6 October, 2016
University of Waikato international partnership first of its kind
The University of Waikato has become the first New Zealand university to be approved to teach and award its degrees in
China.
Starting in September 2017, the University of Waikato will establish a joint Institute with Zheijiang University City
College (ZUCC) which will allow students to complete their degree studies in China and receive a dual degree from both
universities.
ZUCC is an independent college of Zhejiang University – one of the top three universities in China. The University
originally partnered with ZUCC in 2002.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley says this is a significant move for the University and complements other joint
programmes it has been running in China for the past 20 years.
“The University is committed to growing its off-shore delivery, and transnational education plays an important role in
the University’s internationalisation strategy,” he says.
Institute approvals go through a rigorous process, including vetting by the Provincial Ministry of Education and the
Chinese Ministry of Education in Beijing.
Professor Quigley says the partnership is significant because it’s the first of its kind between a New Zealand and
Chinese university.
“We’re the first university in New Zealand to achieve institute status in China, so we’re excited to be able to offer
full degree programmes there.
“We’ve been privileged to have a long association with ZUCC, and the establishment of an institute there is a great
progression for us.”
The first intake of students will be able to study for degrees in finance, media and creative technologies, and computer
graphic design.
“We know there’s a need for these types of programmes in China. The finance degree was a popular choice with students
when we began our partnership with ZUCC, and the addition of media and creative technologies and computer graphic design
relates well to the location of ZUCC in Huangzhou, which is a hub for technology and creative practices,” says Professor
Quigley.
“This is a mutually beneficial partnership where there are clear outcomes for both universities.”