Contributor: International Exchange and Cooperation Office

Date: 2025-10-08

Editor: Su Qianyi

On September 29, the opening ceremony for the inaugural "3+1 International Programme" cohort of 2025 was held at Jinan University's Shipai Campus, marking the start of a unique "3-year undergraduate + 1-year master's" educational journey for 80 students. The programme adopts a credit transfer model, enabling students to complete their studies 2–3 years faster than through traditional pathways.

The ceremony was presided over by Wang Yu, Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Office of Jinan University. Distinguished attendees included Zhou Liuyu, Deputy Director of the Exchange and Cooperation Division of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education; Lucy Ward, Head of Education and Culture at the Embassy of Ireland in China; Zhang Hong, Vice President of Jinan University; Zhao Jiawen, Director of the China Office and East Asia Regional Director at University College Dublin (UCD); Federica Pazzaglia, Vice-Principal of UCD College of Business and Dean of Smurfit Graduate School of Business; and Elaine Aherne, Admissions Director of Smurfit Graduate School of Business. Representatives from relevant university departments and the programme's host schools, along with all new students, joined the ceremony.

（Jinan University - University College Dublin "3+1 International Programme" Inaugural Cohort Launch Ceremony）

The "3+1 International Programme" welcomed its first cohort of 80 students in 2025, admitted through the National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao). The programme offers three undergraduate majors: Business English (International Programme), International Business (International Programme), and Tourism Management (International Programme). Students will spend their first three years at Jinan University and, upon meeting academic and language requirements, proceed to University College Dublin for a one-year taught master’s degree in the fourth year.

In his address, Prof. Zhang Hong, Vice President of Jinan University, extended his congratulations to the new students and encouraged them to remain determined, open-minded, and committed to comprehensive self-development. He emphasized that the "3+1 International Programme" serves as a key initiative under Jinan University’s "3+X" Global Study Plan, which aims to establish a multi-level and high-quality framework for cultivating international talent, thereby supporting Chinese enterprises in their global expansion.

Mr. Zhao Jiawen, representing UCD, highlighted the programme’s efficiency and academic quality. He encouraged students to draw inspiration from the educational philosophy of UCD’s founder, John Henry Newman, who emphasized the role of education in empowering individuals and shaping character. Federica Pazzaglia warmly welcomed the students on behalf of UCD College of Business, pledging comprehensive academic and career development support to nurture future leaders equipped with multicultural perspectives and professional excellence.

Ms. Lucy Ward highlighted Ireland’s policy that allows international graduates to remain in the country for up to two years post-graduation. She expressed pride in the ongoing educational collaboration between Ireland and China and reaffirmed the Embassy’s support for the partnership between the two universities.

Deputy Director Zhou Liuyu congratulated both institutions on the successful launch of the programme. She noted its innovative approach in the context of Guangdong’s strategy to further internationalize its education system and expressed hope that the collaboration would continue to align with the province's key industry needs.

On behalf of the new students, Liu Rui from the Business English (International Programme) cohort of 2025 delivered a speech, urging his peers to embrace the values of “perseverance, courage, innovation, and excellence” throughout their academic journey.

Following the ceremony, the "First Lesson from UCD" was held at the Four Seas Art Space. To conclude the event, faculty and students placed letters into a "Letter to the Future" time capsule, to be reopened and revisited together at their graduation.

（"First Lesson at University College Dublin"）