The University of Leeds and the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) have announced the creation of a new joint school.
The joint school will provide Chinese students with access to internationally focused degree programmes in science, engineering and technology.
News of the joint school coincides with the new QS Rankings (published 18 June), in which Leeds has risen nine places to 77th – its second-highest ever ranking.
Approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, the new joint school is located in Beijing and will recruit students to start next year (2027), offering five undergraduate programmes designed around subject areas that matter to future society and industry, across science, business, environment, engineering and technology.
These industry-relevant degrees will help develop the next generation of scientists, engineers and technology leaders who can address some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Each year, 550 students will be admitted annually, with student numbers expected to grow to a total of 2,200 over the first four years.
The partnership will also create opportunities for future collaboration in research, innovation and talent development between the two institutions.
The new joint school builds on the University of Leeds’ long-standing commitment to international collaboration and follows the success of the joint school will Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu. Established in 2014, that joint school has since provided thousands of students with access to internationally recognised engineering and technology programmes, creating opportunities for academic exchange, research collaboration and graduate success in global industries.
USTB is one of China's leading universities in engineering, materials science, science and technology, with a strong reputation for innovation, industry engagement and research excellence. The new joint school brings together the complementary strengths of both institutions to provide students with a globally relevant education in disciplines that are critical to future economic and societal development.
Professor Hai Sui Yu, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leeds, said: "This new joint school represents an exciting milestone in our partnership with USTB and further strengthens the University of Leeds' engagement with China.
“By combining the collective expertise of our academic staff, outstanding facilities and a student-centred educational experience, we will provide students with an exceptional learning environment that prepares them for success in a rapidly changing global economy.
"The five programmes have been designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, practical skills and international outlook that employers increasingly demand. These industry-relevant degrees will help develop the next generation of scientists, engineers and technology leaders who can address some of the world's most pressing challenges.
“This latest QS ranking reflects one of Leeds’ greatest strengths: our international reach and influence. It is particularly significant that Leeds is ranked ninth in the world for International Research Network, recognising the strength of our global partnerships and the breadth of our collaboration with institutions and researchers around the world.
“As a global top 100 university, we are committed to using our research, education and partnerships to make a positive difference in our region, across the UK and around the world. This is a result that reflects sustained work across the University and gives us confidence as we continue to focus on academic excellence, student success, sustainability and research with impact.”
Students enrolled at the joint school will benefit from a curriculum developed by both universities, combining international academic standards with specialist expertise in areas that are increasingly important to industry and society.
The partnership reflects the University of Leeds' commitment to global engagement, partnerships and transnational education (TNE) provision. Through international collaborations such as the USTB joint school, Leeds is expanding opportunities for students, strengthening research and innovation links, and delivering lasting impact through education that addresses global challenges.
The new joint school also reflects the wider importance of educational collaboration in strengthening UK-China relations and supporting deeper cooperation in research, innovation, skills and talent development. It also reflects the wider value of higher education partnerships in strengthening collaboration between the UK and China.
During a recent visit (April 2026) to the Leeds – SWJTU joint school, the UK's Ambassador to China, Peter Wilson, praised the achievements of the joint school and described higher education collaboration as a vital cornerstone of UK-China relations, highlighting the role of joint programmes, student exchanges and research partnerships in creating mutually beneficial outcomes, deepening people-to-people links and expanding opportunities for innovation and knowledge exchange.
Further information
For more information, please contact the University of Leeds press office at pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.