Elementary Chinese Language Learning Program

Founded in 1896, Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) is one of the earliest universities in China, and is known as "the Cradle for the Chinese Railway Engineers" and "East Cornell". The prestigious Engineering there has attracted thousands of kinternational students to study in SWJTU.Besides, SWJTU pays great attention to international exchanges and cooperation, and has now established good collaboration relationships with over 70 universities of 50 countries and states. It is sensible of you to study in SWJTU.

Students can apply for the program all year round.

Compulsory courses:

Elementary Chinese: These courses are for students who have no prior knowledge of Chinese. At present, we use the newest textbooks in China-- Duiwai Huanyu Xilie Jiaocai published by the Chinese Language and Culture University.

Optional Couses:

1. Calligraphy: Introduing the original and aesthetic meaning of Chinese characters and appreciating the deep conotation of Chinese calligraphy.

2. History and Culture: Introduing the mysterious culture and long history of China.

3. Maritial Arts: A window for foreign students learning about China, at the same time improves physical strength.

4. Chinese Folk Songs: Learning to sing traditional Chinese folk songs.

5. Guidance Class for Chinese Level Exams (HSK): On the request of students, thus special guidance class is offered for further studies or specific occupations.

Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) was founded at Shanhaiguan in 1896, named then Imperial Chinese Railway College. It is one of the oldest universities in China majoring in engineering. In 1905, it was moved to Tangshan, Hebei Province, and was renamed Tangshan Jiaotong University, Tangshan Railway Institute, and so on. In 1972, the university was removed to Emei, Sichuan province, and began to use its present name-Southwest Jiaotong University. In 1989, it was moved to Chengdu, and in 2002, the construction of a new campus covering an area of over 3,000 mu was started in Chengdu. With this, a new pattern of “ one university, in two places, with three campuses” is coming into being.



Currently, the university has 18 schools, 3 departments and 2 divisions, with students totaling more than 38000, teachers and staff over 3900, which including full-time teachers about 1800, professors and associate professors about 1000, 3 CAS academicians and 2 CAE academicians. 

In addition, there are also 29 academicians from CAS and CAE who serve as part-time professors at the university’s invitation. There are now 45 PHD programs, 95 master degree accredit posts, 61 undergraduate majors and 7 post-doctorate research centers, 3 national basic scientific research and teaching talents training bases, 6 national key disciplines and 1 national key lab.





SWJTU pays great attention to international exchanges and cooperations, and has now established good collaboration relationships with over 70 universities of 50 countries and states. Each year, SWJTU invites over 250 long and short-term international experts, and over 300 long-term international students from more than 20 countries and states study here.




In light of the inscription by Comrade Jiang Zemin, “ Carry forward the cause and forge ahead into the future, be bold in scaling heights, and strive even harder to turn the Jiaotong University into a first-class university in the world”, SWJTU will adhere to the fine tradition of “Rigorous Scholarship” and accelerate its development so as to make itself into a first-class university in the world.

SWJTU has a stable study environment and a Chinese-speaking environment as well as first-class establishments and conditions. The university is organized, well-managed, and has systemic and perfect managing measures and responsible administrators. The university offers all sorts of large, middle and small-sized classrooms for class study and self-study.     

There are three types of accommodations for students:     

 A. Dorms on campus possess an air conditioner, color TV, fridge, furniture, telephone and toilet. A double room is 500 RMB yuan / person/ month; single room is 1000RMB yuan / person/ month.      

B. A 54 square meters' suite on campus possesses furniture, telephone and toilet, and can be inhabited by one or two persons. The rent is 700 to 900 RMB yuan /suite /month.      

C. There is a residential area about 500 meters away from the campus with an elegant environment. It is very secure and is very well managed. It offers suites of 60 to 150 square meters. The rent is about 800 to 2,000 RMB yuan /suite /month. Students can rent different types of suites according to their own needs

3 Steps to Apply to a Chinese University

High school graduate, in good health

1.  Photocopy of valid passport
With photo, passport number &expiration date and name included.

2.  Passport-sized photo
A passport-sized photo taken recently of the applicant.

3.  Graducation Certificate of High school
Graduation Certificate should be in English or Chinese, if not，it should be translated into English or Chinese and be notarized

4.  Health Certificate
Photocopy of physical examination record.