📖Introduction

Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a new international university jointly founded by Xi’an Jiaotong University China and the University of Liverpool UK as a joint venture. As an independent Sino-Foreign cooperative university, it captures the essence of both prestigious parent universities and is the first and only one of its kind approved by the Ministry of Education in China.

The University offers undergraduate degree programmes in the fields of science, engineering and management, and awards both its own Chinese degree and a degree from the University of Liverpool.

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📚About the Program

PhD in International Business School Suzhou at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU)

• IMPORTANT BEFORE SUBMITTING AN ONLINE APPLICATION: All PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to contact/identify a potential Supervisor and prepare a research proposal before submitting an online application. 

Overview

• The PhD programme in Business at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, is currently composed of three articulations based on the location of delivery:

  • • International Business School Suzhou (SIP),
  • • The School of Intelligent Finance and Business (Taicang), and
  • • The Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub (Taicang).

Each articulation of the PhD programme in Business builds on the specific focus of the School or unit in which it is delivered.

International Business School Suzhou (IBSS)

International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) is located in Suzhou Industrial Park and is one of the first Schools to have been established at XJTLU. IBSS, along with other Schools in the SIP campuses, is structured and organised based on academic fields of research, which translates into five departments: Economics, Finance, Accounting, Intelligent Operations and Marketing, and Strategic Management and Operations.

IBSS is a research-led School as reflected by the contribution of its research-active academic staff to international academic publications, as well as the growing research laboratories and centres it hosts and manages. This includes the IBSS Biometrics Laboratory, the Economics Experimental Laboratory, Centre for Fintech Studies, and Smart Mobility Analytics Centre, to name a few.

IBSS is one of 105 “Triple Crown” business schools in the world (as of 2022) as it was awarded AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA/BGA accreditations. At the same time, IBSS was also an early signatory of the UN PRIME initiative in China (Principles for Responsible Management Education).

Why should I do my PhD in Business at XJTLU?

Key benefits of this PhD programme:

  • You will receive supervision from a team of experts with world-class academic publications in leading academic journals;
  • Our PhD programme equips you with a range of professional skills to maximise your future employability;
  • Our supervisors will guide you through one of the most intellectually satisfying experiences of your life;
  • During the programme, there will be opportunities to work as a teaching assistant and develop fundamental academic and professional skills; and
  • As a registered full-time PhD student, you have the opportunity to apply for a research visit to the University of Liverpool for up to six months. Your accommodation and travel costs will be covered by XJTLU and the University of Liverpool.

Research areas in International Business School Suzhou (IBSS)

The main research areas in IBSS include (but are not limited to):

Department of Finance:

  • asset pricing and financial markets
  • corporate finance
  • corporate governance
  • green finance and climate finance
  • financial technology (fintech)

Department of Economics:

  • environmental economics
  • energy economics and resource economics
  • experimental economics and game theory
  • economics of money and banking
  • development economics, regional economics, and international economics
  • housing markets
  • FDI and innovation
  • econometrics

Department of Intelligent Operations and Marketing:

  • marketing
  • supply chain management and logistics management
  • information management and information systems
  • project management

Department of Strategic Management and Organizations:

  • strategy and law
  • human resource management
  • innovation and entrepreneurship

Department of Accounting:

  • accounting and digitalisation
  • accounting, taxation, and financial management
  • auditing, accountability, and sustainability
  • accounting, organisations and institutions

Research funding, environment and facilities

XJTLU offers an intellectually exciting environment in which to conduct original research, recognising the importance of both fundamental and applied study in generating new knowledge and ways of thinking.

All supervisor teams for PhD students will consist of at least one supervisor who has supervised a PhD to completion. That supervisor will play a supportive and mentoring role of the co-supervisor. Additionally, supervising staff have access to training provided by the Academic Enhancement Centre as well as being mentored by the Departmental Graduate Studies Officer. Regular progress reports and reviews, as outlined in the programme specifications, will ensure that both candidate progress and supervisory support will be monitored.

Students will also be co-supervised by scholars based at the University of Liverpool, who will be appointed based on the convergence of research specialisms and the PhD research proposal.

Potential supervisors

International Business School Suzhou

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🏫About Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU)

Why Choose XJTLU?

  • Two Degrees: 1 from the University of Liverpool & 1 from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Bachelor's students)
  • The University of Liverpool degree (Master's and PhD students)
  • All degree courses are taught 100% in English.
  • No knowledge of the Chinese language is required to apply to XJTLU.
  • Learn free of charge Chinese alongside your course.
  • A friendly international community.
  • International Opportunities: "2+2" study route to the University of Liverpool, UK for undergraduate students (more than 3,500 XJTLU students are now studying at the University of Liverpool, UK through "2+2")
  • International Opportunities: Wide range of study abroad opportunities in partner institutions in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, the USA, South Korea, Russia, etc.
  • International Opportunities: Partnerships with multinational companies in the likes of HSBC, Standard Chartered, Siemens, KPMG, Alstom, Schneider, ICBC, etc.

About Suzhou

You have the opportunity to live in one of the most culturally rich areas of China, with Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage gardens and canals famous around the world.

Suzhou combines its rich 2,500-year-old history with a drive to become one of the most modern cities in China. It has a population of more than six million and a GDP of a trillion RMB – far larger than those of many entire countries!

Alongside its beautiful tourist spots, Suzhou has many excellent learning resources and sports facilities, a great choice of shopping malls, cinemas and restaurants, and a variety of bars and nightclubs.

Today, the city’s canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens have contributed to its status as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The classical gardens in Suzhou were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000.

Suzhou is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in eastern China. Within Suzhou is Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most competitive development zones in China. This area also contains the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (home to XJTLU), which sits beside Dushu Lake, one of two lakes in SIP.

Central Shanghai can be reached from Suzhou in just 30 minutes by high-speed train.

Library

XJTLU students have access to a wide range of library resources, from books and journals to electronic databases and articles. The library plays a key role as a research support and learning centre for the University, developing its collection by focusing on subject development and research requirements.

The library currently holds over 500,000 books, which are added to and updated throughout the year in response to requests from academic departments. It provides 22,000 square metres of space, housing 300 PCs and 2,500 seats for studying, discussion and computer and studio work.

Campuses

North Campus

Full of striking, architecturally impressive buildings, our North Campus provides state-of-the art teaching, laboratory, research and support facilities. This includes the award-winning and iconic Central Building, which houses our library.

The campus also has sports facilities, world class-fully equipped science and engineering laboratories, International Business School Suzhou, and design studios, as well as a variety of catering facilities, including Subway, Pacific Coffee Company, and many canteen-style fast-food options.

Landscaped gardens complement pieces of modern art to create a campus environment that has become one of the striking features of Suzhou Industrial Park.

South Campus

The first phase of our South Campus was opened to the public on 26 July 2016, as a major part of the University’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

Architecturally it contrasts our North Campus and features modern designs that complement the surrounding area. Eventually, the South Campus will satisfy the learning and teaching needs of approximately 6,000 XJTLU students as well as the University’s academic exchanges and research development plans. It will consist of eight buildings and be developed over two further phases:

Phase II: International Business School Suzhou at XJTLU

This phase will see the completion of a new building for International Business School Suzhou, set to open by the end of 2017.

PHASE III: XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and XJTLU Gym

Phase III consists of two buildings – the construction of the XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and a gym. Both buildings are expected to open by the end of 2018. The development of the School, in collaboration with financial services provider Gold Finance Group, is a significant part of XJTLU’s academic development strategy. It will mix digital media arts and film and television production and technology with performance and acting. The gym will provide improved and diversified sports facilities for students and staff on campus.

Living in University

When you come to XJTLU, you will have the opportunity to try a whole range of different sports and activities as well as developing any existing skills you already have.

Student clubs and societies

Student clubs and societies play an important part of student life. XJTLU has many organisations with themes such as art, sports, music, entrepreneurship, dance to name but a few. Some of the more established groups include a Model United Nations and the Student Union.

Another society, Intercom, provides a platform for all international students to arrange activities and events, and share ideas and experiences with the wider student body.

Catering

3 canteens, 3 coffee shops, Bar, Restaurants

Sports 

Currently, 21 sports are offered through PE classes at XJTLU, including badminton, basketball, belly dancing, billiards, boxing, bridge, Chinese martial arts, football, free combat, body building, golf, popping, roller-skating, sport dancing, table tennis, taekwondo, tai chi, tai chi sword, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and yoga.

We have outside sport facilities that include basketball and tennis courts as well as indoor facilities, such as a golf training venue, gym, dance room, and table tennis room. There is also a football field located next to the new South Campus.

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🏠 Accommodation

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💰 Fees

Application Fee:

$0 USD

Tuition fee:

80,000 CNY per year

240,000 CNY in total

Entry Requirements

You are not eligible to apply to this program because:

The minimum age is 18 and the maximum age is 40.

English fluency is required.

Minimum education level: Master's

The program is quite competitive, you need to have a high grades of Average B, 60%, or a high GPA.

All students from all countries are eligible to apply to this program.

Is this not correct? You can edit your profile or contact us.
Or see the list of programs you are eligible for here .
Check Your Eligibility Show Suitable Programs

📬 Admissions Process

3 Steps to Apply to a Chinese University

Application step 1

Application step 2

Application step 3

Please choose the programs here , "You are advised to select 2-3 programs to increase your chances of getting accepted.

Required Documents:

  • Bank Statement
  • No Criminal Record Certificate
  • Medical Examination Form
  • First Recommendation Letter
  • English Language Certificate
  • Your Highest Academic Transcript (In English)
  • Your Graduation Certificate (in English)
  • Personal Statement Letter or Study Plan
  • Study Plan
  • Your Photograph
  • Your Passport Copy

Preparing documents:

You can start your application now and send the application documents during your application. Some documents you can send later if you don’t have them right away. Some more info about preparing application documents is here

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Application process:

Applying Online is simple in just a few steps. More information is available here.

The first steps are to choose the programs, pay the application fee and upload the application documents.

Once submitted to China Admissions, we will review your application within 2-3 days and proceed to the university or ask you for further clarification

After it has been processed to the university you will receive your unique application ID from each university.

The university may contact you directly for further questions.

We will then follow up each week with the university for updates. As soon as there is any update we will let you know. If you have made other plans, decide to withdraw / change address at any time please let us know.

After you have been accepted you will receive your admissions letter electronically and asked to pay the non-refundable deposit to the university.

Once you have paid the deposit the university will issue you the admissions letter and visa form to your home country.

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Here is some more information about the enrollment process after you have been accepted.

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