PolyU is committed to nurturing a global perspective in students through a diverse range of initiatives, including student exchange programmes, Service-Learning, non-local Work-Integrated Education and other short-term non-local study initiatives. Recently, President Professor Jin-Guang Teng led a delegation to the United Kingdom to strengthen academic and research collaborations with several world-renowned institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. The productive visit culminated in the signing of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs), marking a significant milestone for the internationalisation of PolyU.

Cambridge and Oxford: First partnerships on student mobility

The signing of MoUs included the first partnerships on student mobility, with an MoU signed with Pembroke College of the University of Cambridge, and two with Oriel and Mansfield Colleges of the University of Oxford.

These agreements will greatly expand non-local study opportunities for PolyU students, ranging from summer programmes to semester-long and one-year study programmes. Our students will have the chance to immerse themselves in the Oxbridge collegiate tutorial system, benefit from personalised academic mentoring, attend world-class lectures, and participate in college events, enriching both their academic and cultural experiences.

University of Warwick: Advancing collaboration in research and education

The University’s strategic partnership with the University of Warwick aims to raise the two-way student mobility traffic significantly, strengthen academic, cultural, and engagement ties, fostering innovative and mutually beneficial collaborations in research and education, developing joint initiatives–including a seed fund to catalyse new areas of research collaboration–and promoting intercultural understanding and a global outlook.

MoU signing by President Teng and Prof. Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Warwick, for establishing strategic partnership.

University of Reading: Deepening academic and cultural exchange

PolyU also signed an agreement with the University of Reading, extending collaboration beyond student exchanges to a broader spectrum of opportunities and activities. The partnership encompasses collaborative research and publications, staff and postgraduate research student exchanges, taught programmes, short-term study courses, and a variety of cultural and intellectual enrichment opportunities.

Meeting with the senior management team after MoU signing and discussion with Prof. Robert Van De Noort CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of Reading, to identify strategies for further collaboration.

Engaging with leading London institutions

To further broaden academic synergies, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with University College London. Before President Teng arrived in the United Kingdom, Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships) Professor Geoffrey Shen led the delegation to visit Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, and the University of the Arts London, for expanding the University’s collaboration. These engagements mark a significant step forward in PolyU’s internationalisation strategy. The visit concluded with a gathering of the Hong Kong PolyU (United Kingdom) Association, strengthening the University’s strong alumni connections and its international network.

Gathering with alumni and former staff member in the United Kingdom.

With a global network spanning over 390 academic institutions across more than 45 countries and regions, PolyU has signed more than 600 academic collaboration agreements, covering student exchanges, joint research projects, and other collaborative activities. The University’s goal is for every undergraduate to participate in at least one non-local learning experience by graduation, starting from the 2027/28 academic year, thereby broadening their international perspective and fostering a sense of social responsibility.