As the state of China provided policy support to promote the transformation of local universities into applied universities, this study determined the criteria can help Shaoguan University (SU) to achieve the status of applied university. This study made use of a mixed method of research, including qualitative research and quantitative research. In the interview part, Academic Affairs Office, Scientific Research Office, Human Resources Office, Student Office, International Office, Local Cooperation and Service Office, Alumni Office, and other departments of SU Leaders and 7 people participated in the interviews. In the questionnaire part, Forty-five department heads, 260 teachers, 218 staff, 377 students, and 384 alumni, or a total of 1284 people participated in the questionnaire. The researcher used COWS and PESTLE Analysis to give SU in-depth analysis of internal strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities and challenges in political, economic, social, technical, environmental, legal, etc., and proposed clear intervention measures for the stakeholders’ to ensure the success of SU.