Fudan delegation promotes academic exchanges across four Pakistani universities

Islamabad (People's Daily)—A delegation from Fudan University visited four leading Pakistani universities on October 5–6 to promote academic exchanges between Pakistan and China and introduce the fully funded "Joint Examinations and Admissions for International Students to Top Chinese Universities: PhD Program" (JUSTCOOL: PhD).

A representative of the Fudan University delegation speaks to students and faculty members during an info session at Quaid-i-Azam University on October 6. The event highlighted opportunities for joint research and academic exchanges between the two institutions. (Photo: People's Daily)

The delegation visited the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and COMSATS University Islamabad on October 5, followed by Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) and Bahria University on October 6.

At QAU, Chen Yan, associate vice president and executive dean of Fudan University's Graduate School, presented the program and outlined the participating universities' research strengths. Students eagerly attended the session and engaged actively with Chen's presentation, asking questions during the discussion.

Jointly launched by Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tongji University, the JUSTCOOL program offers outstanding non-Chinese undergraduates a direct pathway from a bachelor’s degree to doctoral research in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. Chen said the initiative uses a unified selection process and provides instruction and supervision in English.

A student asks a question during the Fudan University info session at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad on October 6. Attendees engaged in an active Q&A discussion covering admission requirements and research scholarship packages. (Photo: People's Daily)

"Three universities, one shared mission," Chen said, describing an initiative to recruit talented undergraduates from around the world and nurture the next generation of scientists.

He highlighted China's scientific breakthroughs and research capacity, citing achievements in materials research, sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotechnology. He also introduced Shanghai's scientific infrastructure and facilities that support cross-disciplinary research, emphasizing the importance of strong research platforms in turning ideas into discoveries.

Chen outlined a full scholarship package comprising a full tuition waiver, free on-campus accommodation and medical insurance, a research or teaching assistantship stipend, and an additional JUSTCOOL PhD fellowship.

Students attend the Fudan University information session at COMSATS University Islamabad on October 5. The presentation introduced the fully funded JUSTCOOL PhD program to prospective international applicants. (Photo: People's Daily)

The visit included meetings with university representatives and information sessions for students and faculty. At QAU, the session highlighted opportunities for student and faculty exchanges and future research collaboration between Fudan University and Quaid-i-Azam University.