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 Oct 20 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 expresses 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 expresses gratitude to HKUST(GZ) for the warm reception. In an overview of VUB’s history, academic programs, faculty expertise, and internationalization initiatives, she emphasizes 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 expresses 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, expresses optimism for increased collaboration in student exchanges, international summer programs, and faculty exchanges.

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