Date: October 9, 2025

Editor: Li Weimiao

The 2025 opening ceremony for the "3+1 International Class," a collaborative program between Jinan University and University College Dublin (UCD), was held on September 29 at Jinan University’s Shipai Campus. A total of 80 new students joined the program, marking a significant step in the international educational partnership between the two institutions.

(Opening ceremony for the first cohort of the "3+1 International Class" between Jinan University and University College Dublin. Photo provided by Jinan University)

The program follows a credit transfer and joint training model. This year, 80 students were admitted through the National College Entrance Examination into three undergraduate majors: Business English (International Class), International Business (International Class), and Tourism Management (International Class). A key feature of the program is the "3+1" study pathway: students complete their undergraduate studies at Jinan University in the first three years, and upon meeting academic and language requirements, proceed to UCD for a one-year master’s degree program. This model shortens the study timeline by 2–3 years compared to traditional pathways. Jinan University aims to use this program as a model for building a multi-level, high-quality system for cultivating global talent.

Vice President Zhang Hong of Jinan University highlighted that the partnership is a key initiative under the university’s "3+X" Global Learning Plan.

Zhao Jiawen, Director of the China Office and East Asia Regional Director of UCD, emphasized the program’s efficiency and quality. He encouraged students with a quote from UCD founder John Henry Newman: "The purpose of education is to empower and shape character."

Federica Pazzaglia, Deputy Head of UCD College of Business and Dean of Smurfit Graduate School of Business, expressed a warm welcome to the new students and confirmed the school’s full support, looking forward to further collaboration between the two universities.

Lucy Ward, Head of Education and Culture at the Embassy of Ireland in China, highlighted the Irish government’s policy allowing international students to stay for up to two years after graduation. She expressed pride in the educational cooperation between China and Ireland and reaffirmed the embassy's ongoing support for the partnership.

(2025-09-30)