Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

In 1925, a group of students and academics from St. John’s University in Shanghai embarked on a journey that would forever shape the landscape of finance and economics education in China. They established the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) as we know it today. It was initially known as Kwang Hua University, and it found its first home in the bustling city of Shanghai. However, the tides of history had other plans. As the shadow of the Second Sino-Japanese War loomed large, the university, like many other institutions of learning, sought refuge in the heart of China. In 1938, SWUFE made the significant move to Chengdu. This relocation marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would see the university flourish as a beacon of knowledge in Western China. After the war, while the main body of Kwang Hua University returned to Shanghai, the Chengdu branch stood its ground. It became independent in 1946, transforming into Chenghua University. The subsequent years brought more change. In 1952, Chenghua University merged with various business and economics departments from other institutions to form the Sichuan Institute of Finance and Economics. This laid the foundation for what SWUFE is renowned for today. The university briefly took on the name Chengdu University from 1961 to 1978. The People’s Bank of China took over its administration in 1980. It was during this time, in 1985, that the institution finally received its present name – the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics. The university’s journey reflects the resilience and determination of its founders and the commitment to providing top-tier education in finance and economics. Today, SWUFE stands as a testament to its rich history, consistently ranking among the top universities in China and gaining global recognition for its academic excellence.