Applied Economics Double First Class
Its nationally selected Applied Economics discipline anchors advanced finance, economics and policy training unavailable at broad universities.
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics
A century of finance education in Chengdu — connecting economics, business and fintech
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) began in Shanghai in 1925 as Kwang Hua University and moved inland during the War of Resistance before developing into a national finance and economics university in Chengdu. Directly administered by China’s Ministry of Education, SWUFE is a Project 211 and Double First Class institution whose selected discipline is Applied Economics. Its focused academic environment brings finance, economics, accounting, statistics, management and financial technology together across the modern Liulin campus and historic Guanghua campus. For international students, SWUFE combines English-taught degrees, comparatively affordable tuition and access to Chengdu’s role as western China’s financial and technology center, supported by a professional network that has earned the university its reputation as a leading source of financial-sector talent.
Project 211Double First-Class
- Location
- Chengdu, China
- Founded
- 1925
- International Students
- 500+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 16,000 - 30,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 30
Why Choose
Why Choose Southwestern University of Finance and Economics
Key reasons international students choose Southwestern University of Finance and Economics for their studies in China.
China’s Financial Talent Pool
Generations of graduates lead banks, regulators and securities firms, creating an unusually concentrated professional network.
AACSB Accounting Distinction
Mainland China’s only institution with AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting, strengthening international recognition.
Finance-Focused English Degrees
Finance, accounting and business degrees are taught in English at notably affordable public-university tuition rates.
Fintech Meets Core Finance
Dedicated fintech institutes connect quantitative finance, blockchain, big data and artificial intelligence with established economics expertise.
Chengdu Financial Gateway
Study in western China’s financial center, where banks, technology firms and international companies serve a fast-growing region.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#66
National Designations
Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.
Finance
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: SWUFE Belt and Road Scholarship eligible
Business Administration
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: SWUFE Belt and Road Scholarship eligible
Accounting
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: SWUFE Belt and Road Scholarship eligible
Finance
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: CNY 25,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC and SWUFE scholarships eligible
International Business
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: CNY 25,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC and SWUFE scholarships eligible
Finance
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Southwestern University of Finance and Economics as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsA recognized high school diploma for bachelor’s study, a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s study or a relevant master’s degree for doctoral study.
- Language RequirementsEnglish bachelor’s: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80 or Duolingo 105. English graduate study: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90 or Duolingo 120. Chinese programs require HSK 5 at 180 or above.
- Entrance AssessmentBachelor’s applicants must submit China Scholastic Competency Assessment results; SWUFE may also conduct an application evaluation or interview.
- Required DocumentsPassport, diploma, transcripts, language certificate, study plan, medical form and non-criminal record; graduate applicants also provide two academic recommendations.
- Application DeadlineJune 30 for 2026 degree applications; government and university scholarship rounds close earlier.
- Application FeeCNY 600, non-refundable, paid through the international student application system.
- Medical ExaminationApplicants submit the Foreigner Physical Examination Form and may need a verification or re-check after arriving in Chengdu.
- Visa DocumentsAdmitted students receive an Admission Notice and visa application form for their X1 student visa and residence permit process.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 16,000 - 30,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 4,000 – 6,000 / semesterOn-campus international student residence
- Application Fee
- CNY 600 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 1,000 / yearMandatory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,000 – 3,500 / monthMeals, transport and personal expenses in Chengdu
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 55,000 – 86,000
Chinese Government Scholarship — High-Level Postgraduate Program
Coverage: Full tuition, university accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants pursuing an eligible full-time master’s or doctoral degree at SWUFE.
Deadline: January 31 (2026 cycle)
SWUFE Belt and Road Scholarship
Coverage: Full awards cover tuition, on-campus accommodation and a living allowance; partial awards cover tuition.
Eligibility: Qualified degree applicants from eligible Belt and Road countries with strong academic and language records.
Deadline: April 30 (2026 cycle)
Chinese Government Scholarship — Silk Road Program
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly living allowance and comprehensive medical insurance.
Eligibility: Eligible Belt and Road country applicants applying to the programs designated in SWUFE’s annual notice.
Deadline: May 17 (2026 cycle)
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, living allowance and comprehensive medical insurance for the funded period.
Eligibility: Qualified applicants for Chinese language or International Chinese Language Education study who meet the required HSK scores.
Deadline: May 10 (September 2026 intake)
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.
Liulin Campus
The main Wenjiang campus combines lakes, landscaped grounds, classrooms, residences and student services in one walkable setting.
Guanghua Campus
The historic city campus keeps students close to central Chengdu and the university’s century-old academic heritage.
Currency Finance Museum
An on-campus museum uses currency, securities and financial artifacts to bring China’s economic history into view.
Specialist Library Resources
Two campus libraries provide extensive finance, economics, statistics and management collections plus major international databases.
Active Student Societies
More than 130 student associations support academic competitions, entrepreneurship, arts, volunteering and intercultural exchange.
Life In Chengdu
Affordable food, public transit and a strong technology economy make Chengdu practical for international study and exploration.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.
Applied Economics
The Double First Class discipline supports research in monetary policy, public finance, industrial economics and regional development.
Chinese Financial Studies
Specialist institutes examine China’s banking system, capital markets, household finance and financial regulation.
Financial Technology
The Jiaozi Institute and international fintech laboratories connect finance with blockchain, big data and artificial intelligence.
Statistics & Data Science
Quantitative teams develop econometric, statistical and computational methods for financial and public-policy decisions.
Accounting & Governance
Research covers accounting standards, auditing, corporate finance and governance in Chinese and international markets.
Western China Development
Chengdu-based scholars study regional finance, inclusive growth and the economic links connecting western China internationally.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics can take you after graduation.
Banking & Securities
Finance graduates pursue roles in commercial banking, investment, securities, insurance and asset management.
Accounting & Advisory
AACSB-recognized business and accounting study supports careers in audit, corporate finance, consulting and professional services.
Fintech & Analytics
Quantitative finance, statistics and data training lead toward risk, product, analytics and financial technology roles.
International Business
Bilingual and English-taught programs prepare graduates for trade, multinational operations and cross-border financial work.
Graduate Study Pathways
Research-led economics and finance preparation supports progression to master’s and doctoral study in China or overseas.
Financial Alumni Network
A century of specialist education connects graduates with an influential network across China’s financial institutions.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Southwestern University of Finance and Economics helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
The College of International Education guides eligible students through on-campus residence applications and arrival arrangements.
Residence Permit
Staff explain the process for converting an X1 visa into a residence permit after arrival in Chengdu.
Orientation
New-student sessions cover registration, university systems, campus safety, insurance and practical life in Chengdu.
Academic Advising
Program and school advisors support course planning, academic progress and access to university learning resources.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin learning helps English-track students communicate confidently and engage more deeply with internships and daily life.
Health & Insurance
International students receive guidance on mandatory insurance, medical examinations and access to local health services.
Campus Safety
Campus security and international office contacts provide support for safety questions and urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
The international office supports visa documents, residence procedures, renewals and compliant study status.
International Community
Student organizations, cultural events and university activities connect international learners with classmates across SWUFE.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.
- November 1
Applications Open
SWUFE opens its online system for degree applications and the first scholarship round for the September intake.
- By January 31
Graduate CSC Deadline
High-Level Postgraduate Program candidates complete both the CSC and SWUFE applications for university review.
- February – April
Prepare Assessment Materials
Bachelor’s applicants complete the CSCA while graduate applicants finalize recommendations, proposals and language evidence.
- By April 30
SWUFE Scholarship Deadline
Submit the Belt and Road Scholarship application with all required degree and funding documents.
- By May 17
Silk Road Deadline
Complete the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship Silk Road Program application for designated eligible programs.
- By June 30
Degree Application Deadline
Self-funded applicants submit the online form, supporting documents and CNY 600 application fee.
- July – August
Admission & Visa
Successful applicants receive admission documents, arrange accommodation and apply for an X1 student visa.
- September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Chengdu, complete registration and residence procedures, attend orientation and begin classes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Southwestern University of Finance and Economics.
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