Hebei University of Technology, Massey University launch 2026 joint Master of Management (1+1)

Summary

Hebei University of Technology and New Zealand's Massey University have launched a joint Master of Management (1+1) programme for 2026, offering specialisations in Financial Economics and International Business totalling 180 credits. In the first year, students complete four core management courses—Managerial Communication, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Modern Enterprise Management and International Business Practice—(60 credits) plus English at Hebei University of Technology's Langfang campus. In the second year, they move to Massey University for the remaining master's courses (120 credits).

Students who earn the required credits and meet degree requirements receive a Master of Management from Massey University; high achievers may continue to doctoral study at Massey. First-year students must achieve an average grade of B- (65 on the 100-point scale) or above. Before the second year begins, students must attain an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 90 (writing minimum 20) or Duolingo 120 (no subscore below 105) to enter the second-year specialisation courses directly.

Those with IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5) or equivalent may take a 10-week English for Academic Purposes (EAP2) course online or at Massey's Auckland campus; passing the course exempts them from the IELTS requirement. Hebei University of Technology manages admissions and first-year teaching, while Massey University delivers second-year courses and awards the degree. The partnership builds on the 2015 Internet of Things undergraduate programme, the 2021 establishment of a Massey Learning Centre at the Langfang campus, and the 2025 Master of Information Science professional degree programme.

Founded in 1927, Massey University is New Zealand's largest tertiary institution, ranked 230th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and among the global top 250 for the third consecutive year. Its business school is among the top 2 percent worldwide, and the university has nearly 40,000 students.

Commentary

The 1+1 Master of Management joint programme between Hebei University of Technology and Massey University adds another example to China-New Zealand educational cooperation. Focusing on financial economics and international business, the programme has students complete foundation courses and intensive English in China during the first year, then travel to New Zealand for the remaining credits and a Massey degree. For Chinese students seeking international exposure, this model lowers the language and adaptation barriers of going abroad directly while preserving the value of an overseas qualification.

Massey's business school ranks in the global top 2 percent, and its agriculture and veterinary programmes lead in New Zealand; the management programme draws on its international network, particularly in Asia-Pacific market research. The two universities have cooperated since 2015 in Internet of Things and information science, and this extension into business reflects Chinese universities' response to demand for internationally oriented business talent. From New Zealand's perspective, international education is a significant services export, with Chinese students long a major source.

Such joint programmes help stabilise enrolments and may spur subsequent doctoral applications and talent flows between Chinese and New Zealand firms. However, the IELTS 6.5 or EAP2 requirement remains a challenge for some students, and the B- average in the first year introduces a certain attrition rate. For New Zealand SME owners, the programme does not directly involve trade or supply chains, but its long-term effects merit attention: more graduates familiar with both business environments could become bridges for bilateral trade, especially in finance and international business.

Massey's EAP2 course at its Auckland campus means some students may arrive earlier, providing a short-term boost to local education services and accommodation. Note, however, that such programmes are typically led by the Chinese side in admissions, with limited direct participation by New Zealand firms. If the programme later expands to internships or corporate partnerships, New Zealand SMEs may gain access to bilingual potential employees.

For now, it is a routine education cooperation with no significant direct impact on NZ SMEs, but it offers a window on China-New Zealand talent flows.

Keywords: Hebei University of Technology, Massey University, Master of Management, joint programme, 1+1 programme, admissions prospectus, Financial Economics, International Business, IELTS 6.5, Langfang campus

Source: zyxw.cn