Victoria University of Wellington welcomed a senior delegation from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish new pathways in the fields of architecture and urban planning which will make it easier for students to transfer from BUCEA to study at Victoria University of Wellington.
The agreement will see the development of undergraduate and postgraduate articulation programmes, supporting students transferring to Victoria University of Wellington, and enhancing academic collaboration in areas of mutual strength. The MoU reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to sustainable urban development, design excellence, and internationalisation of education.
The BUCEA delegation was hosted by Dr Logan Bannister (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Students), Amy Rutherford (Director, International), Professor Andre Brown from the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation (Associate Dean, International), Professor Rod Barnett (Head of the School of Architecture), and other members of the University’s International Office.
“I was very pleased to host the delegation from BUCEA,” said Dr Logan Bannister. “The MoU marks a significant step forward in deepening ties between our two institutions and in strengthening international education opportunities for students and staff alike."
"China holds a central place in our international education engagement strategy and developing new relationships like this is critical to the University’s success internationally.”
The delegation visited the University's Te Aro campus—home to the School of Architecture and School of Design Innovation—where they met with staff and students and visited teaching and research facilities.
The collaboration will also explore opportunities for joint research, faculty engagement, and enhanced academic exchange.
It builds on the University’s growing research partnerships with Chinese institutions. In the last four years, Victoria University of Wellington staff and students have co-authored 640 publications with 259 partners in China.
The first cohort of students from BUCEA are expected undertake their studies in Wellington in 2027.