Barcelona, Harbin to Launch Joint College in 2027
The program will offer dual master's degrees in marine sciences for up to 150 incoming graduate students.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Language Learning
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The University of Barcelona and the Harbin Institute of Technology plan to launch a joint college in Weihai, China, in September 2027. The collaboration aims to address ocean environmental challenges through three new dual master's degree programs in marine sciences.
Why it matters
This partnership creates a new pathway for international students to earn dual degrees from both Chinese and Spanish institutions. The collaboration seeks to leverage shared research ecosystems to tackle global maritime issues.
The program plans to accept 150 students for the 2027-2028 academic year, with 50 students per degree. The project is currently awaiting final approval from Chinese and Catalan government authorities.
The players
University of Barcelona
A major Spanish public university that serves as a research institution in Catalonia.
Harbin Institute of Technology
A prominent Chinese public research university hosting the joint college at its Weihai campus.
The details
Classes in the new joint college will be conducted in English at the Harbin Institute of Technology's campus in Weihai. Upon successful completion of the dual master's curriculum, students will be awarded degrees from both the University of Barcelona and the Harbin Institute of Technology. This program mirrors recent trends in international partnerships, such as the 2026 opening of a joint institute by the Polytechnic University of Valencia and Beihang University.
Timeline
September 2027: Planned opening for the joint college.
2027-2028 academic year: Expected launch of three dual master's degree programs.
Education Landscape
This development follows the precedent set by the Polytechnic University of Valencia and Beihang University joint institute, which opened in Hangzhou in 2026. These partnerships reflect a growing trend of international academic integration focused on shared global research challenges.
Students interested in marine sciences should monitor for future application requirements and enrollment windows ahead of the planned September 2027 opening. Prospective applicants should contact the University of Barcelona international office for updates regarding the formal approval status of these degree programs.
The takeaway
This partnership provides a unique opportunity for advanced study in marine sciences through a dual-degree framework. Prospective students should watch for official authorization announcements, which remain the final hurdle before the program can begin accepting applications.
Further reading
Learn more about international opportunities in Language Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Star.
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