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Dalhousie's Faculty of Agriculture and the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) in China are taking the next step in their academic partnership by establishing a jointly run college in China.

The new initiative builds on more than 20 years of programming partnerships that have trained more than 1,000 students.

“Significant achievements have been reached in the aspects of joint educational programs, research, and social extension over more than two decades,” says Gefu Wang-Pruski, acting dean in the Faculty of Agriculture. “This is the logical next step in our partnership.”

The Dalhousie University College of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University is a non-profit educational institution providing programs to undergraduate-level enrolling Chinese students, while interested students around the world are also welcome. The college is located on the FAFU campus with a joint curriculum.

"Recently Dalhousie was ranked among the top 400 universities globally and among the top 17 universities in Canada in the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy's 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities,” says Dr. Miriam Gordon, assistant dean, international, in the Faculty of Agriculture. “This joint college is another way we can continue to enhance Dalhousie’s global presence and international reputation."

Two bachelor’s degrees-one in Landscape Architecture and the other in Agricultural Economics-will be offered to start.  Students who meet the requirements of FAFU and Dalhousie University will be awarded the corresponding degrees from both universities.

“We are confident the joint college will enhance the collaboration between the two universities on all aspects. We will see more highly-qualified-personnel exchange, academic exchange, and research collaboration,” said Dr. Baodong Zheng, Vice President of FAFU. “Building on our long-standing relationship, the joint college is undoubtedly the most significant milestone that further strengthens our partnership of nearly two decades."

The annual enrolment plan will include 120 per bachelor’s degree.  These 240 students will be full-time students of both FAFU and DAL.

The bachelor programs will adopt a 4+0 mode whereby students complete their study on the FAFU campus in four years. During the four years, students may voluntarily go to Dalhousie for study, exchange, or research. However, studying at Dalhousie in Canada is not a requirement to complete the degree.  As well, duration of study on the Dal campus shall not exceed the duration of study on the FAFU campus.

A joint management committee, which consists of members from both sides, will help to determine the college development strategy, establish rules and regulations for operating the college, and other administrative matters.

A Friendship Tree (a Banyan tree) was planted outside the Joint College building.

“With the input and impacts of the two universities, Dalhousie University College will be highly recognized and respected by the society and the market,” added Vice President FAFU Dr. Baodong Zheng.  “This joint college will further strengthen the connection between Fujian Province and Nova Scotia and contribute to academic and cultural exchange between China and Canada.”