Students of North South University’s (NSU) Department of Anthropology will have the opportunity to study at Yunnan University in China under a newly launched joint undergraduate programme between the two institutions.

The “2+1+1” programme was launched during the second International Conference on China-South Asia Civilisation and Connectivity, held at Yunnan University’s Donglu Campus in Kunming, China.

As part of the opening ceremony, Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor of NSU, and Professor Yang Shaojun, Vice President of Yunnan University, signed a memorandum of understanding on inter-university cooperation.

The initiative marks a new phase in the universities’ academic partnership, with a focus on undergraduate education, international academic exposure and cross-cultural exchange.

The programme is expected to give participating anthropology students an opportunity to engage with a different academic environment and explore cultural and social perspectives beyond Bangladesh. Further details regarding admission requirements, student selection and scholarship arrangements will be important for students interested in participating.

The partnership builds on nearly two decades of institutional engagement between the two universities. Cooperation began with the establishment of the Confucius Institute at NSU in 2006 and expanded with the establishment of the China-South Asia Center for Socio-Cultural Studies in 2023.

The programme was launched alongside an international conference that brought together more than 60 experts and scholars from China, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and other countries. Discussions covered civilisational dialogue, regional connectivity, economic and cultural cooperation, and knowledge production in the Global South.

The collaboration reflects a broader effort to strengthen academic ties between Bangladesh and China while creating opportunities for students and researchers to engage in international learning and research.