University expands global education reach through new China partnerships

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, has expanded its transnational education (TNE) portfolio with two new joint degree programmes and a new institute in partnership with leading universities in China.

The initiatives with Wuhan University, Southwest University and Sichuan University create international study pathways for students while strengthening research and teaching links between academics in New Zealand and China.

Director International Martin Hookham-Simms said the initiatives bring together complementary strengths in teaching and research while giving students experiences that will prepare them for global careers.

“These partnerships give students the opportunity to learn across cultures and develop skills and connections to work internationally. They also establish lasting, mutually beneficial ties, and with institutions of this calibre, can open the door to wider academic collaboration and research.”

Under the joint programmes, students begin their studies at their home university in China before transferring to the University of Auckland to complete the final stage of their degree. Teaching is shared between academics from both universities, and graduates receive qualifications from each university. 

A major milestone is the launch of the Sichuan University-Auckland Institute (SCAI) in Chengdu, which is expected to enrol up to 300 students a year across engineering and computer science programmes.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education Professor Sarah Young said Sichuan University is a top-tier research institution in China with a strong record of industry engagement.

Addressing SCAI’s first cohort, Young reflected on the possibilities the partnership enables, drawing on the institute's motto, 'From SCAI. Beyond Sky': “These words remind us that while your journey begins at SCAI, there is no limit to where it may lead."

The University has also launched Te Hono Taniwha, a joint programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences with Wuhan University. It is part of a wider collaboration that includes seed funding for joint research projects as well as short-term exchanges for staff and students.

The programme was named Te Hono Taniwha following a ceremony on the City Campus in May 2026. Proposed by the Faculty of Science Kaiārahi Tui Kaumoana (Waikato, Ngāti Maniapoto), it refers to the half-dragon, half-taniwha carving in Ngā Tauira Marae and the connections between the two cultures.

“The similarity between the dragon from Asia and the taniwha from Aotearoa is kaitiakitanga, which is about protecting the Earth and the environment. But kaitiakitanga is also about protecting the people,” said Kaumoana. 

A new psychology programme with Southwest University also builds on a successful partnership that began with a data science pathway in 2016.

Associate Dean International (Science) Professor Sebastian Link, who has established and led several of the University's TNE partnerships, said the relationship had developed into a successful model of international education.

“The partnership with Southwest University has created new pathways for students and strengthened institutional connections between China and Aotearoa New Zealand.”