New students and teachers pose for a photo at SZTU in Pingshan District on Sept. 5. Photos courtesy of SZTU

Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) in Pingshan District welcomed nearly 20 international students from Russia, Germany, and Singapore to its undergraduate program and short-term exchange initiatives this semester. It is worth noting that this is the first year that SZTU has enrolled international students in its undergraduate program.

During an orientation session held Sept. 5, SZTU vice president Ming Zhong said that international students have transformed the campus into a more inclusive and global family. He encouraged international students to actively participate in campus activities, exchange ideas and experiences, and make progress together with Chinese students.

New international students at SZTU in Pingshan District.

Melikyan Milena, a 17-year-old freshman from Russia, said that she chose SZTU because of its rapid development, excellent facilities, and welcoming environment. Similarly, Maximilian Gehring, an exchange student from the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, expressed his enthusiasm for the intercultural learning opportunities at SZTU. He said that he would focus on his research areas, including economics and technology, during his time at SZTU.

"The cooperation between my university and SZTU provides a unique opportunity not only to complete my course projects, but also to immerse myself in Chinese culture and improve my language skills," he said.

New international students pose for a photo at SZTU in Pingshan District.

Recent data show a notable increase in the number of international students enrolled in Shenzhen's universities. In 2024, local universities are welcoming 2,393 new international students from over 80 countries and regions, including Germany, Russia, Singapore, the U.K., the U.S., and Canada, surpassing the total number of existing international students at these institutions.

With a diverse community of international students ready to enrich academic pursuits and promote intercultural dialogue on campus, this semester signals the beginning of a new chapter for Shenzhen's universities.