The University of Aberdeen has further enhanced its global presence through new partnerships with China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Northwest University, which will see more than 300 new students enrolled from September with further growth to follow in 2027.
An Aberdeen delegation led by Professor Peter Edwards, Vice Chancellor and Principal, visited China to launch the inaugural student cohorts.
The partnerships commit to working together to address global challenges and to providing students with an education that prepares them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global community.
Professor Edwards said the step marks another vital step in the University of Aberdeen’s ongoing global expansion and underlines Aberdeen’s consistently high scores for ‘international outlook’ in the Times Higher Education University Rankings.
The University of Aberdeen has an established track record of working with China University of Geosciences (CUGB), with a previous Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 to mark formal collaboration in areas including marine science, economics and management.
CUGB excels in specialisms which align with Aberdeen’s own research strengths. Its Earth Sciences is positioned in the top 10 worldwide and it is recognised as a centre of excellence in geology, geological resources and geological engineering.
The new partnership will launch with joint programmes in Big Data Management and Application, and Digital Economy this September - with the foundational cohort of students exceeding 200. Additional Geoscience programmes will aim to launch in September 2027 amid growing cooperation in areas such as the energy transition, carbon capture and storage, critical minerals and geothermal energy.
Northwest University (NWU) is the oldest higher education institution in northwest China with three campuses in Taibai, Taoyuan, and Chang'an and is an experienced TNE operator.
Engagement between Aberdeen and NWU has been ongoing since 2025 focused on mathematics and finance, providing a strong base from which to build the partnership.
A new joint programme of Financial Mathematics, jointly developed by UoA and NWU, will launch in September with over 100 students, and additional courses to expand the options offered are planned over the coming years.
Professor Peter Edwards, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, said: “Meaningful global partnerships are among the most important ways universities can serve society. They allow us to combine complementary strengths, broaden academic perspectives, and create opportunities that benefit not only the partners but also their respective regions, contributing to wider economic, social and cultural development.
“Over recent years the University of Aberdeen and the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Northwest University have developed strong connections.
“These partnerships represent exciting opportunities for students and staff and will build relationships that contribute to knowledge, economic development, and societal progress.”