Since 1984, Georgia Tech has pursued its global educational mission in China in support of U.S. government priorities. Georgia Tech has provided meaningful educational opportunities to students through Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute (GTSI), an accredited instructional site in Shenzhen, China, since 2014. Today, following a thorough evaluation of this program, Georgia Tech has decided to discontinue its participation in GTSI and will seek approval from our accreditor to end its degree programs in Shenzhen.
In December 2016, Georgia Tech entered into an agreement with Tianjin University and the Shenzhen Municipal Government to establish GTSI in the city of Shenzhen, widely considered China’s “Silicon Valley.” In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce added Tianjin University to its Entity List, a compilation of foreign organizations deemed a national security concern.
Given Georgia Tech’s extensive role in national security, it immediately began conducting a thorough review of all its activities and partnerships in China. Georgia Tech decided not to launch a planned Ph.D. program and capped the number of GTSI students at 10% of the original intent. To date, Tianjin University remains on the Entity List, making Georgia Tech’s participation with Tianjin University, and subsequently GTSI, no longer tenable.
“As a vital driver of American innovation, we are proud of the global experiences and education we have been able to provide to our students as the next generation of leaders,” said Steven McLaughlin, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “The choice to end our many years of successful educational development initiatives to grant Georgia Tech degrees in the region was a difficult one.”
The approximately 300 admitted students currently in degree programs at GTSI will have the opportunity to fulfill their degree requirements. Georgia Tech remains committed to providing meaningful global experiences for its students through its many study-abroad programs and international experiences, including in Shenzhen, a city of global prominence in technology, manufacturing and business.
“Connecting globally remains one of our core values. Students who gain global experience during their time at Georgia Tech bring critical problem-solving skills that are required in today’s workforce,” stated McLaughlin. “We look forward to continuing to expand the international experiences available to our students.”