Joint Faculty Established at BEU with Chinese University

An official opening ceremony was held at Baku Engineering University (BEU) for the " BUCT-BEU Faculty of Engineering," jointly established with the prestigious Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT) of the People's Republic of China. At the ceremony, attended by the rectors and academic staff of both universities, an agreement governing the faculty's operations was first signed between BEU and BUCT, followed by detailed discussions on future areas of cooperation.

Speaking at the faculty's opening, BEU Rector Yagub Piriyev stated that this landmark event represents not only a new phase of cooperation between higher education institutions, but also a clear demonstration of the further strengthening of the existing friendship and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China in the field of education. Emphasizing that the Joint Statement signed last year by President Ilham Aliyev and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping envisaged the expansion of cooperation in education, Yaqub Piriyev added that the faculty will make a significant contribution to the development of scientific and educational ties between the two countries.

It was noted that since 2025, a dual degree program at the bachelor's level has been implemented between BEU and BUCT, and this program — covering 6 specializations — has entered the history books as the first such initiative between Azerbaijani and Chinese universities. The rector expressed confidence that the faculty, established in a distinct format as a continuation of this cooperation, will play an important role in training highly qualified professionals and will become an academic hub where innovative ideas take shape and scientific research advances. Within the framework of the faculty, opportunities will be created for students to engage in joint research, exchange programs, and work with cutting-edge technologies. The rector further noted that instruction at the faculty will be organized on a 3+1 model. Students who meet certain academic requirements will have the opportunity to study for 3 years in Azerbaijan and 1 year in China, earning diplomas from both universities. The faculty, which plans to enroll 100 students per academic year, will train specialists in computer science/artificial intelligence, chemical engineering, biotechnology, and mechanical engineering, with the teaching process conducted by professors from both universities. Yaqub Piriyev noted that the training of specialists capable of meeting contemporary challenges in these fields — which encompass the most promising areas — is of strategic importance from the perspective of human capital development. Ultimately, the faculty will serve as a vital platform that not only establishes a new model of cooperation between higher education institutions, but also contributes to the development of the research and innovation ecosystem and the strengthening of the knowledge economy.

BUCT Rector, Professor Tan Tianwei, in his presentation on the research-oriented university, noted that programs are being implemented across all levels of education. It was noted that BUCT ranks among the world's top 100 universities in chemical engineering, biotechnology, and a number of related fields. Emphasizing that the friendly relations between the leaders of China and Azerbaijan play an important role in fostering positive ties between the two peoples, the rector described the dual degree program with BEU and the newly established faculty as a new stage in educational cooperation between the two countries. He also stressed that the faculty will equip students with internationally competitive knowledge and skills and will serve the advancement of scientific research. Tan Tianwei expressed confidence that this initiative will create a solid foundation for the implementation of broader research projects in the future. In conclusion, the rector drew attention to the fact that April 20 is observed in Chinese tradition as the beginning of abundance, renewal, and growth, noting that the faculty's inauguration on such a date is an expression of fruitful cooperation and future success in the field of education.

As part of the event, the rectors jointly planted a tree as a symbolic contribution to the continuity of cooperation between the two universities, the strengthening of friendly relations, and the promotion of ecological values.

A tour of the faculty followed.