University of Birmingham partners with China to strengthen graduate employability

Undergraduates from the University of Birmingham are now able to benefit from one-year internships working for National Innovation Center par Excellence institutes and associated companies. 

The new programme designed to improve students career prospects post graduation will see all students undertaking industry placements in engineering, bioscience, computer science and environmental engineering. 

The programme was launched in Shanghai, as part of the 2025 International Conference on Engineering Education, co-organised by the University of Birmingham. 

Professor Adam Tickell – University of Birmingham Vice Chancellor & Principal said: “We are committed to helping all our undergraduates, particularly our international students, make the most of opportunities to gain valuable experience that gives them a competitive advantage in the job market as they prepare to graduate and begin their careers.”

Professor Qing Liu commented: “This partnership with the University of Birmingham provides a unique platform for students to gain valuable job opportunities and industry experience within NICE’s ecosystem. It strengthens their readiness for global careers while fostering talents capable of driving progress in key technological fields.”

Relations between the university and China are historically strong, with a decade of collaboration established between the two. The partnership has already delivered over £2.7 million in joint research funding.

Due to the thriving career opportunities and academic excellence thousands of international students move to Birmingham each year. Now, parent-investors are increasingly looking to UK property investment, to provide a safe base for their children, accommodation for visiting and also securing an asset that can be transferred for generations.