Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen

About

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (abbreviated as CUHK–Shenzhen or CUHK–SZ) is a university in Longgang, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. It was initiated through cooperation between the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, and was formally approved by the Ministry of Education of China on 21 March 2014. It was established under the regulatory framework governing cooperation between mainland Chinese and Hong Kong educational institutions. CUHK describes its relationship with CUHK–Shenzhen as "one brand, two campuses". The two campuses use the same phoenix emblem and the university motto, "Through learning and temperance to virtue" . CUHK–Shenzhen follows CUHK's academic system, and its academic programmes are approved by the CUHK Senate; the two campuses are also closely aligned in their educational philosophies and governance structures. CUHK–Shenzhen graduates receive a degree awarded by CUHK, with "Shenzhen" indicated on the degree certificate, as well as a graduation certificate issued by CUHK–Shenzhen. As of April 2026, more than 12,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students are studying at CUHK-Shenzhen.

On 21 March 2014, the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China officially sent a letter to the People's Government of Guangdong Province, agreeing to approve the establishment of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. Upon the establishment of the new institution, some Chinese University of Hong Kong alumni in Hong Kong criticized the similarity between the CUHK and CUHK–Shenzhen graduation certificates. A CUHK alumni concern group stated that the certificate should include the word Shenzhen in the title, and should mention Shenzhen University. A spokeswoman for CUHK stated that "As [the] CUHK–Shenzhen degree is conferred by CUHK, the format of the certificate follows that of CUHK's", and that the layout of the certificate was officially approved by the CUHK Senate in 2015.

The language of instruction is all in English, except for physical education and Chinese language courses, which are bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese. CUHK degrees will be conferred to students of CUHK–Shenzhen who meet the requirements of their degree programs. A graduation certificate will also be conferred by CUHK-Shenzhen. There are two "Nobel laureate research labs" in CUHK-Shenzhen led by the Nobel laureates Arieh Warshel and Brian Kobilka. CUHK–Shenzhen participated in the signing ceremony for the jointly initiated "Shenzhen International Friendship City University League", which was initiated by Southern University of Science and Technology, on 9 July 2014.

On 30 April 2015, the fifth annual Presidents Forum of Worldwide Universities Network convened at the campus.

The campus is located in No. 2001 Longxiang Boulevard, Longcheng Street, Longgang District, which is in the northeastern part of Shenzhen, surrounded by mountainous area with distances of around 15 kilometres northeast of downtown Shenzhen and 30 kilometres north of CUHK's campus in Sha Tin, Hong Kong. A cross-border shuttle bus runs between the CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen campuses, but it is restricted to staff, staff family members, student groups, and invited guests.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen maintains a college system with eight residential colleges, continuing the tradition of its Hong Kong counterpart. Each college has its own motto and is led by a College Master. As of 2025, seven colleges have received patronage.

Shaw College was established in 2016 with support from the Shaw Foundation, guided by its motto "In Pursuit of Virtue and Excellence" . Diligentia College was established in 2016 through the Genzon Foundation's support, embracing the motto "Cultivating the self to serve society" . Muse College was established in 2016 with donations from Horoy Holdings and Mr. & Mrs. Lai, upholding "Principles and Practice, Dedication to Humanity" . Harmonia College was established in 2018 in honor of Mr. Yang Xiangbo (Shirble Group), following "Scholarship, Perseverance, Excellence" . Ling College was established in 2022 to commemorate Prof. Ling Daoyang, embodying "To Cultivate the Self, and Benefit Others" . Minerva College was established in 2022 through Shenzhen Hexi Industrial's donation, promoting "Kindness, Inclusiveness, Dedication and Creativity" . Duan Family College was established in 2023, maintaining the university's founding principle "Mission, Character, and Service" . Eighth College was established in 2025, situated in the CUHK-Shenzhen School of Music campus (provisional Shenzhen Conservatory of Music campus).

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.