Local universities begin new semester with increased international student enrollment

As the academic year begins, Shenzhen’s universities are experiencing an influx of international students, setting the stage for a dynamic exchange of knowledge and culture.

Recent data show a notable increase in the number of international students enrolled in Shenzhen’s universities. In 2024, local universities are welcoming 2,393 new international students from over 80 countries and regions, including Germany, Russia, Singapore, the U.K., the U.S., and Canada, surpassing the total number of existing international students at these institutions.

Newly admitted students from home and abroad applaud during an opening convocation at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School on Aug. 24. Courtesy of the school

With a diverse community of international students ready to enrich academic pursuits and promote intercultural dialogue on campus, this semester signals the beginning of a new chapter for Shenzhen’s universities.

Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU)

SZTU welcomed nearly 20 international students from Russia, Germany, and Singapore to its undergraduate program and short-term exchange initiatives. It is worth noting that this is the first year that SZTU has enrolled international students in its undergraduate program.

During an orientation session held Sept. 5, SZTU vice president Ming Zhong said that international students have transformed the campus into a more inclusive and global family. He encouraged international students to actively participate in campus activities, exchange ideas and experiences, and make progress together with Chinese students.

Newly admitted international students and professors pose for a group photo during an orientation session at Shenzhen Technology University on Sept. 5. Courtesy of the university

Melikyan Milena, a 17-year-old freshman from Russia, said that she chose SZTU because of its rapid development, excellent facilities, and welcoming environment.

Similarly, Maximilian Gehring, an exchange student from the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, expressed his enthusiasm for the intercultural learning opportunities at SZTU. He said that he would focus on his research areas, including economics and technology, during his time at SZTU.

“The cooperation between my university and SZTU provides a unique opportunity not only to complete my course projects, but also to immerse myself in Chinese culture and improve my language skills,” he said.

Shenzhen MSU-BIT University (SMBU)

SMBU, the first Sino-Russian cooperative university, has enrolled over 180 international students this semester.

Among them is Irina Pankrashkina, who hails from Ekaterinburg, Russia. Pankrashkina wanted to study at a Chinese university and chose SMBU over other prestigious institutions such as New York University Shanghai and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology because of its dual degree program, which offers Chinese and Russian diplomas, bilingual teaching, and diverse cultural experiences.

“SMBU has several compelling features that I was looking for. The unique dual degree program can offer both Chinese and Russian diplomas, which are highly valued worldwide. In addition, part of the curriculum is taught in both Chinese and English, which provides a solid foundation in both languages and enhances my future opportunities. Most importantly, it’s crucial for me to be able to make new connections and connect with people from different nations,” said Pankrashkina.

Having never visited Shenzhen before her arrival, Pankrashkina was amazed by the city when she saw it from an airplane window. “Shenzhen is a unique mix of parks and skyscrapers, diverse green areas and concrete neighborhoods. It has rich biodiversity, including marine habitats, forests, and lakes, making it an excellent setting for studying ecosystems and wildlife.”

Kseniia Karpenko, a biology major, also appreciates the dual degree program at SMBU, which will allow her to earn degrees from both SMBU and the Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU). She also appreciated the university’s wide range of activities and scholarship opportunities.

For Karpenko, who just arrived in the city, Shenzhen is an amazing blend of nature and modern architecture. “What really captivated me was Shenzhen’s impressive commitment to sustainability. Everywhere I looked, electric vehicles glided silently down the streets. The streets were immaculately clean. I could see that Shenzhen is a real-life example of environmental awareness and innovation, and I would rank it as one of the best places I have ever been,” she said.

Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS)

This semester, Tsinghua SIGS welcomed nearly 1,900 international students, including more than 390 doctoral students and almost 1,500 postgraduate students from 25 countries and regions around the world.

Kapetanios Matthaios, from Greece, spoke on behalf of the Class of 2024 at the university’s recent opening convocation. “The decision to study in China was driven by my passion for the Chinese language and culture, and as foreign students in China, we have the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in Chinese culture and connect with the people of this vibrant nation,” Matthaios said.

He believes that studying at Tsinghua SIGS will open doors to new opportunities, broaden his perspectives, and equip him with the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. “Tsinghua SIGS brings together people from all over the world, and this diversity is a gift. I believe we will all have unforgettable experiences during our time here,” added Matthaios.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen)

In a record breaking achievement, CUHK-Shenzhen enrolled nearly 240 international students from 16 countries and regions, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Japan, in its undergraduate program. International freshmen account for nearly 10% of the incoming class.

The university also welcomed an additional 133 exchange students from 44 partner institutions in 23 countries and regions. The number of international freshmen and international exchange students at CUHK-Shenzhen reached a record high this year, the university said.

Francisco Manna Melo Martinez, a 19-year-old freshman from Brazil, is one of the roughly 240 international students enrolled in CUHK-Shenzhen’s undergraduate program this year.

He had not planned to study in China until he heard about the positive experiences of his father’s friends in Shenzhen and Shanghai. After researching universities in these cities online, he decided that CUHK-Shenzhen appealed to him most because of its blend of Western educational approaches and Chinese culture, which he believes will give him a broader global perspective.

Dana Kalambaeva, a freshman from Russia who plans to major in data science, said that it had always been her dream to study in China because of her admiration for the hardworking spirit of the Chinese people.

She chose CUHK-Shenzhen because of its English-language teaching environment and the opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture. Although it was Kalambaeva’s first time in Shenzhen, she was already familiar with the city, which is often referred to as “China’s Silicon Valley.”

●“The cooperation between my university and SZTU provides a unique opportunity not only to complete my course projects, but also to immerse myself in Chinese culture and improve my language skills.”

Maximilian Gehring From Germany

●“Tsinghua SIGS brings together people from all over the world, and this diversity is a gift. I believe we will all have unforgettable experiences during our time here.”

Kapetanios Matthaios From Greece

●“What really captivated me was Shenzhen’s impressive commitment to sustainability... Shenzhen is a real-life example of environmental awareness and innovation.”

Kseniia Karpenko From Russia

●“SMBU has several compelling features that I was looking for. The unique dual degree program can offer both Chinese and Russian diplomas, which are highly valued worldwide.”

Irina Pankrashkina From Russia

●“CUHK-Shenzhen appeals to me most because of its blend of Western educational approaches and Chinese culture, which will give me a broader global perspective.”

Francisco Manna Melo Martinez From Brazil