Southwest University

Chongqing, China

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Southwest University
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Religious Affiliation: None
Rankings:
ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #301-400 CWTS Leiden 2025 #472 SCImago 2026 #316
Southwest University institutional setting
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Created 1906 as Chuandong Normal School.

Became Sichuan Provincial Education College 1936. Merged with National Women Normal College to originate Southwest Normal College 1940.

Also merged with Private Xianghui College to shape Southwest Agriculture College 1946 that became Southwest Agriculture University 2001. Acquired present status 2005 following the merger between Southwest Agriculture University and Southwest Normal College.

Part of "211 Project" and "985 Project" universities.

Main administrative body: Ministry of Education

Location & Contact

Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Southwest University are gathered below for quick reference. Most enquiries route through the admissions team unless noted otherwise.

Address: 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District
Postal Code: 400715

Academic Details

Southwest University's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.

Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education
Admission Requirements: High School Diploma, National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) Foreign students: for further information see CUCAS https://school.cucas.edu.cn/Southwest-University-123/program/
Total Students: 40,000
Full-Time Academic Staff: 3,000
Academic Staff with Doctorate: 491

Degrees

Also postdoctoral programmes

Bachelor's 13 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Agriculture
  • Architecture and Planning
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Fine Arts
  • Law
  • Management
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Social Sciences
Master's 91 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Accountancy
  • Adult Education
  • Agricultural Equipment
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Aquaculture
  • Archiving
  • Art Criticism
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biophysics
  • Botany
  • Brewing
  • Cell Biology
  • Chinese
  • Cinema and Television
  • Civil Law
  • Classical Languages
  • Commercial Law
  • Communication Arts
  • Computer Science
  • Curriculum
  • Design
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Educational Psychology
  • English
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Ethics
  • Ethnology
  • Finance
  • Fine Arts
  • Food Science
  • Forestry
  • Fruit Production
  • Genetics
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • German
  • Higher Education
  • History
  • Horticulture
  • Industrial and Production Economics
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • International and Comparative Education
  • Japanese
  • Journalism
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Library Science
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Logic
  • Marine Biology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Microbiology
  • Musicology
  • Natural Resources
  • Neurosciences
  • Optics
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophical Schools
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Education
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Plant and Crop Protection
  • Political Sciences
  • Preschool Education
  • Private Administration
  • Psychology
  • Public Relations
  • Regional Studies
  • Religion
  • Russian
  • Sociology
  • Software Engineering
  • Soil Science
  • Special Education
  • Statistics
  • Surveying and Mapping
  • Technology Education
  • Theatre
  • Tourism
  • Vegetable Production
  • Veterinary Science
  • Vocational Education
  • Zoology
Doctoral 66 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Adult Education
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agricultural Management
  • Agriculture
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Aquaculture
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Botany
  • Brewing
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Comparative Literature
  • Computer Science
  • Curriculum
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Educational Administration
  • Energy Engineering
  • English Studies
  • Finance
  • Fine Arts
  • Food Science
  • Forest Management
  • Forestry
  • Fruit Production
  • Genetics
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • Government
  • Higher Education
  • History
  • Horticulture
  • Industrial and Production Economics
  • International and Comparative Education
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Logic
  • Marine Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Natural Resources
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophical Schools
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Education
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Plant Pathology
  • Plant and Crop Protection
  • Preschool Education
  • Psychology
  • Regional Studies
  • Soil Science
  • Solid State Physics
  • Statistics
  • Surveying and Mapping
  • Technology Education
  • Vegetable Production
  • Veterinary Science
  • Vocational Education
  • Zoology

Faculties & Divisions

Southwest University's schools and divisions, plus their subject expertise. Joint applications across departments are possible at some institutions for interdisciplinary degrees.

Fine Arts (Academy) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Design
  • Fine Arts
  • Sculpture

Common Career Paths

  • Artist
  • Curator
  • Art Educator

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Music (Academy) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dance
  • Music
  • Musicology
  • Performing Arts
Agronomy and Biotechnology (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agronomy
  • Biotechnology
  • Development Studies
  • Floriculture
  • Rural Studies
Animal Science and Technology (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Aquaculture
  • Veterinary Science

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Applied Technology (College) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Technology
Chinese Language and Literature (College) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chinese
  • Film
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Theatre
Culture and Social Development (College) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cultural Studies
  • Social Studies
  • Social Welfare
  • Social Work
Engineering (College) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Agricultural Equipment
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Energy Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Industrial Design
  • Machine Building

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Food Science (College) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Packaging Technology
  • Safety Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Foreign Languages (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • English
  • Japanese
  • Modern Languages

Common Career Paths

  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Language Teacher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Horticulture and Landscape Architecture (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Horticulture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Town Planning

Common Career Paths

  • Architect
  • Urban Planner
  • Interior Designer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Liberal Arts (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chinese
  • Literature
Material Science and Engineering (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Materials Engineering
  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Physics and Technology/ Electronic Information Engineering (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Physics
  • Science Education
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Resources and Environment (College) 10 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arid Land Studies
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Forestry
  • Natural Resources
  • Soil Conservation
  • Soil Science
  • Water Management
  • Water Science
Education (Faculty) 14 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Adult Education
  • Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Psychology
  • Educational Sciences
  • Educational Technology
  • Higher Education
  • Leadership
  • Pedagogy
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Science Education
  • Special Education
  • Vocational Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Biotechnology (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biotechnology
  • Sericulture
Geographical Sciences (Institute) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Natural Resources
  • Rural Planning
  • Surveying and Mapping
  • Town Planning

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

History and Culture (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cultural Studies
  • Ethnology
  • History
News and Media (Institute) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Journalism
  • Mass Communication
  • Media Studies
  • Radio and Television Broadcasting

Common Career Paths

  • Media Producer
  • Content Strategist
  • Broadcast Journalist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Physical Education (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Physical Education
  • Sports

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Plant Protection (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemistry
  • Plant and Crop Protection
Political Science and Public Administration (Institute) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Administration
  • Philosophy
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry

Common Career Paths

  • Process Engineer
  • Plant Manager
  • Materials Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Computer Science and Information Sciences (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Science
  • E-Business/Commerce
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Software Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Software Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Systems Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Economics and Management (School) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Farm Management
  • Finance
  • Forest Management
  • Human Resources
  • International Business
  • International Economics
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Life Sciences (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aquaculture
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Marxism (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Political Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Data Analyst
  • Statistician
  • Actuary

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pharmacy and Chinese Medicine (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Traditional Eastern Medicine

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Textile and Garment (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Clothing and Sewing
  • Textile Design
  • Textile Technology
Yucai (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Independent two Academy
Psychology (Unit) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Clinical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Below are Southwest University's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.

114 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in China

How to apply to Southwest University

Application guidance for Southwest University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Southwest University

    Southwest University's catalogue includes 114 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Southwest University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Submit your completed application through Southwest University's official website at www.swu.edu.cn. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest University

Quick reference for Southwest University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.

Where is Southwest University located?

Southwest University is located in Chongqing, China.

Is Southwest University a public or private institution?

Southwest University operates as a public institution.

What is the student enrolment at Southwest University?

Student enrolment at Southwest University is around 40,000.

What degrees does Southwest University offer?

Southwest University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Is Southwest University officially recognised?

Yes, Southwest University is recognised by Ministry of Education.

How do I find Southwest University online?

Southwest University's official website is www.swu.edu.cn.

Top-Ranked Universities in China

Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Southwest University overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities located near Southwest University are listed below.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

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Universities Compared with Southwest University

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