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Southwest University

Chongqing, 🇨🇳 China Public
#55 National #1001 QS World #501 ARWU
Southwest University campus
Founded 1899 80,000 students Urban $1.9k - $4.3k/yr

About Southwest University

Southwest University (SWU) is a comprehensive national key university located in Chongqing, China, operating under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education. Established in 2005 through the merger of Southwest China Normal University and Southwest Agricultural University, SWU boasts a history spanning over a century. It is recognized as a "211 Project" university and is part of the "Double First-Class Construction" initiative, signifying its prominence in Chinese higher education.

Academics


Southwest University offers a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, encompassing philosophy, economics, law, pedagogics, literature, history, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, management, and art. The university is particularly renowned for its strengths in teacher education and agricultural research, with studies in pedagogics, psychology, and agriculture holding significant national distinction. Notably, its silkworm genome research is considered world-leading. SWU provides a comprehensive range of programs, including 97 bachelor's programs, 159 master's programs, 66 doctoral programs, and 9 postdoctoral programs.

International Students


Southwest University has been enrolling international students since the 1950s and is a designated university for Chinese Government Scholarship students. The university offers various support services, including an International Students Admission Office that assists with program inquiries, scholarships, application procedures, and accommodation. International students can pursue majors in fields like Chinese language, Pedagogy, Psychology, Economics, Business in China, Life Sciences, Food Sciences, and Agriculture. SWU also provides scholarships such as the Chinese Government Scholarship, Chongqing Mayor Scholarship, and SWU Excellent Overseas Students Scholarship, and offers integrative insurance for medical care and accidents for long-term overseas students.

Campus & Location


Southwest University is situated in Beibei District, Chongqing City, a major municipality in southwest China known for its unique mountainous landscape and vibrant city life. The university boasts a garden-style campus near the Jialing River and at the foot of Jinyun Mountain, a state-level scenic spot. The campus features modern facilities, including well-equipped international student dormitories with public kitchens, washing machines, and free gyms. Conveniently, supermarkets, shopping centers, restaurants, subway stations, and bus stations are located around the campus, providing a safe and accessible living environment.

Career Outcomes


Southwest University emphasizes academic excellence and research, particularly in agriculture, education, and sciences. The university's strong industry connections are evident through opportunities for internships at organizations like Zongan Industrial Group and the College of Food Sciences. While specific employment rates for international students are not readily available, the university's focus on in-demand fields and its comprehensive career services aim to prepare graduates for successful professional paths. Faculty job opportunities are abundant, especially in education, agriculture, biology, and psychology, with career progression including tenure-track positions.

Highlights

  • Comprehensive National Key University
  • 211 Project, Double First-Class
  • Teacher Education & Agriculture strengths
  • World-leading Silkworm Genome Research
  • Extensive International Student Programs
  • Broad academic disciplines

Subject Areas

AgricultureEducationPsychologyLiteratureBiology

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Sports Facilities Scholarships Available

Photos

Southwest University photo 1Southwest University photo 2Southwest University photo 3Southwest University photo 4Southwest University photo 5Southwest University photo 6Southwest University photo 7Southwest University photo 8Southwest University photo 9

Programs Offered at Southwest University (28)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (15)

Horticulture

STEM

Agriculture

Agriculture
agriculturebabachelorbsbsc
48 months Chinese Full-time

Agricultural Science

STEM

Agriculture

Agriculture
bachelor in agriculturebachelor's agriculturestudy agriculture in chinaagriculture program in chongqingagricultural science program
48 months Chinese Full-time

Animal Science

STEM

Agriculture

Agriculture
bachelor in agricultureagriculture bachelorstudy agriculture in chinaagriculture program in chongqingundergraduate agriculture
48 months Chinese Full-time

Fine Arts

Arts

Arts & Design
artsbachelorchinadesigndrawing
48 months Chinese Full-time

Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
biology degreemolecular biologycell biologygeneticsecology
48 months Chinese Full-time

Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
babachelorbachelorsbsbsc
48 months Chinese Full-time

Journalism

Communication

Communication
bachelorchinachinesechongqingcommunication
48 months Chinese Full-time

Computer Science and Technology

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
software engineer degree chinabachelor in computer sciencemsc computer scienceenglish-taught bsc computer sciencestudy computer science in china
48 months Chinese Full-time

Food Science and Engineering

STEM

Food Science

Food Science
bachelor in food sciencebsc food sciencestudy food science in chinastudy food science in chongqingfood science career opportunities
48 months Chinese Full-time

English Language and Literature

Humanities

Humanities
bachelor in humanitiesundergraduate humanitiesstudy humanities abroadhumanities degreestudy humanities in china
48 months English Full-time

Chinese Language and Literature

Humanities

Humanities
humanities degreechinese language and literatureundergraduate degree humanities chinahumanities program in chongqingbachelors degree humanities
48 months Chinese Full-time

Law

Law

Law
english-taught bachelor lawenglish program law chinalaw universitybachelor in lawstudy law
48 months Chinese Full-time

Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
algebraappliedbabachelorbeng
48 months Chinese Full-time

Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
physics degree program abroadstudy physics in chinainternational bachelor physicsenglish-taught bachelor physics in chinabs in physics
48 months Chinese Full-time

Physical Education

Sports Science

Sports Science
bachelor in sports sciencesports science bachelorstudy sports science in chinasports science program in chongqingundergraduate sports science
48 months Chinese Full-time

Master Programs (7)

Master of Science in Crop Science

STEM

Agriculture

Agriculture
masters in agriculturemasters agriculturemasters agriculture degreemasters agriculture programmsc agriculture
36 months Chinese Full-time

Master of Agriculture

Agricultural Economics and Management

Agriculture

Agriculture
Agriculturestudy Agriculture in Chinamaster's in AgricultureAgriculture in ChongqingAgriculture courses
36 months Chinese Full-time

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Business

Business
masters in businessstudy businessstudy business in chinamasters business chinaenglish-taught masters business in china
24 months Chinese Full-time

Software Engineering

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
chinacomputerengineeringmasterscience
36 months Chinese Full-time

Education

Education

Education
chinaeducationgraduatemamaster
36 months Chinese Full-time

Master of Science in Computer Science

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
chinacomputerengineeringmasterscience
36 months Chinese Full-time

Master of Arts in Chinese Modern and Contemporary Literature

Humanities

Humanities
critical thinkingliterary studiescultural analysisphilosophyhistory
36 months Chinese Full-time

PhD Programs (6)

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

STEM

Biology

Biochemistry
biochemistrybiochemistry and molecular biologybiologychinadoctor of philosophy
36 months Chinese Full-time

PhD in Education

Education

Education
education in Chongqingdoctorate in educationSouthwest University educationSouthwest University admissionteaching degree
36 months Chinese Full-time

PhD in Computer Science and Technology

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
chinacomputerengineeringphdsouthwest
36 months Chinese Full-time

Materials Science and Engineering

STEM

Materials Science

Materials Science & Engineering
chinaengineeringmaterialsphdscience
36 months Chinese Full-time

Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
psychology degree chinaphd psychologystudy psychology in chinasouthwest university psychologybest phd programs psychology
36 months Chinese Full-time

PhD in Biology

STEM

Science

Interdisciplinary Studies
biologychinainterdisciplinaryphdscience
36 months Chinese Full-time

Southwest University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6+ IELTS
80+ TOEFL
3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline February 15
Tuition (per year) $1.9k - $4.3k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$58
Application Fee $500
Teaching Language Chinese, English
Accreditation
Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China

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Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest University

Common questions from international students considering Southwest University.

What is the acceptance rate at Southwest University?

Southwest University is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Southwest University cost for international students?

Tuition at Southwest University ranges from $1.9k - $4.3k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $58/month), books, and living expenses.

What is Southwest University ranked globally?

Southwest University holds the following rankings: QS World #1001, ARWU #501, #55 in China. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does Southwest University have?

Southwest University typically requires IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 80+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at Southwest University?

Yes, Southwest University offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does Southwest University start its semesters?

Southwest University has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Southwest University offer?

Southwest University offers 1+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Southwest University located?

Southwest University is located in Chongqing, China 🇨🇳. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for Southwest University?

For specific details about Southwest University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does Southwest University offer?

For specific details about Southwest University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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