University of Exeter welcomes first students to Joint Education Institute in China
The University of Exeter has marked a major milestone in its global strategy, welcoming the first cohort of undergraduate students to the Exeter-Zhejiang University of Technology (ZJUT) Joint Education Institute in China.
A matriculation ceremony held on 2 September brought together students, academic leaders and partners from both universities to celebrate the start of studies at the institute and the next chapter in our long-standing partnership with ZJUT.
The event reflected a shared ambition to nurture future leaders and innovators capable of tackling the global challenges shaping our world, from digital transformation to sustainable development.
Speakers included Exeter’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lisa Roberts; Professor CHEN Jiming, President of ZJUT; Professor LIU Yujing, Executive Vice-Dean of the Joint Education Institute; and Professor Tim Quine, President’s Special Envoy and Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers encouraged students to embrace the opportunities and responsibilities of studying at the Institute, highlighting its mission to prepare future leaders for a rapidly changing world shaped by advances in artificial intelligence, digital innovation and the transition to a more sustainable future.
Professor Chen reflected on the profound transformations underway across society and industry, urging students not simply to respond to change, but to help shape it. A student representative also addressed attendees, highlighting the opportunities the Institute will create for its inaugural cohort.
An additional highlight of the ceremony was the time capsule event, A Letter to My Future Self, in which new students placed letters into a capsule that will be opened at their graduation ceremony.
Approved by China’s Ministry of Education in 2025, the Joint Education Institute combines Exeter’s academic expertise with ZJUT’s strong industry connections to deliver high-quality, research-led education in engineering, data science, information technology and digital media.
The Institute has now welcomed its first students and once fully established, will provide degree programmes for up to 1,200 students within a dynamic UK-China academic framework.
Building on more than a decade of successful collaboration between Exeter and ZJUT, the Joint Education Institute will serve as a hub for talent development, joint research and industry engagement. The partnership reflects Exeter’s long-term commitment to global engagement and international collaboration, creating new opportunities for students, researchers and academic colleagues in both the UK and China.
Professor Lisa Roberts, said: “This Joint Education Institute is a significant step in Exeter’s global ambitions. Working closely with our partners at ZJUT, we are creating an educational environment that brings together international perspectives, academic excellence and real-world relevance. The Institute reflects our shared ambition to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital and technological world.”
The arrival of ZUTE’s first students represents a landmark achievement in Exeter’s global education strategy and the University’s first transnational education cohort. It strengthens one of Exeter’s most significant international partnerships and creates lasting opportunities for collaboration, innovation and student success, bringing to life the Institute’s shared vision: ‘We build the mind that builds the future.’
