HKUST(GZ) and VUB Ink Student Exchange Agreement

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)), signed a student exchange agreement on October 20th with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), four months after HKUST(GZ) President Professor Lionel M. Ni led a delegation onto a visit to the Brussels-based university.

The agreement was signed during a reciprocal visit by VUB Vice-Rector Professor Karin Vanderkerken, spearheading a delegation of academics and global engagement team.

President Ni expressed his warm welcome to the visiting Vice-Rector Vanderkerken and her delegation, highlighting the rapid progress made since his June visit to VUB. Students from both universities will be able to exchange as early as the next academic year.

Vice Rector Vanderkerken expressed gratitude to HKUST(GZ) for the warm reception. In an an overview of VUB’s history, academic programs, faculty expertise, and internationalization initiatives, she emphasized VUB’s English-taught undergraduate and master’s programs, and fully English doctoral programs, which lay the groundwork for deeper cooperation.

Professor Carlo de Asmundis expressed interest in joint doctoral programs and visiting scholar exchanges, adding that such mechanisms will create mutual benefits by offering students diverse perspectives and research opportunities.

Dr. Jacqueline Couder, Director of VUB’s International Relations Office, expressed optimism for increased collaboration in student exchanges, international summer programs, and faculty exchanges.

The VUB delegation’s visit also included a campus tour, featuring interactive experience at the Visitor Information Center and a guided lab tour at the Biosciences Central Research Facility (GZ).