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    Southwest University (SWU)

    PhD in Tertiary Education

    Chongqing, China4 yearsTaught in EnglishOpen 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 Tertiary Education at Southwest University is a 4-year program for students who want to get a PhD degree. It's taught in English and focuses on higher education.

    The curriculum covers topics like education policy, curriculum design, and teaching methods. Students will develop skills in research, leadership, and communication. They will also get to work on projects and collaborate with other students.

    Graduates can work as Education Researchers, University Administrators, Policy Analysts, or Teachers in universities, colleges, or education departments.

    Planning the visa? China student visa: cost, requirements and processing time (from $67 all-in)

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

    The median annual fee for that cohort is5,519 USD per year, a comparison figure across 4,162 programs billed per year on Global Admissions.

    Compare China PhD programs

    English Test Requirement

    This program asks forIELTS 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
    Convert your own score

    Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

    Related 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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