International Partnerships with China Strengthened

Chinese delegation explores UHI Perth’s on-campus specialist facilities

A delegation of four senior academic staff from Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics (ZUA) based in China, visited UHI Perth on 31 October to strengthen their collaborative partnership and further develop UHI’s aircraft engineering programmes in China. The visit provided an opportunity for UHI Perth to showcase its engineering and aviation facilities and introduce the Perth-based staff who will travel to ZUA to deliver training to Chinese students.  

Earlier in the month, a UHI Perth delegation had visited China, meeting with five partner institutions across four provinces to reinforce existing collaborations and explore new opportunities in transnational education. 

Led by Catherine Etri, Interim Principal and Chief Executive, and accompanied by two colleagues, the UHI Perth team visited ZUA, Jingchu University of Technology (JCUT), Shaanxi University of Technology (SNUT), Hunan Electrical and Mechanical Polytechnic (HMEP), and Hunan Institute of Engineering (HIE). 
 
Catherine explained: “The visit from Vice President Cheng and his delegation from ZUA last Friday marked a significant step forward in expanding the range of programmes and student engagement we deliver in China. It has reinforced the strength of our international partnerships and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, internationally relevant education.   
 
“Earlier in the month, our 10-day visit to China was intensive and far-reaching, travelling to four provinces across the country to meet with five key strategic partners. It was a demanding but highly productive trip that maximised our time and resources to build meaningful global relationships. 

“These partnerships provide our students and staff with access to world-class facilities in emerging sectors such as robotics, artificial intelligence, clean aviation, and renewable energy. Students will complete their UHI qualifications at our partner institutions in China, with training delivered by staff from Perth. 

“Looking ahead, we’re also excited to welcome staff from our partner institutions to Perth, where they will collaborate with our teaching teams on developments in new and emerging technologies. 
 
“As a proud Scottish institution, UHI is making a meaningful global impact - enhancing research, training, and innovation through investing in these strong international industry links.” 

At ZUA, discussions centred on expanding the successful BEng Aircraft Engineering programme, which boasts over 95% graduate employment or progression to postgraduate study. Plans are underway to grow cohort sizes from 100 to 150 students and introduce a dual honours degree. A new Mechanical Engineering programme is also in development, with curriculum mapping completed and pending government approval. UHI proposed a scholarship model for Year 4 students to study in Perth, which ZUA is currently reviewing. 

Jingchu University of Technology expressed strong interest in establishing an institutional partnership with UHI to deliver three engineering programmes through a dual qualification model. JCUT plans to submit its proposal to the Ministry of Education in March 2026 and looks forward to welcoming UHI staff for training and collaboration. 

At Shaanxi University of Technology, UHI was invited to become the new international partner for a proposed collaboration in Computing, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering, with delivery expected to begin in September 2026. Curriculum alignment was found to be strong, and both institutions are working toward a Ministry of Education submission. 
 
Hunan Electrical and Mechanical Polytechnic welcomed updates on the forthcoming DipHE programmes and showed enthusiasm for further student exchanges, following a successful visit by Perth students earlier this year. The institution’s strong industry connections and media capabilities were showcased during a campus tour. 

Finally, the Hunan Institute of Engineering proposed renewing its long-standing partnership with UHI through to 2035, with enhancements to course delivery and student experience. Discussions included a new teaching model, fee adjustments, and opportunities for students to study in Perth via scholarships and semester-abroad programmes.