What if your university experience could connect you with the world while opening the door to China?

On September 16, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) welcomed 702 new students from 80 countries at the 2026 International Education Opening Ceremony. With different languages, cultures, and aspirations, they came together in Shanghai to begin a new chapter.

Figure 1. ECUST welcomes the Class of 2026 at the International Education Opening Ceremony. 

Discover the World on One Campus

Professor ZHU Weihong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice President of ECUST, welcomed the incoming class with a vision of “bringing China together at ECUST, and bringing the world to ECUST.” He encouraged students to embrace cultural diversity, deepen their understanding of China and the wider world, and develop the openness and global outlook needed to become bridges between China and the international community.

Figure 2. Professor ZHU Weihong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice President of ECUST, delivers the welcome address.

That international spirit came to life as eight student representatives from Thailand, China, the United States, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Sierra Leone shared their aspirations for the future.

Each student arrived with a different story, but all had chosen ECUST as the place to begin their next chapter.

Figure 3. Eight student representatives from around the world share their aspirations for the future.

At ECUST, international education is more than a concept. It is part of everyday campus life: the classmates you meet, the friendships you build, the perspectives you exchange, and the projects you undertake together.

Beyond the Classroom: Learning for the Real World

At ECUST, learning goes beyond lectures and textbooks.

Professor LI Xiaopeng, Dean of the College of International Education, ECUST, introduced the University’s approach to international education through “innovation and integration,” highlighting initiatives including the Joint Multi-Degree (JMD) Program, Mustakbal Star Program (MSP), and Second Classroom. Together, these initiatives create opportunities for students to experience cross-cultural learning and connect academic study with the wider world.

Figure 4. Professor LI Xiaopeng, Dean of the College of International Education, introduces ECUST’s international education initiatives.

This commitment was further demonstrated at the ceremony, where ECUST signed cooperation agreements with Sinopec Engineering (Group) Co., Ltd., AgiBot Innovation (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd., BioBAY, and Shanghai Senhan Fuyu Ecological Technology Co., Ltd. to establish enterprise internship and practical training bases. Nine industry professionals from fields including engineering, biomedicine, consulting, and sustainable development were also appointed as enterprise mentors. 

Figure 5. ECUST signs cooperation agreements with industry partners to establish internship and practical training bases.

Figure 6. Nine industry professionals are appointed as enterprise mentors.

These partnerships give students opportunities to connect academic knowledge with real-world applications, engage with industry professionals, gain practical experience, and explore how their chosen fields are shaping the future.

The enterprise mentors also introduced students to some of the challenges and opportunities facing industries worldwide: How are engineering companies expanding into international markets? How will carbon reduction and ESG shape the future of business? Why are cross-cultural communication skills increasingly important in a global career?

At ECUST, these questions are not just topics for discussion. They are an invitation to explore what lies beyond the classroom.

Figure 7. Enterprise mentor representative XU Liang shares insights into international engineering and industry development. 

Figure 8. Enterprise mentor representative Emmanuel Delplanque shares insights into sustainability and ESG.

Supporting Your Ambitions

ECUST is committed to supporting outstanding students from diverse backgrounds through a range of scholarship opportunities.

Among the new students enrolled in international education programs in autumn 2026, 106 received scholarships, representing 15% of the incoming cohort. These included Chinese Government Scholarships, Shanghai Government Scholarships, ECUST President’s Scholarships, and corporate scholarships.

Figure 9. Scholarship recipients are recognized at the 2026 International Education Opening Ceremony.

These scholarships recognize academic achievement and provide valuable support, help These scholarships recognize academic achievement while providing valuable support, helping students focus on their studies, pursue their interests, and make the most of their university experience.

Your Story Starts Here

University life is about more than a timetable, a classroom, or a degree.

It is about working on a project with someone from another country for the first time. It is about discovering new perspectives through conversations with friends from around the world. It is about exploring Shanghai, engaging with industry, building friendships across cultures, and finding where your interests and ambitions may lead.

In 2026, 702 new students from 80 countries began their stories at ECUST.

Perhaps the next story will be yours.

Meet the world at ECUST. Your story starts here.