Class of 2026 graduate with international education provided by UK-China experts

The latest students to benefit from a truly international education have graduated from an institute in China established by the University of Leicester and Dalian University of Technology (DUT).

A cohort of more than 200 students graduated from the Dalian Leicester International Institute (DLI) in Panjin, on Tuesday 16 June.

Established in 2017 to teach joint undergraduate degree programmes in China with the DUT, the Institute currently offers five undergraduate courses in Applied Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Environmental Sciences.

Students are recruited from China but also have the opportunity to complete part of their studies at Leicester. They are taught by experts from both Leicester and DUT and are awarded degrees from both institutions when they graduate.

The class of 2026 comprises graduates who will go on to pursue further study at universities in China or have opted for overseas postgraduate or doctoral studies. A number have also secured employment.

This week’s graduation ceremony was attended by a delegation from the University of Leicester, which was led by President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah.

He told the graduates: “Today is a matter for great pride. You graduate with a degree from two world-class universities. This will have a major advantage in an increasingly competitive job market in China, as well as in the world.

“You are all shining examples of success and the global education you have received will mean you are prepared for what comes next.

“Your degree represents far more than academic achievement. It demonstrates resilience, adaptability, collaboration, communication and critical thinking – the very qualities employers and communities increasingly value in a fast-changing world.

“Use your education not only to enrich your own life, but to improve the lives of others.”

Professor Jingzhe Pan, Dean of Dalian Leicester Institute (DLI) at the University of Leicester, said: "I am very proud about the great achievements made by our DLI students, these are the best possible award to all our staff who have been working hard to deliver and support the DLI programs.”

Professor Jingjing Zhan, Assistant President of Dalian University of Technology, said: “As the first Chinese Dean of DLI, I am very proud to see so many young talents have graduated every year. We are incredibly proud of our graduates. Their remarkable academic success is a testament to the fruitful collaboration between two institutions.”

There are currently 1,200 students studying at the Dalian Leicester Institute (DLI). They are taught by staff at Dalian University of Technology, flying faculty and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teachers in Panjin, a city in Liaoning Province in the north-east of the country. Fifty per cent of the course is taught by Leicester staff and 50% by Dalian University of Technology staff, with 100% of the programme delivered in English. Around 80% of graduates go on to further study, many of whom choose to study in the UK.

The University of Leicester has a Chinese-language website which provides information for potential applicants.