University of Alberta expands its transnational education networks with five new Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Programs.

University of Alberta, North Campus

Following a global review by China’s Ministry of Education, 87 Sino-foreign cooperative education institutes and 136 programs were approved at the graduate and undergraduate levels in May 2026. Sino-foreign cooperative education is a form of transnational education (TNE) that allows Chinese and international postsecondary institutions to jointly run schools and/or academic programs. It enables students to gain international degrees and cross-cultural learning experience while remaining in China for the majority or the entirety of their studies.

Out of the seven new programs approved across just three Canadian institutions, the U of A will launch five:

• Tongji University (Shanghai): A Master’s program in Management Analytics.
• Capital University of Economics and Business (Beijing): A dual degree undergraduate program in Statistics.
• Jilin University (Changchun): A dual degree undergraduate program in Applied Mathematics.
• Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (Wuhan): A dual degree undergraduate program in Digital Economy.
• Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (Wuhan): A dual degree undergraduate program in Economics and Finance.

At full capacity, these programs will support a steady-state enrollment of up to 2,120 students annually.

These new TNE programs mark a significant step forward in the U of A's internationalization efforts, building on our strengths to foster exceptional education. They join an established set of TNE programs currently offered across the Faculties of Business, Medicine and Dentistry, Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, as well as Public Health. In alignment with Shape: A Strategic Plan of Impact and the Integrated Enrolment Growth Plan (IEGP), the initiative will combine international partnerships, instructor mobility and student engagement to deliver cutting-edge learning experiences that, together with our partners, prepare the students to make meaningful contributions in their communities.

“This milestone highlights the U of A's global reputation for academic excellence, and is the result of dedicated, collaborative efforts between our partner institutions, U of A Faculties and our central units.” Says Dr. Tian Tang, Vice Provost (International Education and Enrolment), “Collaborating on these competitive programs allows us to expand our TNE framework in existing and new markets. Ultimately, this isn't just about increasing enrolment — it is also about creating innovative pathways that equip students with the cross-cultural insights and technical expertise needed to lead in today's rapidly changing global economy.”

For more information about the programs and the U of A's broader work in TNE, contact Mr. Jinjia Xu, Director of Relationship Enrolment and Programs, International Education and Enrollment.