Recently, the Ministry of Education officially approved the establishment of the "Shanghai Normal University University of Canterbury Joint College" through a collaborative program between SHNU and the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. This marks the founding of first international cooperative education institution at SHNU and also the only one approved in Shanghai during the first half of this year.
The Shanghai Normal University University of Canterbury Joint Institute is an international cooperative education institution without independent legal person status. The institute has established a talent cultivation system covering undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. The initial programs offered include: an undergraduate major in Artificial Intelligence, master's programs in Educational Artificial Intelligence and Digital Early Childhood Education, as well as a doctoral program in Education (encompassing two specializations: Educational Technology and Comparative Education).
In terms of enrollment, undergraduate programs are included in the national general higher education enrollment plan in accordance with China’s national admission policies. For master's and doctoral programs, the admission standards are no lower than those of the University of Canterbury for similar programs in New Zealand. Undergraduate studies adopt a "4+0" dual-degree model, where students complete their entire academic journey at SHNU. Upon meeting the graduation and degree requirements of both institutions, students will receive both the undergraduate diploma and bachelor's degree certificate from SHNU, as well as the bachelor's degree certificate from the University of Canterbury. Master's programs follow a "1.5+0" model, with all training processes completed at SHNU. Doctoral programs adopt a "1+2+1" model, requiring a two-year study abroad period. Upon fulfilling the corresponding graduation and degree requirements, master's degree recipients will obtain a master's degree certificate from the University of Canterbury, while doctoral degree recipients will receive a Doctor of Education degree certificate from the University of Canterbury.
The University of Canterbury was founded in 1873 by scholars from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. With a history spanning over 150 years, it is the second oldest university in New Zealand and the first to receive a QS five-star rating. Ranked 261stin the 2026 QS World University Rankings, it excels in disciplines such as the integration of artificial intelligence and education, as well as digital learning.
