The University of Exeter plans to open a joint institute in China catering for up to 1,200 students – 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 (�ܴ�����).��

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.��

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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”.��

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Chinese authorities also granted approval to Hull University Business School to set up an institute at Chongqing Technology and Business University.��

The Hull Institute will launch in 2026, offering three undergraduate business programmes and two postgraduate programmes.��

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.��

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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.

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“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