Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) has given a positive signal toward recruiting 5,000 international students by turning close exchanges with major universities in Hubei Province, China, into actual international student recruitment.

A delegation from JBNU, including Jo Hwarim, Director of the Office of International Affairs, visited China University of Geosciences, Hubei University, Wuhan Vocational and Technical College, and Wuhan Railway Vocational and Technical College in Hubei Province from October 15 to 18. The visits produced concrete outcomes, including 2+2 undergraduate programs, China‑foreign joint programs, exchange student arrangements, and cooperation on graduate school admissions.

Specifically, through a 2+2 undergraduate program and an invited exchange student program with the China University of Geosciences—a national university renowned for its strength in the natural sciences—JBNU agreed to recruit approximately 40 outstanding international students beginning March 2026. A meeting with students interested in participating in the program provided an introduction to JBNU and an in‑depth Q&A session on admission to JBNU.

JBNU also proceeded to sign an academic exchange agreement (MOU) with Hubei University, a prestigious regional university with a 94‑year history. Through practical cooperation such as expanding exchange student programs, facilitating graduate school admissions, and pursuing joint research initiatives, they established a system to encourage outstanding local talents at Hubei University to pursue graduate study.

JBNU discussed transfer admission into JBNU and progression to master’s programs for local students at Wuhan Vocational and Technical College and Wuhan Railway Vocational and Technical College using a 3+2 program. The institutions agreed to cooperate to strengthen sustainable international student recruitment and the cultivation of outstanding talents through invited exchange students and China‑foreign joint programs.

Jo Hwarim, Director of JBNU's Office of International Affairs, said, "Cooperation with prestigious universities across Hubei Province such as the China University of Geosciences and Hubei University will provide a solid foundation for JBNU's push toward an era of 5,000 international students." He added, "We will do our best to ensure that many outstanding Chinese international students can enroll at JBNU and pursue their individual aspirations through tailored articulation programs."