A delegation from Fudan University will sign a memorandum of agreement for joint programs in history, financial math, computer science and design. Students will spend two years at Fudan, followed by two years at York, to receive a joint degree from both institutions.

“With increasing numbers of students seeing themselves as living and working internationally throughout their careers, there's a huge attraction to having a credential with this recognition,” says Sheila Embleton, York University Vice-President Academic.

“These types of degrees are highly sought after, as students receive a credential instantly recognized in both countries, which can facilitate entry into the best graduate schools and jobs in either country."

The new programs will expand on the existing partnership between York and Fudan. Currently, York students can complete summer studies at Fudan, via an intensive Chinese language and culture course, offered through York’s Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics.

“The demand for these courses always outstrips the spots available, which was a key factor in our decision to offer dual degree programs,” Embleton says.

York has also become a popular destination for Fudan students, who regularly attend the summer language program offered through the York University English Language Institute (YUELI).

The delegation from Fudan University includes: Professor Wang Shenghong, President; Professor Chen Yinzhang, Assistant President and Director, Foreign Affairs Office; Professor Ding Guanghong, Assistant President; Professor Jiang Qingwu, Dean, School of Public Health; Professor Zhong Yang, Executive Vice Dean, School of Life Sciences, and Dr. Zhu Chouwen, Deputy Director, Foreign Affairs Office.

Media contact:

Melissa Hughes, Media Relations, York University: 416 736 2100 x22097 / mehughes@yorku.ca

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 24 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

-30-