On January 14, the 2026 Study Tour Pioneering Scheme for China–UK Youth Mobility was officially launched in Beijing. The event was hosted by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) under the Ministry of Education and organized by the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE).

More than 100 representatives and guests from over 30 universities and institutions across China, the UK, and other countries attended. The ceremony was chaired by Xia Jianhui, deputy director general of CSCSE.

Chen Dali, deputy director general of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges of the Ministry of Education, delivers a speech. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

In his remarks, Chen Dali emphasized the Chinese government's unwavering commitment to educational cooperation and exchanges between China and the UK. He expressed the hope that the Scheme would become a driving force for expanding two-way student mobility, a  bridge for fostering people-to-people connection, and a catalyst for innovation in higher education.

He noted that the initiative aims not only to offer young people from both countries a memorable and enriching learning experience, but also to contribute positively to deeper cultural and people-to-people exchanges and to further enrich the China–UK comprehensive strategic partnership. He added that both sides should continue working together to promote these mutual learning exchanges among world civilizations and help build a community with a shared vision for mankind.

Wang Daquan, party secretary and director general of CSCSE, delivers a speech. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

In his remarks, Wang Daquan noted that the CSCSE has long been committed to strengthening international educational cooperation, promoting learning and cultural exchanges, and mutual understanding among young people, and building a high-quality, secure, and trustworthy ecosystem and platform for study abroad services and international exchanges.

He emphasized that the program will focus on two-way study tours between Chinese and British youth. It represents an important innovation in China–UK youth exchanges, marking a vital step forward in higher education cooperation —moving beyond traditional one-way study abroad and short-term visits toward a new era characterized by systematic design, credit recognition, and deep, two-way engagement.

Lord Jo Johnson, chairman of the Achieve International Education Group and former UK Minister of State for Universities, delivers a speech. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

Lord Jo Johnson said that the official launch of the Scheme marks a highly significant moment, bringing together ten leading Chinese universities and six renowned UK institutions. He stressed that the initiative goes further than a conventional cooperation program; it serves as a bridge connecting young students and scholars from both countries for joint learning and for strengthening the foundations of future China–UK cooperation.

Huang Baoyin, secretary of the CPC UIBE Committee, delivers a speech. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

Huang Baoyin, secretary of the CPC UIBE Committee, noted that as one of the first host universities of the Scheme, UIBE looks forward to working closely with partner institutions to continuously deepen the substance of cooperation, expand areas of collaboration, and innovate exchange models. He added that the university aims to further enhance high-quality international study tour programs and make new contributions to cultivating talented individuals with a global vision and strong international competitiveness.

Lisa Roberts, president and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, delivers a speech. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Lisa Roberts, president and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said that through the Scheme, UK students will gain a unique opportunity for short-term academic and cultural immersion, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of China’s rich history, innovation achievements, and contemporary development. She noted that the University of Exeter will support more students in participating in the program and recognizes its potential to be transformative for them. She also extended a warm welcome to Chinese students who wish to study at the University of Exeter.

Representatives from the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), the Achieve International Education Group (AIEG), as well as ten Chinese universities and six UK universities jointly launch the China–UK Study Tour Pioneering Scheme. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

During the event, Wang Daquan, party secretary and director general of CSCSE, and Lisa Roberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Exeter, sign a strategic cooperation agreement between the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange and the University of Exeter. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]