Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a leading international joint venture university in China, formed through a partnership between Xi’an Jiaotong University and the University of Liverpool. It stands at the forefront of world-class education, blending Eastern and Western academic approaches to create a dynamic learning environment.
XJTLU offers a diverse range of Master’s and PhD programmes across disciplines such as science, engineering, business, finance, architecture, urban planning, language, and culture. All programmes are taught entirely in English, making it an ideal choice for international students. Graduates earn a globally recognized University of Liverpool degree, accredited by China’s Ministry of Education.
With a thriving academic community of over 26,000 students, XJTLU is committed to innovation, research excellence, and global collaboration.
If you’re an international student looking for a top-ranked university in China to pursue your Master’s or PhD, XJTLU could be the perfect fit for you! Applications for the 2025 intake are now open. Learn all about deadlines, programmes, and scholarships for XJTLU right here!
Eligibility
Master Applicants
- The minimum age is 18 and the maximum age is 35.
- English fluency is required.
- Minimum education level: Bachelor’s.
- All students from all countries are eligible to apply.
PhD Applicants
- The minimum age is 18 and the maximum age is 40.
- English fluency is required.
- Minimum education level: Master’s
- All students from all countries are eligible to apply.
Application Documents and Deadlines for XJTLU
For Master Programmes
Application Deadline for the September 2025 intake is on June 15, 2025
There’s no application fee to apply to XJTLU.
Application Documents
- Personal statement
- A Curriculum vitae (CV)
- A copy of your Passport (information page)
- Full official academic transcripts of your studies with the University’s stamps and grading system
- University degree certificates (if received) or Enrolment Status Letters (if you are a graduating student)
- Two academic references
- English qualification certificate (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or equivalent)
- The following are exempted from the English language requirement:
- Citizens of majority English-speaking countries (e.g., USA, UK, Australia, Canada).
- A degree earned in a majority English-speaking country (excludes Chinese joint ventures) after 1 January 2023.
- A degree earned after 1 January 2023 from:
- Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
- University of Nottingham Ningbo China
- New York University Shanghai
- Wenzhou-Kean University
- Duke Kunshan University
- CUHK Shenzhen
- Beijing Normal University-HK Baptist University United International College
- Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
- The following are exempted from the English language requirement:
Master’s Application Process at XJTLU
- Choose your programme
- Collect application documents
- Start the application
- Upload application documents
- Submit your application
- Receive the admission decision
For PhD Programmes
Application Deadline for the September 2025 intake is on June 30, 2025
There’s no application fee to apply to XJTLU.
Application Documents
- Application form
- School or university transcripts
- Degree certificates
- IELTS certificate
- Personal statement
- PhD project proposal
- Two formal recommendation letters
- Recent passport photograph
- A Curriculum vitae (CV)
- A copy of your Passport (information page)
- Funding statement (self-funded student only)
PhD Application Process at XJTLU
- Check PhD programmes and review university website information, including entry requirements, application procedures, and available scholarships.
- Identify a potential supervisor and contact them via email.
- The potential supervisor will conduct an interview to assess your suitability.
- If accepted, the supervisor informs XJTLU Graduate School (XGS) and specifies the funding source.
- XJTLU Graduate School collects required application documents from the candidate.
- XJTLU Graduate School reviews documents and forwards them for departmental and university approval.
- The university reviews the application and makes a final decision.
- Final Decision – If accepted, the university issues a formal offer letter.
- The applicant must accept or decline the offer and inform XJTLU.
We recommend applying as early as possible. Submitting your application 2-3 months before the final deadline is ideal to maximize your chances.
Learn more and apply here, or book a call with us to discuss your application.
XJTLU 2025 Tuition and Accommodation Fees
Master’s Tuition
Master’s tuition fees vary by programme, ranging from 150,000 RMB to 200,000 RMB (20,740 USD to 27,650 USD). Find details for each programme here.
PhD Tuition
- For full-time students: 99,000 RMB (13,685 USD) per year. It normally takes three to four years to complete a full-time doctoral programme.
- For part-time students: 75,000 RMB (10,370 USD)per year. Part-time doctoral study is typically completed in four to six years.
- For EdD (Doctor of Education): 80,000 RMB (11,060 USD) per year. It normally takes 5.5 years to complete the programme.
Accommodation
Wencui Parfait Apartments
- Private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
- Rent: 57 RMB / 8 USD per day
- Contract options: One semester or full academic year (one-semester contracts do not guarantee accommodation for the second semester)
- Utilities (electricity, water) and internet connection must be arranged and paid separately
Accommodation check-in
- Deposit: 3,000 RMB / 415 USD(cash, refundable)
- Utility fees: Approximately 500 RMB / 70 USD (cash)
- Rent payment: Three months’ rent payable by bank card or cash (cash recommended)
- Rental contract: Must be signed upon check-in (available in English). Students should carefully review their rental contract and ensure all provided inventory is in good condition before signing.
Scholarships
For Master Programmes
XJTLU offers a range of scholarships to talented applicants joining the full-time masters programmes. Currently, there is no scholarship available for part-time programmes.
- Masters entry scholarship (20%, 30% or 50% off the Tuition fee)
Deadline: 1 June 2025 - XJTLU Masters ‘BRI Friendship’ scholarships (30% off the Tuition fee)
Deadline: 1 June 2025 - Government Talent Selection programme for students studying the Master’s in Sustainable Construction
Deadline: 1 June 2025
For PhD Programmes
XJTLU offers full-time PhD scholarships in three categories:
- Full Scholarship: Covers full tuition (RMB 297,000) and provides a RMB 5,000/month stipend for three years.
- Fees-Only Scholarship: Covers full tuition (RMB 297,000) for three years.
- Partial Scholarship: Covers up to 50% tuition fees (RMB 148,500).
Full scholarship recipients must take on Teaching or Research Assistant roles, with opportunities available for other scholarship holders.
Application Deadlines
- 15 October (Results in December)
- 15 April (Results in July)
Scholarships are for full-time students only. Late submissions are not accepted.
What is it like to study at XJTLU?
Hear directly from our students and alumni about their experiences at XJTLU.
Jae-Wan Kim
a BA Marketing alumnus graduated in 2021
“My role is to communicate with the clients and support the consultancy every day via phone calls, emails, and personal meetings. I need to explain the relevant sources of information and analysis necessary. The communication skills are really required in this role, and XJTLU equipped me with the exact skills that I needed. I made lifelong friends at the University. The courses were great, and I learned a lot from really good professors.”
Audrey Ardianto
a BA Accounting alumnus graduated in 2021
“I think international students should consider studying at XJTLU for its high standard of education and the diversity of programmes. Compared to other joint-venture universities in China, XJTLU is among the most diverse in its programmes. The University offers a variety of courses, ranging from architectural engineering to digital media arts. The two degrees and global networks will also boost our job prospects.”
Explore Programmes at XJTLU
Learn more about the programmes and apply to XJTLU through the links below.
- ZUST Launches Bachelor’s in Architecture for International Students - March 22, 2025
- Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Master and PhD Application Guide 2025 - March 21, 2025
- UIC is Now Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) - March 18, 2025