Southwest University (SWU) New Silk Road Scholarship (2026)

Scholarship Description

The Southwest University (SWU) New Silk Road Scholarship is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to finance students from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative who have established joint study projects or agreements with SWU. The scholarship aims to foster academic exchange, cultural understanding, and cooperation between China and Belt and Road nations.

Southwest University, located in Chongqing, is a key comprehensive university directly under the Ministry of Education of China. It is renowned for its strong programs in agriculture, education, life sciences, humanities, and engineering. The university's motto, "Wide Virtue, Innovation for Future," reflects its commitment to holistic education and global engagement.

The scholarship offers two types of funding: Type A (Full Tuition + Monthly Living Allowance) and Type B (Full Tuition Only). It is available for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China. The university's main campus is located in Beibei District, a scenic area known as one of China's "Garden Cities."

Scholarship Deadline

Applications are accepted annually from January 1 to June 15. For the 2026 intake, the application period runs from January 1, 2026, to June 15, 2026.

Host Institution

Southwest University (SWU) – a national key comprehensive university under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education of China. Located in Chongqing, one of China's four direct-controlled municipalities, SWU is known for its beautiful campus, strong research output, and international student community.

Level and Fields of Study

Levels: Undergraduate (4 years), Master's Graduate (2–3 years), and PhD Doctoral (4 years).

Fields: Most disciplines offered by Southwest University are eligible, including but not limited to: Agriculture, Life Sciences, Education, Chinese Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Economics, Management, Law, Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science. Applicants should check with the admissions office or the SWU international student website for specific program availability.

Target Group

Non-Chinese citizens from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative who have established joint study projects or agreements with Southwest University. The scholarship is intended for students who will act as bridges between civilizations, fostering cooperation and mutual understanding between China and their home countries.

Scholarship Types, Duration & Amount

Type A Scholarship – Full Tuition + Living Allowance:

• Undergraduate students: 1,100 CNY/month living allowance
• Master's/graduate students: 1,400 CNY/month living allowance
• PhD/doctoral students: 1,700 CNY/month living allowance
• Full tuition coverage for the entire program duration

Type B Scholarship – Full Tuition Only:

• Covers full tuition fees for the duration of the program
• Does not include living allowance, accommodation, or insurance

Important Notes:

• Neither Type A nor Type B covers medical insurance (800 CNY/year) or accommodation fees.
• Scholarship duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs, 2–3 years for master's programs, 4 years for PhD programs.
• Annual assessment in May determines continued eligibility.

Scholarship Eligibility

Citizenship: Non-Chinese citizens from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.

Academic requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, OR a minimum score of 80 out of 100 in previous studies.

Language proficiency: Applicants must provide a valid language certificate (HSK, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or equivalent) proving that their language proficiency meets the requirements for daily communication and academic presentation on a Chinese campus. For Chinese-taught programs, HSK is typically required. For English-taught programs, IELTS or TOEFL may be accepted. Specific requirements vary by program.

Exclusivity: Applicants must not be sponsored by any other scholarship in China. According to Chinese scholarship regulations, international students may be covered by only one type of scholarship at a time.

Agreement requirement: Preference is given to students whose home institutions have established joint study projects or agreements with Southwest University.

Application Procedure

1. Prepare required documents – Gather academic transcripts, diplomas (notarized), language proficiency certificates (HSK, TOEFL, IELTS), a study plan or research proposal, recommendation letters (for graduate programs), passport copy, and any other documents specified by SWU.
2. Apply online – Visit the official SWU international student application website at https://swu.17gz.org/. Register an account, complete the online application form, and upload all required documents.
3. Select the New Silk Road Scholarship – Indicate your interest in the New Silk Road Scholarship within the application system. Choose either Type A (tuition + stipend) or Type B (tuition only) based on your eligibility and preference.
4. Submit before the deadline – Ensure your application is submitted between January 1 and June 15, 2026.
5. Application review – SWU admissions office reviews applications and shortlists candidates based on academic merit, language proficiency, and alignment with the scholarship's objectives.
6. Receive admission and scholarship decision – Successful candidates will receive an admission notice and scholarship award letter. Unsuccessful applicants may be considered for self-funded admission.
7. Apply for visa and register – After acceptance, apply for a Chinese student visa (X1 or X2) and complete registration at SWU before the program start date.

Annual Assessment (May): Scholarship holders must undergo a comprehensive performance review each May. Continued scholarship funding depends on satisfactory academic progress, conduct, and compliance with university regulations.

Official Website & Application Link

Southwest University – New Silk Road Scholarship Official Page

Online Application System: https://swu.17gz.org/

Contact Email: [email protected]

Note: For specific questions about program eligibility, language requirements, or the application process, contact the SWU admissions office directly via email.