multidimensional mentoring model. Supported by an exceptional 1:5 student-teacher ratio and a multi-mentor system, we ensure each student receives highly individualized attention. SIFC tailors education to ignite passion, unlock potential, and define purpose, empowering every learner to discover their pathway to excellence. We nurture each student to become their best self at SIFC!

Innovation & Future Focus

Championing Innovation: SIFC benchmarks itself against leading US East Coast innovation high schools, strategically leveraging AI to realize its vision of "personalized excellence." STEAM education and interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning (PBL) form the cornerstone of this mission. Our exceptional facilities include: STEM Innovation Center and d Art&Design Center, offering elite resources for hands-on creation. To bridge academia and industry, we provide the Entrepreneurship Support Award, funding student project incubation. We also set up Al School, providing students with 24-hour online learning opportunities.Teacher-student collaboration has yielded tangible innovations like "Teacher Xiaoyan" —an AI-powered study-abroad assistant—epitomizing our core ethos: One Student, One Educational Pathway. SIFC is actively shaping the future of personalized, innovative education in the Greater Bay Area.

Top-Tier Placements

From the 1980s and 1990s generations to today’s Gen Z and Alpha students, SIFC has educated four generations of global learners, sending graduates to top universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland,etc.

2024: The inaugural “Victory Class” received 6 Oxbridge interview invitations;

2025: Secured 3 Cambridge University offers, ranking 2nd in Shenzhen;

2026: “Victory Class” continues its glory at Cambridge!

Since its establishment, “Victory Class” has led the industry with strong strength, and every cohort has achieved the brilliant achievement of 100% admission to US TOP30, UK G5 and "Hong Kong Top 3" universities.

2026 fall admissions are now officially open.

For more details, please read the admissions brochure below.

Welcome to SIFC —

a pioneering international high school in Shenzhen, founded by educators, with 22 years of commitment to holistic education. Here, you will experience the unique charm of an educational philosophy crafted with care and vision.

Why Choose SIFC?

SIFC, founded in 2004, was among the first international schools approved by the Shenzhen Education Bureau. For over 20 years, we have been committed to building a "personalized excellence" brand, guided by the belief that “choosing a school is not about rankings, but about finding an ecosystem where students can grow continuously." Behind our 100% overseas university admission rate—from our first Ivy League offer to three Cambridge offers in 2025 (second in Shenzhen),and continuing our Cambridge glory in 2026—lies not a "college admissions factory", but a steadfast commitment to treating every student as unique. Through exceptional teaching support and AI-powered personalization, we uncover each student's potential and foster lasting growth. This “one student, one plan" approach is our core strength, and the reason families choose SIFC for long-term development over short-term results.

Educators Leading Education

| Professor Fu Tengxiao, Founding Principal of SIFC,

delivering a speech at the Forbes Awards Ceremony

Professor Fu Tengxiao

Founding Principal, SIFC

Distinguished Professor at Shenzhen University, former Executive Vice Dean of Shenzhen University Teachers' College

Honors: Top 10 Education Leaders in Shenzhen, Forbes China's Top 10 Outstanding International School Principals, Jingling Global Top 10 Leading Principals, Forbes China Award for Outstanding Contribution to International Education

A lifelong educator and school founder, hailed as the “Pioneer of International Education in Shenzhen”Co-founded Shenzhen University Teachers'College, Shenzhen University High School, and its Second Affiliated School.

Served as thesis defense committee member for Peking University's PhD program in Ancient Chinese LiteraturePublished over 20 academic books and 200 papers (totaling millions of words), with multiple provincial-level awards in social sciences.

Author of A Life in the Rain: 25 Years in International Education, a widely acclaimed memoir that reignited public interest in studying abroad.

20余年悠久办学历史

| In 2004, Li Hao, former Secretary of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee

and former Assistant Secretary-General of the State Council,

and Cao Nancai, former Assistant

Secretary-General of the Guangdong Provincial Committee,

officially inaugurated SIFC

Founded in 2004 by a team of Shenzhen University professors led by Professor Fu Tengxiao, SIFC was one of Shenzhen's first schools to offer international university preparatory and British/American secondary curricula. Guided by the motto “Combing China and the West, in Words into Actions,” SIFC cultivates students to become well-rounded, independent-minded, resilient, and innovative global citizens with a sense of national identity.

Accreditations & Recognitions

Rankings：

2019: No.24 nationwide (U.S. undergraduate track), No.3 in Shenzhen — China International School Competitiveness Ranking

2020: No.26 nationwide, No.2 in Shenzhen — China’s Top 100 International School Brand Value Ranking

2023: Top 100 Most Competitive International Schools in China — HKPEP

2024: Top 20 nationwide, No.3 in Shenzhen — Forbes China Annual Ranking of International Schools; also awarded Forbes China Outstanding International School and Forbes China Annual Innovation in International Education Award

2025: Hurun·2025 Annual AI-Featured Education Brand

World-Class Faculty

Led by our renowned "PhD Dream Team" and featuring educators from Oxbridge, Ivy League, and other elite institutions, SIFC has assembled a faculty of exceptional caliber. Our teachers hold degrees from world-leading universities, including Harvard, Columbia, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, HKU, HKUST, Peking University, NUS, the University of Sydney, the University of Toronto, and UCAS.

Within this environment shaped by educational visionaries, a distinctive culture thrives – one where teachers serve as mentors, friends, and extended family. Approaching their vocation with a parent's heart, our educators nurture each student through empathy, unwavering dedication, and a profound mission-driven commitment.

Personalized & Innovative Curriculum System

At SIFC, we've built a diverse, integrated curriculum — American, British, Arts, and Innovation tracks — under the "SIFC+ X" model, to realize our vision: "One educational plan per student."With an ultra-high teacher-to-student ratio, we ensure every student's individual needs are fully supported, turning our promise of "no assembly lines, only unique individuals" into reality. Through excellence in teaching and service, SIFC empowers students to explore their passions and find their own path — fulfilling our mission to "customize every student's growth potential." We nurture each student to become their best self at SIFC!

Highlights in Innovation

Aligned with top innovative high schools on the U.S. East Coast, SIFC places strong emphasis on STEAM education and interdisciplinary project-based learning (PBL). The school has established a dedicated STEM Innovation Center and a Art & Design Center, equipped with cutting-edge resources, where teachers and students co-create tangible innovations. The AI-powered hardware device "Teacher Xiaoyan" – a study-abroad communication assistant – exemplifies this spirit, positioning SIFC as a leading STEAM and interdisciplinary arts education brand in the Greater Bay Area. More than just a tech product, this device is an intelligent extension of our "one student, one plan" philosophy, generating personalized academic profiles and tailored application roadmaps through an individualized data hub, truly designing the future for every unique learner.

| 深国预自主研发的“小言老师”AI留学对讲机

Committed to "heritage and innovation," SIFC cultivates the creative thinking and practical skills essential for the AI era, forging a path as a "Super Innovative High School":

- The first international high school in Guangdong Province certified by MIT and admitted into the global FabLab Network

- The first international high school in China to independently develop a generative AI product ("AI Study Abroad Circle")

- The first high school globally to introduce the Fab City Challenge and launch metaverse-based digital collectibles

- The only school to receive the *Forbes China Annual Innovative International School Award

- The first international high school to launch an AI agent hardware device dedicated to the study-abroad sector

- The first international school to offer Al School, providing students with 24-hour online learning opportunities.

Academic programs：

American High School Program

As Shenzhen's first American high school, SIFC was the first to promote the slogan "Pathway to Harvard" as early as 2010, helping numerous alumni fulfill their dreams successfully. Based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) of the United States and adhering to a typical American curriculum framework while considering China's actual national conditions, we offer comprehensive and challenging courses. In addition to core American high school courses such as natural sciences, mathematics and computer science, linguistics, humanities and social sciences, and arts, we also provide over 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and innovative programs such as AP Capstone, MIT Digital Fabrication, and Stanford Design Thinking. With our "One Student, One Schedule" approach, students broaden their academic horizons through a rich array of required and elective courses, fully exploring their academic interests. At the same time, they earn college credits in advance, laying a solid foundation for their future applications to top universities worldwide.

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British High School Program

SIFC offers a comprehensive one-stop teaching service and university preparation program, establishing itself as a premier provider of British curriculum education services in the Greater Bay Area. Accredited by two of the UK's leading examination boards Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA, we are qualified to offer and assess IGCSE/A Level courses. Our curriculum covers core subjects such as Mathematics, Further Mathematics, English Language and Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, and Psychology. Students can choose 5-7 preferred subjects for in-depth study and participate in research-oriented projects like the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), MIT Digital Fabrication, and Stanford Design Thinking, among other innovative programs. By providing personalized and professional academic support, Shenzhen International Preparatory helps students highlight their unique application profiles, paving their way to top universities around the world.

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Art & Design Center

The Art & Design Center at SIFC continuously innovates its teaching methods, pioneering a modern interdisciplinary curriculum with a distinctive "Art + Technology" feature,which seamlessly connects to cutting-edge programs at top international universities. The art design program has consistently ranked among the top in the country and achieved remarkable success, securing admissions to all of the world's leading art institutions.Leveraging the well-established American and British international curricula of SIFC, our program is structured around the frameworks of humanities, social sciences, and sciences. We offer a diverse range of courses including Interaction Design, Product Design, Spatial Design, Film Production, Game and Animation Design, Painting, Graphic Design, Digital Art Design, Sculpture, and Fashion Design. Our teaching methodology employs Project-Based Learning (PBL) in group collaborations, integrating interdisciplinary course design with Stanford University’s Design Thinking methodology. This approach stimulates students' creativity and nurtures their comprehensive abilities required for future careers in art-related fields.Here, students take their first steps towards becoming native artists in the age of artificial intelligence.

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International Music Center

As the pioneer in international music education and the first in the Greater Bay Area to implement "modern applied professional reform," the SIFC International Music Center reshapes the benchmark of modern music education through a combination of "practical teaching + digital innovation." It establishes a full industrial chain education loop that spans "creation - production - dissemination - professionalization."Focusing on cutting-edge disciplines such as music production, improvisation, pop vocals, and jazz piano, the center integrates VR/AI technologies to create immersive digital audio workstation environments for hands-on learning. Students gain deep expertise in key industry skills, including arrangement, mixing, and copyright distribution. Through a dual-degree system, the program connects multiple fields, including music performance, education, management, therapy, and production. Combined with the Music Season (a professional practice platform), it cultivates high-level, well-rounded talents who possess both artistic creativity and an understanding of the music industry ecosystem.

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Well-Rounded Campus Life

At SIFC, education is not just about academics — it’s about igniting a spark and awakening a soul. We respect individuality and nurture every student’s talents through a vibrant campus life. Organized by Houses, students participate in eight themed cultural months and more than 50 clubs spanning arts, sports, academics, and innovation. Here, students can “work hard when it’s time to work, play hard when it’s time to play,” finding their own path through a balanced and enriching school experience.

Outstanding University Outcomes

SIFC maintains a 100% overseas university placement rate. Graduates from over four successive cohorts have gained admission to the world's top universities, including:

U.S.: Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, NYU

UK: Cambridge, Imperial College, LSE, UCL, Edinburgh

Canada: University of Toronto

Australia: Australian National University

Singapore: NUS

Hong Kong: HKU

Arts: Royal College of Art (UK), RISD (U.S.), Parsons (U.S.), Berklee (U.S.)

Many alumni pursue advanced studies at the master's or doctoral level, underscoring the enduring impact of SIFC's educational philosophy.

As a benchmark for university admissions, “Victory Class”has achieved particularly remarkable results:

2024: The inaugural “Victory Class” received 6 Oxbridge interview invitations;

2025: Secured 3 Cambridge University offers, ranking 2nd in Shenzhen;

2026: “Victory Class” continues its glory at Cambridge!

World-Class Facilities & Thoughtful Services

SIFC fosters a safe, comfortable, and inspiring environment for both learning and living.

1）Cutting-Edge Academic Spaces & Equipment

Our campus features state-of-the-art facilities designed to support innovation and discovery:

Multi-functional Classrooms: Adaptable spaces for diverse teaching methodologies.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Workshops: Dedicated areas for creative problem-solving and project development.

MIT-linked FabLab Digital Fabrication Lab: Advanced prototyping and digital manufacturing resources.

Specialized Laboratories: Including Robotics, Art Studios, and AI.

（2）Sports & Premium Accommodation

Sports Facilities: Enjoy comprehensive amenities including basketball courts, a swimming pool, a fully-equipped gym, and a golf simulator.

Dormitories: Experience hotel-style apartment living with full amenities. Our boarding program thoughtfully blends British and American traditions to create a genuine "home away from home."

（3）Exceptional Dining Services Campus Restaurant

School-operated, providing high-quality buffet meal scrafted by a professional culinary team with five-star hotel expertise. Time&Taste Bistro (New Semi-Open Café): Offers specialty dishes and beverages in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere—perfect for socializing and unwinding.

Victory Program: “Vitory” for the Future

Scholarships Up to RMB 2 Million

Building on 20+ years of excellence, SIFC has launched the Victory Program — a distinctive talent development system integrating personalized education, innovative curricula, and world-class resources. Going beyond narrow test-prep frameworks, the Victory Program offers elite international education for students who strive for excellence.

Outstanding students can join the Victory Class, where they receive multi-mentor guidance and structured support to aim for Oxbridge, Ivy League, and other top global universities.

The Victory Program brings together a “dream team” of educators: Oxbridge & Ivy League Mentors, PhD Dream Team, subject specialists, Silicon Valley AI researchers, and STEAM education experts — all working together to tailor a path to the world’s most prestigious universities.

The Victory Scholarship encompasses three types of awards:

Entrance Tuition Scholarships, University Tuition Scholarships, and University Tuition Grants,

with a combined maximum reward of up to 2 million RMB.

Entrance Tuition Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to incoming students based on specific criteria before their enrollment. The award amount is directly deducted from the tuition fees, with the full tuition scholarship potentially reaching up to 1 million RMB over four years.

Grand Prize: Full Tuition Scholarship

First Prize: 100,000 RMB per year

Second Prize: 50,000 RMB per year

Third Prize: 20,000 RMB per year

University Tuition Scholarship

Students who graduate from the Victory Class and are admitted to the following universities will receive corresponding scholarships:

Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT / Oxford, Cambridge: 500,000 RMB

US Top 1-10 Universities: 200,000 RMB

US Top 11-20 Universities: 100,000 RMB

US Top 21-30 Universities / UK G5 / University of Hong Kong: 50,000 RMB

University Tuition Grant

A special university tuition grant of up to 500,000 RMB is available for low-income families whose students are admitted to the Victory Class. The specific distribution criteria are determined by SIFC.

Application Information

Notes: Application & exam fee: RMB 800 (non-refundable upon payment)

2026 Fall Admissions Are Officially Open

Families interested in learning more

are invited to scan the QR code to register

扫描二维码分享到微信

Consultation

phone

19129547636

Shenzhen International Foundation College

深圳国际预科书院

Shenzhen International Foundation College

深圳国际预科书院