Yuan Ze University Signed MOU with U.S. Top University to Promote Dual Degrees and Exchange Programs

On July 30, Yuan Ze University officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in the United States. The agreement was signed by Ching-Jung Liao, President of Yuan Ze University, and Raj Echambadi, President of IIT, marking the beginning of a long-term and stable partnership between the two institutions. The collaboration aimed to promote international academic exchange, transnational research cooperation, and global talent development.

IIT, recognized as one of the top higher education institutions in the U.S., had recently drawn attention for having one of the highest proportions of international students among American universities. In recent years, IIT also became the first American university approved to establish a campus in India, reflecting its exceptional global vision and international expansion capabilities.

According to the MOU, the two universities planned to collaborate in various areas, including academic research, co-teaching of courses, student exchange programs, and dual degree initiatives. The partnership would be strengthened through faculty and student mobility, joint research projects, and cultural exchange activities. Specific models of cooperation, such as 2+2 bachelor’s degree programs and 1+1 master’s degree programs, were also planned to offer students a wider range of overseas learning opportunities.

To ensure smooth implementation, both Yuan Ze and IIT designated dedicated offices to coordinate and promote collaborative efforts, with regular reviews and progress reports. In terms of student exchange, the program primarily focused on short-term study, with admission standards, credit transfer, and tuition policies established through mutual agreement. Faculty exchanges would focus on teaching and research to enhance academic interaction and knowledge sharing.

President Ching-Jung Liao noted that Yuan Ze University had long been committed to internationalization and continued to expand its global partnership network by forming strategic alliances with leading universities abroad. He emphasized that the partnership with IIT not only represented a major milestone in academic resource sharing but also provided broader international platforms for both students and faculty.

Since 2023, Yuan Ze University has launched the “1,000 Students Abroad Program,” significantly increasing overseas learning opportunities through winter and summer courses, study camps, exchange programs, and dual degrees. The program was funded by the Hsu Yuan-Ze Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Education’s “Study Abroad Program” (學海計畫) scholarships, encouraging students to study or intern at sister schools and partner institutions abroad to broaden their global outlook and enhance their career competitiveness.

This MOU signing laid a solid foundation for future cooperation between Yuan Ze and IIT and demonstrated Yuan Ze’s commitment to advancing international education and nurturing globally competitive talents. Looking ahead, Yuan Ze planned to continue expanding its collaborations with top global institutions, creating diverse and enriching platforms for overseas study and research, and further enhancing the international mobility and academic influence of its students and faculty.

Notably, the partnership was facilitated by Kuo-An Hsu, an IIT alumnus and currently Chief Innovation Officer of the Far Eastern Group. Coincidentally, Ching-Jung Liao is also an IIT alumnus. Their long-standing friendship and mutual trust provided a strong foundation for this meaningful collaboration between the two universities.