Southwest University
Chongqing, 🇨🇳 China Public
#55 National #1001 QS World
#55 National #1001 QS World #501 ARWU
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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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