University of Sussex Business School strengthens partnerships across China
By: Serena Mitchell
Last updated: Wednesday, 22 April 2026
The University of Sussex Business School has reinforced its global engagement through a major partnership and student recruitment visit to China, spanning ten cities in March and April 2026.
One of our most extensive China engagements to date, the visit combined high-level institutional meetings with a programme of student-facing activities designed to support recruitment, strengthen partnerships, and advance collaborative opportunities.
The Business School programme was led by Dr Xiaoxiang Zhang, Associate Dean for Global & Civic Engagement, supported by Hengyi Wang, Partnership Tutor & Academic Success Tutor, alongside colleagues from the China Office.
Over the three-week visit, the delegation engaged with 12 partner institutions, including leading universities such as Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and Central University of Finance and Economics. The visit also strengthened collaboration with well-established national universities, including Wuhan University of Technology, China University of Petroleum (East China and Beijing), and Shenzhen University, each of which plays a significant role within China’s higher education landscape.
Discussions focused on the development of joint programmes, the expansion of Sussex Class pathways, and opportunities for enhanced research cooperation aligned with both UK and Chinese higher education priorities.
Colleagues also engaged nearly 900 prospective students, providing specialist guidance on programmes, academic expectations, and student life in the UK.
The visit forms part of the Business School’s ongoing commitment to building high-quality, sustainable international partnerships.
Dr Xiaoxiang Zhang, Associate Dean for Global & Civic Engagement, said:
“China remains one of the University of Sussex Business School’s most strategically significant regions for international collaboration. During this visit, we engaged deeply with our partners and met hundreds of highly motivated students. Their enthusiasm for Sussex was inspiring.”