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China launches 122 new global university partnerships to boost education

From STEM-focused joint institutes to UK-led collaborations, China’s bold education push aims to reshape global learning. Will it succeed?

The image shows a diagram of a Chinese building with Chinese characters on it, along with various...
The image shows a diagram of a Chinese building with Chinese characters on it, along with various objects and text. The text appears to be a patent application for the building, as indicated by the text on the right side of the image.

China launches 122 new global university partnerships to boost education

China, the country, has announced 122 new transnational education (TNE) projects in partnership with foreign universities. The agreements, revealed on December 30, 2025, mark a major push by the country to expand international study opportunities within its borders. Officials aim to increase TNE enrolments from 800,000 to eight million in the coming years.

The projects include 56 joint institutes and 66 joint programmes, spread across 25 provinces and municipalities of the country. Key regions involved are Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, Sichuan, and Henan. Many of these agreements focus on STEM subjects, aligning with the country’s long-term development plans.

The UK leads in partnerships with the country, with 23 projects—nearly one-fifth of the total. These consist of 12 joint institutes and 11 joint programmes. Other major collaborators include Russia (21 projects), the US (8), Australia (8), and Italy (8).

Participating institutions feature prominent names like the University of Auckland, Durham University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of São Paulo. Additionally, the Chinese government is now encouraging TNE programmes to enrol non-Chinese students, positioning the country as a global study destination.

The expansion of TNE projects reflects the country’s ambition to strengthen its education sector and attract international learners. With enrolment targets set at eight million, the country is actively broadening its academic partnerships. The focus on STEM and regional distribution further supports its development strategy.

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