Expanding academic cooperation: visit of a Chinese delegation to Polytechnic University

SPbPU hosted a meeting with a delegation from Lanzhou University of Finance and Economics (China). The parties discussed the implementation of the joint bachelor’s degree program «Finance», the development of the master’s degree program «International Finance», and the expansion of academic cooperation.

The visit program began at the International Activities Resource Center, where the delegation was received by Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arseniev. The focus of the negotiations was the discussion of initiatives to create an international educational center.

The Chinese delegation included Vice-Rector Su Zi, Director of the Educational Methodology Department Hou Zhifeng, Deputy Head of the Postgraduate Department Mu Kai, Head of the International Department Li Qiong, as well as specialist of the Academic Mobility Center Wang Longkui. The colleagues arrived at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University to align educational trajectories, discuss new formats of interaction, and exchange experience — the first graduation of the joint bachelor’s program took place in 2025.

A key point on the agenda was the discussion of the long‑standing partnership in the implementation of the international bachelor’s degree program «Finance». The program is aimed at training specialists who possess modern methods of investment management, analysis, assessment and risk management, as well as quantitative methods of economic analysis. Graduates will be able to build careers in major international companies and financial institutions — from analytical departments of banks to investment divisions of corporations.

An equally important topic was the discussion of the existing master’s program «International Finance» (38.04.01_28). Delivered in English jointly with Lanzhou University of Finance and Economics and Inner Mongolia University of Finance and Economics, the program prepares professionals for work in global financial markets.

Representatives of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics noted the high involvement of students in research and public life. Students of the joint programs regularly participate in the BRICS Economic Congress, the International Youth Festival «Friendship Fest», round tables on public procurement, and business games.

Dmitry Rodionov, Director of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics of SPbPU, emphasized the importance of the meeting, noting that the joint bachelor’s and master’s programs allow graduates to acquire competencies in demand in both markets, and that our partnership is becoming a model for Russian‑Chinese educational cooperation.

An important part of the visit was a tour of the IPME&T campus. Representatives of the partner Chinese university visited modern classrooms and recently opened laboratories where future managers, service specialists, and other professionals are trained. The guests also visited the specialized Gazprom Neft classroom. The delegation was particularly impressed by the corridor with portraits of great polytechnicians — from the founder of the university, Count S.Yu. Witte, to the first rector, Prince A.G. Gagarin. The tour concluded with a meeting with third‑year students.

The visit of the delegation from Lanzhou University of Finance and Economics confirmed the mutual commitment to long‑term and systemic partnership. Expanding the pool of partner network universities, launching the bachelor’s program, and consolidating best practices in the master’s program open up new opportunities for students of both countries. The agreements reached will strengthen academic mobility, increase the number of joint publications and grants, and most importantly, prepare a new generation of specialists capable of working effectively in a multipolar global economy.