Duke Kunshan University (DKU) in China will welcome its largest, most diverse 
class this fall after receiving record applications from international 
students, highlighting the growing interest in DKU's distinct liberal arts 
experience.

Almost 180 students from 48 countries have committed to joining DKU's fourth 
graduating class. Forty-nine percent are from the U.S., with other countries 
including Brazil, Canada, Italy, Kazakhstan, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, 
South Korea and Turkey.

Jessica Sandberg, dean of international enrollment management, said, "We're so 
excited to welcome these students to DKU, not least for their passion to drive 
change and redefine norms. The Class of 2025 are inventors, entrepreneurs, 
achievers, altruists, and change makers."

DKU, a partnership of Duke University in the U.S. and China's Wuhan University, 
received 1,800 international applications( 
https://dukekunshan.edu.cn/en/news/record-number-international-students-apply-dk) 
in 2021, more than double the number last year, including a significant 
increase in early decision applicants.

Sandberg said of the surge in interest, "After the lockdowns and other 
limitations brought by Covid-19, students are increasingly attracted by DKU's 
dynamic, global community and our mission to build a post-pandemic world that 
is more compassionate, cooperative and inclusive. DKU represents a new model 
for higher education."

While DKU is hopeful that international students will be able to travel to its 
campus in Kunshan, China, in the fall, the university has developed contingency 
plans that utilize online instruction and study away programs.

DKU was one of the world's first universities to transition to remote 
instruction in response to Covid-19, launching its strategy in February 2020. 
DKU will continue to offer online classes to students based overseas as long as 
necessary to keep them engaged with professors and classmates.

Alternatively, DKU students who cannot travel to China can apply to study at 
Duke University in North Carolina, U.S. This option was introduced in the last 
academic year, while DKU welcomed Duke students based in China who wanted 
access to in-person classes and a range of campus activities.

For incoming students who prefer an in-person academic experience but cannot 
travel to Kunshan or North Carolina, two programs – DKU Global Opportunities 
and DKU GO Flexible Learning Experience – allow them to join accredited study 
away programs around the world.

Sandberg said, "We've made every preparation to make sure all our students, no 
matter where they begin their education, will have a successful and meaningful 
first-year experience."

Source: Duke Kunshan University