Building an international reputation through ambassadors and exchange programmes
At Beijing Institute of Technology, an international outlook is being prioritised through its ambassador and international outreach programmes
Beijing Institute of Technology
In today’s global world, talented individuals can be found everywhere. For universities to recruit these individuals, they must have a clear outreach programme and structured enrolment strategies.
One of the ways that Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) attracts top international students and strengthens its global visibility is through its ambassador programme. Like many institutions, BIT works with current students to advocate for the university, sharing their experiences and supporting the institution’s recruitment efforts.
The university offers a multitude of courses taught in English to attract international students who may not yet be comfortable enough in their language skills to study in Chinese. Courses include undergraduate programmes in computer science and technology, mechatronics engineering, and international economics and trade. Master’s programmes taught in English include business administration, chemistry and law, while all PhD programmes can be taught in English.
In addition to the Study in BIT Programme, where international student representatives extol the virtues of studying at BIT and living in Beijing, the university also provides clear admission criteria for international students aiming to enrol at the institution. For instance, eligibility for the undergraduate programme is dependent on four factors. Students must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid foreign passport, aged under 25, be a graduate at high school level or above, and be in good physical and mental health.
If international students fulfil the application criteria, they will be asked to complete an online form and submit the necessary materials, such as a language proficiency test, personal statement and financial guarantee letter. Applications will also depend on the degree programme that the international student is signing up for. Possible curricula include science and engineering, mathematics, physics, liberal arts, business and various Chinese language courses.
For international students undertaking a master’s or doctorate, the Chinese government provides a high-level graduate scholarship to further incentivise applications. Outstanding international applicants can apply for the scholarship alongside various courses, such as mechanical engineering, chemistry, applied economics, law and many others. The scholarship will cover the student’s tuition fees, arrange housing in a university dormitory (or include an accommodation subsidy) and provide comprehensive medical insurance. A monthly stipend is also provided for master’s and PhD students.
As further evidence of BIT’s international vision, the university also runs its Outstanding Young Talent Science Fund Programme (Overseas) to encourage young scholars who have achieved excellent results in natural sciences, engineering and other fields to return to China. BIT will provide selected candidates with a competitive salary and benefits, priority access to various internal projects, additional funding and ongoing salary growth.
BIT’s international outlook has expanded consistently over the last decade. Today, its proportion of international students stands at approximately 10 per cent. Whether these students are enrolled at BIT full-time or are participating in an exchange programme while studying at one of the 400 institutions BIT is partnered with worldwide, they will discover a university that is open to new ideas while remaining eager to share its unique culture.
For international learners, there is a significant degree of variety on offer at BIT, with exchange students able to study regular degree programmes in English or Chinese, as well as being able to enrol in an intensive Chinese language programme. BIT is a diverse and inclusive institution where students are encouraged to enjoy their time at the university and share their experiences with other prospective students.