THE University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is celebrating the graduation of 363 construction and engineering students at its partner institutions in China.
The partnerships with Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics, Henan University of Urban Construction, and Hunan Institute of Engineering come as part of UHI’s strategy to pursue sustainable income streams to ensure long-term viability and academic excellence – with a key part of the strategy being to grow its presence in China.
UHI revealed it now generates over £1 million in supplementary income across all of its Chinese partnerships, which it said is a ‘significant’ contribution to its financial sustainability and global educational impact.
The recent graduation ceremonies, which were led by UHI Perth staff, represented more than half of all UHI engineering graduates in higher education this year, which the institute said is a clear demonstration of the scale and success of its Transnational Education (TNE) programmes.
Nicky Inglis, director of curriculum at UHI Perth, said, “These aren’t just ceremonies – they represent years of academic collaboration, cultural exchange and dedicated student support. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our graduates and the ongoing growth of these international partnerships.”
Heidi Hope, sector manager of science, engineering and aircraft at UHI Perth, added, “Following the excellent graduation ceremonies, we held successful and productive meetings with Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics and Henan University of Urban Construction. During these discussions, we explored opportunities to further strengthen our existing partnerships, with a focus on developing project-based and work-integrated learning experiences for international students studying in Perth.
“The continued success of these international collaborations, and the achievements of our students, are a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of our academic staff. Their efforts ensure a positive, high-quality, and sector-leading educational experience for all UHI Perth students—both locally and internationally.”
Lin Shen, director of partnerships at UHI Perth, commented, “This is a story of global ambition, local excellence and the transformative power of partnership. Our students are excelling, our collaborations are flourishing, and UHI is gaining international recognition as a leader in transnational engineering education.”
