Upholding the educational philosophy of “Crossing the Border, Creating the Future”, the Joint Education Institute of Zhejiang Normal University and the University of Kansas focuses on the educational fields that are urgently needed for social development. The Institute offers two programs for international students: a master's program in Science and Technology Education (STEM Education) and a doctoral program (second-level discipline) in Science Education (STEM Education). Rooted in Chinese practice, the Institute expands international perspectives, integrates courses, conducts joint research and practice, and jointly creates educational paradigms.

The Educational Program for International Students at Zhejiang Normal University equips students to use STEM education as a tool for social change in the context of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other developing areas. The program addresses urgent challenges facing STEM education systems worldwide, including unequal access to STEM resources, technological gaps, inclusive STEM teaching, innovation-driven development, and the need for quality STEM education, all with with a strong commitment to supporting marginalized populations and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students gain the interdisciplinary STEM knowledge, research skills, and professional experience needed to work with organizations that promote STEM education for children, youth, and communities in diverse global contexts.

A standout feature of the program is the international school internship, where students gain hands-on experience in China STEM education and development with one of our partner organizations in Zhejiang Province and throughout China. We warmly welcome students from African countries to apply for our programs.

This certificate program is specifically designed to help students integrate international concepts and practical experience into STEM education, enabling them to master the methods and skills for conducting STEM education in a cross-cultural context. It also provides a valuable platform for students to exchange ideas with peers from all over the world, broaden their academic horizons, and lay a solid foundation for their future careers in global STEM education and related fields.

The PhD in Education: Comparative & International STEM Education Concentration is an advanced academic program dedicated to cultivating interdisciplinary researchers and educational leaders who can drive innovation and progress in global STEM education. Focusing on comparative analysis of STEM education systems, policies, and practices across different countries and regions, the program combines rigorous academic research training with practical application experiences. Students will delve into key issues such as cross-cultural adaptation of STEM teaching models, equity in global STEM education access, and the integration of technology and local contexts in STEM education. Guided by renowned scholars from both Zhejiang Normal University and the University of Kansas, students will conduct in-depth empirical research, participate in international academic exchanges and cooperative projects, and develop the ability to propose practical solutions to global STEM education challenges. Upon graduation, students will be well-equipped to take on roles in universities, research institutions, international educational organizations, and government departments, contributing to the advancement of comparative and international STEM education.

Serve as a dynamic hub for academic exchange, joint research, and policy dialogue, fostering mutual learning between Chinese and African educators. They support capacity-building initiatives, teacher training programs, and curriculum co-development grounded in local contexts and global standards. Through these platforms, stakeholders collaboratively address shared challenges—such as equitable access, digital integration, and STEM literacy - while amplifying indigenous knowledge systems within international education discourse.

The Institute of China-Africa Consortium of Universities Exchange Mechanism at Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) is a distinguished research institution dedicated to fostering educational collaboration and cultural diplomacy between China and African nations. Officially established in 2023, the institute serves as a specialized platform for advancing the operational framework under an initiative endorsed by the China Association of Higher Education (CAHE) and Association of African Universities (AAU).

The Institute’s mission centers on three core objectives: conducting high-level policy research, facilitating academic dialogue, and supporting sustainable partnership models. It functions as a think tank that analyzes trends in China-Africa higher education, explores institutional twinning programs, and promotes mutual recognition of academic qualifications. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, the Institute addresses key issues such as student mobility, joint research projects, and training seminars, and publishes policy briefs to guide bilateral cooperation. Notably, it has played a pivotal role in the establishment of the China-Africa 50+50 Cooperation Plan, linking Chinese and African universities in long-term partnerships.

In September 2024, as a signature outcome of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) jointly inaugurated the China-Africa Regional Cooperation Center for Digital Education. Officially launched at UDSM in September 2025, this center serves as a strategic hub dedicated to bridging the digital divide and advancing ICT integration in African classrooms .

The center focuses on two primary missions: enhancing digital literacy and strengthening STEM education for in-service teachers. It aligns closely with Tanzania’s national curriculum reforms, training educators to embed digital tools into science, mathematics, and engineering instruction. The initiative is framed as a “bridge of knowledge and friendship,” moving beyond technology transfer to foster sustainable, co-created educational ecosystems. By empowering African educators with 21st-century competencies and fostering cross-border innovation, this center exemplifies a paradigm shift in South-South cooperation: from hardware donation to capacity building, ensuring that Africa’s digital transformation is shaped by its own teachers and tailored to its own contexts.

1.Non-Chinese citizen holding a valid ordinary passport, in accordance with the provisions of Document No.12 [2020] issued by the Ministry of Education;

2.Generally aged between 18 and 40 years old;

3.In good physical and mental health, friendly toward China, with no history of drug abuse and no criminal record;

4.Fresh master's graduates or those holding a master's degree, with good academic performance at the undergraduate level；

5.Proficient in Chinese or English.

Submission Deadline: July 15th, 2026.

Applicants should apply online at http://admission.zjnu.edu.cn Or scan the QR code to apply:

Applicants must truthfully complete and upload the following application materials:

1.ID photo:A recent 2-inch bareheaded photo.

2.Passport information page:A valid ordinary passport, expiring after February 28, 2027.

3.Visa page:Required for applicants who are currently studying in China.

4.Notarized master's degree diploma or pre-graduation certificate, stamped with the official school seal.

5.Notarized academic transcripts:

(1)Fresh master's graduates must submit academic transcripts for all semesters during their study period.

(2)Previous master's graduates must submit a complete academic transcript for the master’s program.

6.Valid language proficiency certificate:

(1)Applicants for Chinese-taught programs must provide a valid HSK certificate.

(2)Applicants for English-taught programs whose native language is not English must provide a valid TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score.

7.Foreigner Physical Examination Form.

8.No-Criminal Record Certificate:Issued within the past six months.

9.No Drug Addiction Statement

10.International Student Mental Health Survey

11.Bank Statement:Showing a deposit of at least RMB 30, 000.

12.Two recommendation letters:From associate professors or above, written in Chinese or English, each bearing the recommender's handwritten signature or the official seal of the recommending institution.

13.Acceptance Letter:Applicants may contact the International Student Office to obtain the contact information of supervisors in relevant disciplines, reach out to the supervisors, and apply for a Supervisor Acceptance Letter.

14.Study Plan:A research proposal written in the language of instruction of the program, no less than 1, 000 words.

15.Performance Statement:Required for students already studying in China.

16.Other supporting documents(if applicable), such as published papers, certificates of honor, or design works, may also be uploaded to the application system.

Note:

Our university adopts a comprehensive review for the admission of international students, aligned with international standards.The International Student Office, together with the relevant faculty admission review panels, will select applicants based on academic performance, language proficiency, overall qualities, and program preferences.Applicants who are required to take additional assessments will be notified in advance.

The university generally provides feedback within one month of receiving complete application materials.Applicants can log in to the online application system to check their admission results and download an electronic admission notice.JW or DQ forms should be downloaded and printed from the designated website as instructed in the notification email.

3-4 years

400 RMB (The application fee is payable online at the time of registration and is non-refundable.)

1.Master programs taught in English:24, 000 RMB per year

2.Doctoral programs taught in English:27, 000 RMB per year

Note:Tuition is charged on an academic-year basis and must be paid in RMB. The above fee does not include textbook expenses.In case of any adjustment, the final tuition standard shall be subject to the approval of the competent price authority.

1.Accommodation Fee:

(1)Double room:450-600 RMB/person/month;

(2)In principle, students receiving the Chinese Government Scholarship, International Chinese Language Teacher Scholarship, or MOFCOM Scholarship(with accommodation covered)are not permitted to live off-campus.

2.Meal Fee:

Approximately 1,000 RMB/ person/ month(actual costs may vary depending on individual lifestyle).

3.Insurance Fee:

1000 RMB/person/year

Please refer to the details of each scholarship program in the column of scholarship on the university admission website:http://iso.zjnu.edu.cn.

If you would like to learn more about the major and the program, please contact:

Joint Education Institute of ZJNU & KU

Telophone: +86-579-82288295, +86-579-82288790

Email: zjnuku-ia@zjnu.edu.cn

If you would like to inquire the application system, please contact:

International Student Office of Zhejiang Normal University Telephone:+86-579-82283155

Website:http://iso.zjnu.edu.cn

Email:admissions@zjnu.edu.cn;zjnu@vip.126.com

Address:Room 100 of Northern Administration Building, Zhejiang Normal University, No.688 Yingbin Avenue, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, China 321004