Clark University and Hefei University of Technology collaborative programs

Hefei University of Technology (HFUT), operating across two campuses in Hefei, Anhui, China, has experienced rapid elevation in national academic rankings with over 40,000 students. This trajectory mirrors the significant expansion of Hefei itself; a city comparable in scale to New York City. Driven by a broad and dynamic industrial sector, the municipality has undergone major economic development over the last two decades. Hefei, a “vibrant city of innovation,” ranked 36th in the 2024 Global Innovation Index’s Science and Technology Cluster Ranking.

The partnership between Clark University and HFUT spans ten years, originating in the School of Professional Studies with an academic agreement in International Economics and Trade. Over this decade, faculty from Economics, Business, the American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI), and other academic departments have regularly taught in Hefei. This enduring collaboration recently led to the creation of a dual degree partnership between the Clark University School of Business (CUSB) and HFUT’s School of Economics. The new dual degree offering secured formal accreditation approval from NECHE and authorization from the Ministry of Education in May 2026.

Existing HFUT collaborative programs

Joint International Economics and Trade Program

Operating for ten years, this flagship program serves approximately 400 enrolled students at HFUT. Clark faculty travel to China to deliver one-third of the degree coursework directly.

3+1+1 Program

Through this ongoing agreement, HFUT students complete their final undergraduate year as visiting students at Clark, followed by an additional year of graduate study to earn a Master’s degree.

HFUT-ALCI Summer Immersion Program

Established in 2022, this annual 6-week summer program brings HFUT cohorts (around 10 students) to Clark’s campus. Participants engage in an immersive American university setting, completing one credit-bearing course, an ALCI academic culture course, and curated cultural excursions.

Expansion into dual degree offerings

Building on past success, Clark and HFUT are expanding their academic partnership to establish two new dual degree programs. The first program is scheduled to launch in Fall 2026, with a second dual degree planned for implementation in Fall 2027.

Launch of the Digital Economy & Finance Dual Degree

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has officially approved the proposal for a 4+0 dual degree program combining Clark’s Finance major with HFUT’s Digital Economy program. Under this 4+0 model, students can earn both degrees without needing to complete coursework on Clark’s campus. Additionally, Clark’s regional accrediting body, NECHE, has approved the dual degree petition.

Data Science Dual Degree Program

Clark and HFUT are currently collaborating to transition the existing joint International Economics and Trade program into a full Dual Degree program paired with Clark’s BS in Data Science. Under this partnership, all dual degree participants will follow the Economics track of the Data Science major.