Plans for new China campus for Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University announced during UK Prime Minister's state visit

LONDON, Feb. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Plans for a new campus for Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University were unveiled today as the UK Prime Minister Theresa May continues her state visit to China accompanied by University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Janet Beer.

The new campus, to be constructed in the city of Taicang, will mirror aspects of XJTLU's existing provision, offering a high calibre, international higher education experience with the opportunity to study both in China and in the United Kingdom. It is proposed that the campus will open in 2020 and it is anticipated to grow to a community of 6,000 students by 2025.

Sino-British collaboration

Dame Janet said, "XJTLU has established itself as an outstanding example of Sino-British collaboration in higher education. I am delighted that the University of Liverpool, together with XJTLU and Xi'an Jiaotong University, and in partnership with the Taicang City Government, are building on this international success.

The new campus will forge innovative, dynamic relationships between the University, local companies and society, providing highly-skilled, international graduates and contributing to the knowledge economy."

The campus will enable new and innovative links to be formed between XJTLU, industry and the local community in Taicang, supporting sustainable development and providing opportunities for students to spend time working with and within the city's expanding industrial base. A key focus will be to develop graduates in science and technology with expertise in AI and robotics who will go on to lead new industries.

Professor Youmin Xi, executive president of XJTLU said: "The new Taicang campus meets our ambitious mission to develop the university of the future, establishing a new relationship between the university and companies, industries and the wider community.'

Top joint venture university in China

Launched in 2006, XJTLU is a joint venture between the University of Liverpool and Xi'an Jiaotong University, which has rapidly grown to a diverse international community of more than 10,000 students and 1,000 staff, who come from more than 50 different countries. It is ranked as the Number 1 joint venture university in China and is the largest of its kind in the country.

The partnership is based at the modern, purpose-built XJTLU campus in the city of Suzhou and its students gain both Chinese and UK degree accreditation. Many XJTLU students opt to finish their degree overseas and there are currently around 3,000 studying at the University of Liverpool. A number of University of Liverpool students take the opportunity to spend a year of their studies in Suzhou.

The proposed campus in Taicang will include space dedicated to research, learning and teaching, and innovation and entrepreneurship. It will also have a dedicated library, sports facilities and accommodation for students and staff and be designed to support an international community in an eco-friendly environment.

The new campus is expected to contribute to the overall growth of XJTLU to 24,000 students by 2028.

Founded in 2006, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is the largest international joint venture university in China, a partnership between Xi'an Jiaotong University and the University of Liverpool.

Our vision is to become a research-led international university in China and a Chinese university recognised internationally for its unique features.

SOURCE Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University