Southwest University (SWU)

PhD in International Comparative Education

Chongqing, China 4 years Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Tuition 10% below the typical PhD
  • Applications currently open

Introduction

Southwest University (SWU) in Chongqing is a major comprehensive university formed in 2005 through the merger of longstanding institutions, now serving over 36,000 students with more than 500 international learners and a wide portfolio of 146 programmes. Set on an extensive garden-style campus near the Jialing River and Jinyun Mountain, SWU combines strong traditions in teacher education and agricultural science with broad disciplinary coverage across the sciences, humanities and applied fields. Its scale and facilities support a lively campus life and diverse research activity.

SWU is noted for disciplinary strengths such as education, psychology and agronomy, and it supports significant research initiatives from silkworm genomics to ethnic education and cognitive studies. The university offers abundant laboratory and fieldwork opportunities, structured postgraduate pathways and a network of national and provincial research centres. Programmes are designed to integrate practical skills, research training and community engagement, preparing students for academic and professional careers alike.

International students can expect comfortable accommodation options, language support and campus services that ease adjustment to life in Chongqing; dormitories provide air conditioning, internet access and communal facilities while campus amenities include sports and cultural activities. SWU promotes scholarships and application guidance for overseas applicants and encourages prospective students to review specific programme entry requirements, funding opportunities and research supervisors when preparing their applications.

About the Program

The PhD in International Comparative Education at Southwest University is a 4-year degree for students who want to study education systems worldwide. It's taught in English and helps students become experts in comparative education.

The curriculum includes subjects like education policy, comparative education research, and international education development. Students will develop skills in research methods, data analysis, and policy analysis. They will also get hands-on experience in research and policy development.

Graduates can become education researchers, policy analysts, international education consultants, education program managers, or university professors. They can work in universities, research institutions, government agencies, or international organizations.

This program's tuition is 10% below the typical PhD in China.

Median tuition for that cohort is 5,503 USD, across 4,157 programs on Global Admissions.

Compare China PhD programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

Duolingo

English Test · fastest & cheapest

85–95

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TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
CEFR level
B1/B2
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Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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