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The University of Exeter plans to open a joint institute in China catering for up to 1,200 students ¨C the institution¡¯s first major overseas campus.?

The?institution said it has received approval from China¡¯s Ministry of Education to create a ¡°world-class education institute¡± in partnership with Zhejiang University of Technology (ZJUT).?

Commencing September 2026, students will graduate with a dual degree from both institutions.?

The new institute will be based in Hangzhou, the capital city of China¡¯s Zhejiang province.?

According to Exeter, the new institution will offer three undergraduate and two master¡¯s programmes in the fields of engineering, data science and digital media.?

All programmes will have a focus on sustainability and digital intelligence, ¡°providing the outlook and skills for today¡¯s global careers market¡±.?

A number of UK universities already operate joint campuses in China, including Nottingham, Liverpool and Coventry.?

US institutions running campuses in the country have reported record application numbers this year, with political uncertainty in the US thought to be driving demand.?

However, Western universities have faced increased scrutiny from policymakers over their links with China amid concerns about espionage and political interference.?

Lisa Roberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Exeter, said, ¡°This partnership is a major leap in Exeter¡¯s ambition to deliver our world-class education globally.?

¡°We¡¯re excited that our new joint education institute will unite the excellence of our two universities, to prepare career-ready students with a global outlook to benefit industry and global society.¡±

Exeter has already worked with ZJUT for a decade.

A spokesperson for ZJUT said, ¡°Together, ZJUT and Exeter will deliver the best of Chinese and British education, in a world-class partnership that will challenge and inspire the next generation.

¡°Our new ZJUT-Exeter joint institute will support our country¡¯s innovation strategy and is expected to become a high-level international cooperative education base with international influence.¡±

helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com