Established in 1951, Southern Medical University is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Guangzhou (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), Guangdong. Officially recognized by the Department of Education of the Guangdong Province, Southern Medical University (SMU) is a large coeducational Chinese higher education institution. Southern Medical University (SMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 71 years old Chinese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this Chinese higher education organization a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. SMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.