College bridges China-New Zealand ties through world-class education

As China and New Zealand continue to deepen their educational and cultural cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, Aulin College of Northeast Forestry University in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, has emerged as a model for high-quality international collaboration in higher education.

Leveraging its strategic partnership with the University of Auckland — New Zealand's top-ranked institution — Aulin College is nurturing globally minded talents while advancing bilateral friendship, regional integration, and the global influence of Chinese education.

Jointly established by NEFU and the University of Auckland, Aulin College operates as a non-independent legal entity designed to serve as a high-level platform for academic innovation and cultural exchange. Through the integration of globally recognized pedagogies and outcome-based education models, the college adopts full-English or bilingual instruction to cultivate students equipped with cross-cultural competence, international vision, and innovative thinking.

Aulin College has pioneered a distinctive "1+1+1" development model, comprising the college itself, the Aulin International Graduate Institute of NEFU, and an international talent development base. Students can choose between a "4+0" full undergraduate program for NEFU degree or a "3+2" bachelor-to-master pathway, both emphasizing international exchange, joint research and academic rigor.

It exemplifies what can be achieved through meaningful crossborder partnerships in education. Its mission is not only to offer students globally competitive education, but contribute to mutual understanding and shared progress between China and New Zealand.

Positioned at the southern terminus of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, New Zealand plays a pivotal role in the BRI's global outreach. In this context, Aulin College serves as an educational and cultural bridge between China and the South Pacific, advancing people-topeople connectivity and fostering high-level talents to support long-term regional development.

In June 2024, NEFU President Song Wenlong attended the New Zealand-China High-Level Education Forum, where he signed a memorandum of understanding with University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater. The signing — witnessed by the education ministers of both nations — formally established the Aulin International Graduate Institute of NEFU, expanding the collaboration into joint research, academic innovation, and faculty exchange.

Aulin College's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it significant national recognition. In 2024, it was among just six institutions honored with the "Outstanding Contribution to Chinese-Foreign Joint Education" award by the Chinese-Foreign Joint Education Committee. The award highlights institutions that demonstrate innovation, depth and exemplary effect in international education.