Overview

The International Relations programme, based at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, is a strategic research collaboration between XJTLU and the University of Liverpool. You will receive supervision from respected academics at both institutions. Upon successful completion of your programme, you will receive a University of Liverpool-issued degree, which is recognised by China’s Ministry of Education.

Features

As a registered full-time PhD student, you may apply for a research visit to the University of Liverpool for up to six months.

This travel option is typically undertaken during the second year of the PhD and is an opportunity to work with your Liverpool-based supervisor. If your application to travel is successful, XJTLU and the University of Liverpool will cover your accommodation and travel costs for this study abroad opportunity.

Programme Structure

Research areas include:

international relations in China, including security, policy and economy

international policies and relations in Africa, America, Asia-Pacific and Europe

international law

international political economy

approaches to restorative justice, peace and state-building

critical security studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Starting 2026-12-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-06-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-31 00:00:00

More details

We accept PhD application all year round. The start date of the programme is normally the first day of March, June, September, or December.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

61

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Suzhou, China

Disciplines

International Relations

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

61

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

UK first or 2:1 class Bachelor degree with Honours

Or UK Pass with Merit Master degree

3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) for Bachelor or Master degree holder.

Equivalent to the above UK first or 2:1 class Bachelor degree or Pass with Merit Master degree.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and/or in China, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

99000 CNY / year

≈ 99000 CNY / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

99000 CNY / year

≈ 99000 CNY / year

Additional Details

Part-time: CNY 75,000 per year

Living costs

Suzhou

China

3000 - 5500 CNY / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Work Permits

International students in China are generally not permitted to work while studying. Limited exceptions may apply with special approval from your university and authorities. Always confirm the current rules locally.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for International Relations.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Suzhou

Funding

Work Permits

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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