Month: October 2020

Categories
ADMISSIONS

Test-optional Policy

Test-Optional Policy for Fall 2024-2025 Application Cycle

Test-Optional Policy for 2024-2025 Application Cycle

Duke Kunshan will continue to offer a test-optional policy for the 2024-2025 application cycle. Based on their circumstances, applicants choose in the admission application whether or not they will provide their results from the SAT or ACT exams. The admissions committee places emphasis on all components of all applications, including high school performance, application essays, recommendation letters, and, in some cases, an admissions interview. Submitting SAT or ACT results can strengthen an application by establishing broader context for the student’s achievements. However, applicants who do not submit an SAT or ACT will not be at a disadvantage in our admissions process. Although there are no additional requirements for those who opt to not submit a test score, applicants are welcome to submit any additional academic measurements that they feel may strengthen their application, such as national /external exam scores. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 01 • Why is DKU extending the test-optional policy for Fall 2025?

    In recognition of the disparate levels of preparation and access to the SAT and ACT around the world and because of our ongoing commitment to recruiting a diverse population of students, Duke Kunshan offers a test-optional policy for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

  • 02 • If I submit my test results, will they be considered as part of my application?

    Yes, your test results will be included with your application.

  • 03 • How will my application be reviewed if I don’t submit SAT or ACT scores?

    Duke Kunshan reviews all international applicants holistically and in the context of their academic environment. This includes curriculum, school, region, and other relevant circumstances as described in the application. In the absence of SAT or ACT scores, other academic materials that are provided with the application will be considered, such as national/external exam results.

  • 04 • Can I strengthen my application if I submit SAT or ACT scores?

    A standardized test result can strengthen an application in the sense that it provides another application component for consideration. If you have the ability to take the SAT or ACT, and you earned a score that you feel fairly reflects your academic talents, you are encouraged to submit your test results with your application. You may wish to review the Qualities We Look for in a Successful Candidate on our website for further reference.
    Likewise, students whose curriculum lacks national or external exams (e.g. IB, AP, Cambridge, WAEC, CBSE, etc.) may want to consider submitting SAT or ACT scores in order to establish a broader context for their school achievements.
    We ask students to consider their choice carefully and make a firm commitment at the time of their application or no later than the application deadline (November 1, 2024, for Early Decision applicants or January 2, 2025 for Regular Decision Applicants).

  • 05 • Will I be at a disadvantage for admission or scholarship selection if I don’t submit SAT or ACT scores?

    Students who do not submit SAT or ACT scores with their application will not be at a disadvantage in our holistic admissions process or scholarship selection. Applicants are welcome to submit any additional materials that they feel may strengthen their application. The admissions committee will place emphasis on the other components of your application including high school performance, national & school exams, supplemental essays, and, in some cases, an admissions interview.

  • 06 • How do I indicate my plan regarding test score submission?

    All international applicants will answer the “testing plan” question in the Common Application, indicating if they do or do not want their test scores considered with their application.

  • 07 • Once I submit my Common App, can I change my test plan choice?

    We ask students to consider their choice carefully and make a firm commitment at the time of their application or no later than the application deadline (November 1, 2024 for Early Decision applicants or January 2, 2025 for Regular Decision Applicants). After this time, change requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

    To request a change, email us at Intl-admissions@dukekunshan.edu.cn.

  • 08 •As a non-native speaker of English, will there be any additional requirements for me?

    In most cases, the admissions committee can determine your level of English proficiency through the materials collected in your application and, if an invitation is extended, an admissions interview. Students with test results in English proficiency exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo are welcome to submit these to support their application, though these are not required in order for an application to be considered complete.

  • 09 • Should I submit anything else in lieu of test scores?

    There are no additional requirements although applicants are welcome to submit any additional materials that they feel may strengthen their application, such as national/external exam results (predicted or official).

  • 10 • What is the average SAT score for DKU students?

    The middle 50% range for SAT scores was 1520-1550 among international students admitted to DKU in the Class of 2027.

  • 11 • If I opt to provide my SAT or ACT scores, can I self-report my scores with my application?

    Although it is preferred to receive the results from the testing agency, applicants can self-report their test scores in order to complete their application. Any future offer of admission is contingent upon providing verified test results sent directly to DKU from the testing agency.

Categories
ADMISSIONS

Scholarship Sources

Scholarship Sources

Scholarship Sources


Duke Kunshan University scholarships are supported through generous contributions from our academic and business community. The following is a list of some of our scholarship sources. Scholarships are awarded automatically at the time of acceptance. A separate application is not necessary.

  • 01 • Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship

    This scholarship was created to fund university students on Duke Kunshan’s full-time undergraduate degree program.

  • 02 • Kunshan Government Scholarship

    The city of Kunshan will fund 10 international students and 10 Chinese students in Duke Kunshan’s second cohort of undergraduate students.

  • 03 • Chancellors’ Scholarship

    Initiated by Mary Bullock upon her retirement in 2015, the scholarship is named in honor of Duke Kunshan’s inaugural Chancellor Liu Jingnan and inaugural Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Bullock, and their shared vision that Duke Kunshan will become a leading international university. It is considered the highest honor for incoming students. The scholarship is awarded to one international student and one Chinese student in the undergraduate program each year.

  • 04 • Bond Scholarship

    This scholarship, awarded by Bond Education, will fund top students with outstanding records in leadership, service and academics.

  • 05 • The Richard H. Brodhead Global Scholarship

    Initiated by Duke Kunshan’s inaugural Advisory Board in recognition of Duke’s 13th president, the Richard H. Brodhead Global Scholars are selected from the very best Chinese and international applicants. The scholarship fund will allow students with exceptional academic talent, demonstrated character and leadership ability to “take the leap” with confidence, to join and help shape this young university.

  • 06 • Ying Hui Scholarship

    Established in honor of the ancient Chinese tradition of benevolence and care for others, this scholarship is awarded to incoming undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and commitment to the principles of community service and social progress.

  • 07 • Fubon Scholarship

    The scholarship was created by Fubon Group to inspire and support students from Taiwan and international students to attend Duke Kunshan’s undergraduate program, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

  • 08 • Shu Ren Scholarship

    The Shu Ren (meaning “nurturing the talent” in Chinese) Scholarship was created to support the early growth of Duke Kunshan’s undergraduate degree program, contributing to the university’s vision of creating a new type of globally aware, intellectually agile, ethical leader while also helping transform Chinese higher education.

  • 09 • Green Future Fund

    The fund was created through the generous philanthropy of Ma Lin in contributing to a sustainable future in China and beyond. The fund will provide dedicated support to outstanding undergraduate students at Duke Kunshan who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the protection of China’s environment and related sustainability causes.

  • 10 • Hong Scholarship

    This scholarship is open to students who have declared a major in humanities and demonstrate a strong need for financial aid. The recipients are encouraged to shape their lives in a way that is rich with meaning as they examine and recognize the full range of human values and potential.

  • 11 • Fang Family Scholarship

    This scholarship was established by the Fang family with the intention to help remove financial obstacles, enabling top high school graduates from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as other regions, to choose Duke Kunshan over other prestigious institutions.

  • 12 • Zhi Yuan Scholarship

    Named after the Chinese proverb “Ning jing zhi yuan” (meaning “tranquility yields transcendence” in Chinese), the scholarship is offered to students who are determined to increase their depth of knowledge and experience, and to confront complicated and rapidly changing social realities.

  • 13 • JF Progressive Scholarship

    With their dedication to education and high hopes for students from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas, Jeff C. Chuang and Frances Chang established the JF Progressive Scholarship to support outstanding undergraduate students at Duke Kunshan.

  • 14 • L Scholarship

    This scholarship aims to support excellent undergraduate students at Duke Kunshan for their overall academic and personal development.

  • 15 • Huiyan International Education Fund Scholarship

    The fund was established with support from Yang Huiyan, vice chairman of Country Garden Holdings, and a donation from the Guoqiang Public Welfare Foundation of Guangdong province. The fund supports exceptional undergraduate students at Duke Kunshan and aims for a better world through education.

  • 16 • DKU Foundation Scholarship

    The scholarship is supported by the Duke Kunshan Education Development Foundation, which aims to facilitate the success of the university’s mission to become a world-class liberal arts and research university with a transformational impact on higher education in China and around the globe.

Categories
ADMISSIONS

Merit Scholarships and Need-Based Financial Aid

Merit Scholarships and Need-Based Financial Aid

Merit Scholarships
and Need-Based Financial Aid

Duke Kunshan University seeks a high caliber yet diverse cohort of students, and thus makes available both merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid to assist the Class of 2029 with the cost of tuition, and in select cases, additional cost of attendance.

Peter Ballentine

Merit-Based Scholarships

Duke Kunshan University offers a number of merit-based scholarships. These scholarships may be awarded to admitted students who distinguish themselves in academics, character, extracurriculars, talent, service, and other areas worthy of commendation. All applicants for admission are automatically considered for all available merit scholarships. A separate application is not required.

 

• Award Process: Scholarship awards are announced at the time of acceptance.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Need-based financial aid is reserved for admitted students with strong academic records yet a demonstrated lack of financial resources to cover tuition payments. The university has a substantial pool of funding dedicated to supporting students with need. We encourage all qualified candidates with financial need to apply to Duke Kunshan University. Admission decisions are based on the overall assessment of all application materials. However, in order to best support the financial needs of all students who ultimately enroll, Duke Kunshan has a need-aware admissions process that may place some consideration on an applicant’s level of financial need in relation to available space and funds.

• Award Process: Financial aid awards are announced at the time of acceptance.

Please follow these steps to apply for financial aid:

1. When applying to Duke Kunshan University via the Common Application, you must indicate “yes” in the check-box referring to interest in receiving consideration for need-based financial aid.

2. Submit a completed CSS Profile along with your application. (The latest deadlines are Nov. 5 for ED and Jan. 15 for RD.)

a. The CSS code for Duke Kunshan University is 7059.

b. The College Board charges students a fee between $16 and $25 for the CSS profile. Some students may be eligible for a fee waiver. To learn more, please visit the CSS Profile Fee Waiver website.

 3. Some applicants may be asked to submit supporting documents. If you are required, you will receive an email from the College Board IDOC service after you complete the CSS PROFILE. Additionally, your DKU Financial Aid Checklist on your application portal will be updated as well.

For more information, please contact: international-finaid@dukekunshan.edu.cn

Click here to learn more about how to apply for Financial Support at Duke Kunshan University. 

Duke Kunshan University Full Scholarship (for Fall 2025 Entry)

To reach talented students with significant financial hardship, Duke Kunshan University will offer a very select number of full scholarships for the Class of 2029’s international students. These awards cover the full cost of tuition and the majority of non-tuition costs associated with enrollment including books, airfare, housing, food, and local health insurance.

 

To be considered for these awards, eligible international applicants must demonstrate full financial need, exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. Further information could be found here.

Notice:

  • • Duke Kunshan University is not designated as a foreign eligible institution for U.S. Federal Student Aid and associated savings and loan programs. Therefore, the FAFSA is not needed to apply for financial aid at Duke Kunshan University.
  • • Admitted international students who did not apply for financial aid during the admissions application phase are ineligible to apply for financial aid for any year of undergraduate study.
Categories
ADMISSIONS

Qualities We Look for in a Successful Candidate

Qualities We Look for in a Successful Candidate

Qualities We Look for
in a Successful Candidate


We’re seeking talented students who will thrive in our unique global learning environment and who demonstrate the following characteristics:

  • 01High-achievers with a passion for learning

    Do your grades and test scores demonstrate academic distinction? Do you push yourself to excel both inside and outside the classroom? We are looking for well-rounded students who are intellectually engaged in a variety of settings and activities, and are well-prepared for a rigorous academic experience.

  • 02Strong interest in Duke Kunshan’s innovative, integrated and interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum

    Today’s students will soon graduate into a future where global politics, innovation and the environment intersect at every level. Complex global problems can no longer be adequately understood, addressed or solved through the lens of just one discipline, the way that traditional “majors” were designed. We are looking for students who are ready to tackle a unique, interdisciplinary curriculum that will prepare them to understand the world’s complexities from many angles and to make a difference on an international scale.

  • 03An adventurous spirit and global orientation

    Studying in a different country requires an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Are you adaptable? Tolerant? Do you have a genuine curiosity toward other cultures? Applicants must demonstrate an eagerness to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.

  • 04Demonstrated impact in campus and community life

    We want students with a desire to have a meaningful impact. We look for demonstrated engagement in various extracurricular, co-curricular and service-learning activities that show how students can apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations and experience personal growth. How would you become fully engaged in your educational experience, bring value to the Duke Kunshan and broader community, and ultimately to future organizations?

  • 05Excited about the leadership opportunities in a global environment

    Imagine the opportunities available to you at such a young and vibrant global university. As a member of our fourth class, you will play a crucial role in helping grow our clubs, advancing our newly-created student government and writing for our new school newspaper. In essence, you will be helping shape the culture and legacy of our unique institution. Furthermore, our students can intern and research with multinational corporations and prosperous startups before graduating into the prestigious Duke Alumni Association. We look for students whose leadership experiences have prepared them to take full advantage of this rich environment.

  • 06Strong English language proficiency

    The Duke Kunshan curriculum is taught entirely in English; therefore, all successful applicants must have strong English language abilities. The Admissions Committee will be able to assess an applicant’s English language ability through the application process, which may include a live interview via phone or video chat. For non-native English speakers, TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test scores may be submitted with an application for consideration, but are not mandatory. The TOEFL school code for Duke Kunshan University is B624.

Categories
CAMPUS LIFE

Kunshan – China

Kunshan

Overview


Kunshan city is an emerging, modern metropolis with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. Located at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta region in eastern China’s Jiangsu province, it neighbors both Shanghai and Suzhou, two dynamic cities. It also boasts a rich collection of cultural heritage, as well as picturesque rivers, lakes and forests.

The city is today home to about 1.6 million people. Its superior mix of natural and urban landscapes (rivers and forest occupy over a quarter of its 359-square-mile area) has attracted residents from around the world.

Kunshan is widely considered a successful model of China’s social and economic development. The city has consistently topped Forbes China’s list of the mainland’s best county-level cities. In 2010, the local government also received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor Award in recognition for its contribution to housing development.

The city has multiple Fortune 500 companies and other leading enterprises, as well as several high-tech and economic development zones.
History & culture

Since being established in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.), Kunshan has played an important part in many chapters of Chinese history. It has been home to many historical figures including mathematician and astronomer Zu Chongzhi of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) and geographer Gu Yanwu, writer Gui Youguang and painter Gong Xian of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The city is also the birthplace of pianist and composer Ding Shande, as well as astronaut Fei Junlong, who took part in China’s second manned spaceflight.

In terms of culture, it’s impossible to talk about Kunshan with mentioning Kunqu Opera, which originated in the area and is one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera. The art form dominated Chinese theaters in the 16th and 18th centuries. In 2001, it was listed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The area is also famed for its well-preserved ancient water towns including Bacheng, Jinxi, Zhouzhuang and Qiandeng.

The central and state-of-the-art Kunshan Culture and Art Center hosts more than 350 cultural performances each year, including Kunqu Opera and theater shows, as well as regular art exhibitions, painting and calligraphy workshops, and many other free activities.

Shopping & sports


Kunshan has a wealth of commercial areas and malls offering a mix of stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as many recreation areas for watching or taking part in almost any sport.

Dayu Bay, a picturesque spot just five minutes’ walk from the Duke Kunshan campus, has restaurants serving Chinese and Western cuisines along with bakeries, bars (including a Duke-themed sports bar), clothes stores, a gym and a rowing club.
Popular malls dotted around the city, such as Nine Square, Golden Eagle and Wanda Plaza, are also packed with stores and supermarkets selling local and Western brands, cinemas, fitness centers and education training centers.

The large, central Sports Center has a 30,000-seat stadium, which is home to the city’s soccer team, Kunshan F.C., and has recreation facilities for basketball, table tennis and badminton, among other sports. The center has hosted multiple national and international events.
For fans of shellfish, the freshwater Yangcheng Lake itself is famous for hairy crab, which is considered a delicacy in China.

Zhengyi Old Street also offers an authentic taste of traditional life in Jiangsu – it’s one of the only places to buy bulb wonton, a local specialty – while the bird and flower market, where vendors are spread through a network of narrow alleys, is a visual feast.
Sightseeing

Kunshan is a city with something for everyone. For nature lovers, there’s Forest Park, a 3,151-acre ecological wetland filled with a variety of plants, wildflowers, fruit trees, lotus ponds and bamboo gardens. Tinglin Park, with its green peak and clear waters, also welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Both parks are fairly central and offer a scenic escape from the developed downtown area.

Another great attraction is the grand Chongyuan Temple. Originally built around 1,500 years ago, the temple sits on an artificial island on the edge of Yangcheng Lake and is home to largest indoor Avalokitesvara and many other precious relics.
Getting around

In addition to its comprehensive inner-city bus network and easy-access bike rental system, Kunshan is also connected to its neighbors Shanghai and Suzhou by high-speed rail services, subway lines and express buses.

For more information about the city, check our “Fun in Kunshan,” a handy guide produced by Duke Kunshan’s Language and Culture Center.
Categories
CAMPUS LIFE

Health Service

Health Services

Health and Wellness Counseling Services

As Duke Kunshan University is a student-centered organization, we always ensure our students have the resources they need to be safe and successful. In order to protect the health of students, faculty and staff, Duke Kunshan University is equipped with an on-site medical clinic. The clinic’s medical staff is composed of a number of professionals with both overseas experience and professional medical skills. They provide a range of medical services, including general medical care and preventive health care, for all members of the campus community. Patient privacy and confidentiality is strictly enforced at all levels, allowing students the feel at ease when booking a consultation. Duke Kunshan’s medical center hopes to continue promoting and improving the health of students, faculty and staff through warm, relaxed and pleasant doctor-patient communication.

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Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Counseling and Psychological Services is committed to providing diversified services to meet the needs of students’ personal and mental health development. Not only do we pay attention to the individual needs of students, but also to the overall needs of the student body and school community. Different from the individual psychological counseling model of traditional universities, CAPS also provides other unique services, such as group psychological counseling, crisis intervention and emergency services, referral services and general counseling (non-psychological counseling). In addition, CAPS also provides a variety of workshops and activities related to counseling and psychological services.

The CAPS Team

Dr. Yan Li

Licensed Psychologist and Director of Counseling and Psychological Services

Fan Yang

Senior Clinical Counselor

Yitong Cai

Psychological Counselor

Ke Xu

Psychological Counselor

Individual psychological counseling services

Individual counseling services provide students with opportunities to receive professional psychological care. All psychological counselors at Duke Kunshan University have professional backgrounds and excellent work experience. Students can seek help from CAPS in any situation, such as dealing with an inferiority complex, anxiety, depression, academic stress, parent-child or interpersonal relationship problems, etc. CAPS will provide students with short-term counseling services. Each consultation is scheduled for 45 minutes and will be strictly confidential.

Individual psychological counseling services

Individual counseling services provide students with opportunities to receive professional psychological care. All psychological counselors at Duke Kunshan University have professional backgrounds and excellent work experience. Students can seek help from CAPS in any situation, such as dealing with an inferiority complex, anxiety, depression, academic stress, parent-child or interpersonal relationship problems, etc. CAPS will provide students with short-term counseling services. Each consultation is scheduled for 45 minutes and will be strictly confidential.

Group psychological counseling services

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to 5:30pm, CAPS organizes fixed group psychological counseling activities. This is a professional psychological treatment method that helps with common student issues through joint discussion and guidance. Students who face similar problems can talk to each other and support one another.

Group psychological counseling services

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm to 5:30pm, CAPS will organize fixed group psychological counseling activities. This is a professional psychological treatment method that helps with common student issues through joint discussion and guidance. Students who face similar problems can talk to each other and support one another.

Workshop & Outreach Program

CAPS holds regular workshops and related outreach projects on different topics to help students learn about psychology, adjustment skills, and to help reduce the pressure brought on by academic life. In the past few years, CAPS has successfully organized various activities that have been very popular among students. The most popular are Puppy Therapy and Ball-Pit Relaxation Stations during exam times.

Volunteers brought their therapy animals to the campus to help students release pressure and anxiety from final exam week
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During the Fall 2019 exam week, CAPS set up a large ocean themed ball pit on campus, allowing students to prepare for their exams and relieve stress at the same time in a unique and relaxing way

In addition to the above-mentioned stress-relief activities, CAPS has also held various activities such as a rainbow run, flower arrangement, cycling, hiking, meditation and various mental health lectures and forums.

For more information about CAPS, please visit the CAPS website.

Categories
CAMPUS LIFE

Student Activities & Clubs

Student Activities and Clubs

Duke Kunshan University is committed to providing students with a variety of student activities and services, encouraging students to explore their interests outside of the classroom. Our student activities and services are divided into 4 sections: Student Clubs and Organizations, Campus Activities, Art and Culture and the Blue Oasis Student Learning Center. These activities aim to strengthen cross-cultural understanding, promote extracurricular learning, increase participation in community service, enhance peer interaction and communication, carry out artistic and cultural exploration, and promote students’ personal development. Whether you like sports and fitness, art and culture, or volunteering in the community, you can always find like-minded peers at Duke Kunshan to share in your interests.

Student Clubs and Organizations
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Art and Culture
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Campus Activities
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Blue Oasis Student Learning Center
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Campus Activities Gallery
Categories
CAMPUS LIFE

Student Residence Life

Student Residence Life

All undergraduate students at Duke Kunshan live together with their peers in university-operated housing. Residence life at Duke Kunshan is considered an extension of the learning experience, where our diverse student body is brought together to learn from one another and develop lasting relationships.


We have several student residence halls to accommodate for our growing number of students. Each residence hall has a dedicated team of student RAs (resident assistants) and is supervised by a full time professional Residence Life Coordinator.


For more information about our specific residence halls, room application and assignment processes, policies, programs, staff, and ways to get involved, visit the Student Affairs website here.

Categories
CAMPUS LIFE

Green Campus

Green Campus

LEED Certification

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification (LEED) was established by the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit organization that conducts third-party certification for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. It is currently considered to be the most complete, authoritative and influential certification in its domain. The evaluation standard represents the highest benchmark for green buildings.

Duke Kunshan University’s LEED certification

Duke Kunshan University obtained a green building certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2016, becoming China’s first, and only, university to receive the “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certification for all of its buildings. Among them, the Academic Building and Conference Center obtained LEED gold certification, and the Student Residence Hall, Faculty Residence, and Service Buildings have obtained LEED Silver certification. Like Duke University, the LEED certification reflects Duke Kunshan’s commitment to green buildings and green design. This commitment ensures that all new buildings and major repairs comply with Duke Kunshan’s sustainable building policies while achieving the goal of building energy- and water-saving campus.

‘’The design and construction of the Duke Kunshan University campus embodies the high integration of green building design concepts, advanced technology and traditional Chinese water culture. The perfect combination of these three components brings out the campus’ outstanding characteristics in terms of energy conservation and environmental protection. Campus life is an important part of the rich experience that Duke Kunshan University provides to teachers and students. The achievement of such an honor is an affirmation of Duke Kunshan University's goal of building a world-class university. "

- Jingnan Liu, Inaugural Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University and Academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering

"We are very pleased to see how Duke Kunshan became the first university campus in China to be LEED certified. The design and operation of the Duke Kunshan University campus have thoroughly implemented the green building concept, which is very important to the sustainable development of the world. This extraordinary achievement will set a good example for educational institutions in China and around the world."

-Mahesh Ramanuham, Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Green Building Council

Sponge Campus

What’s a “sponge city”?

In October 2015, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China issued guidelines calling for building “sponge cities” to achieve the best control and utilization of rainwater resources. Today, areas that can achieve the integration of water absorption, water storage, water seepage, water purification, and water use are still very few in China, and even in the world. However, on the Duke Kunshan campus, these “future technologies” that originally existed only in people’s imaginations have become a reality. The Duke Kunshan campus has successfully used the surrounding waterscape system to achieve natural infiltration, natural purification and the reuse of rainwater.

Sponge City

Duke Kunshan University’s Sponge Campus:



Water is a core element in Duke Kunshan University’s landscape design. The entire campus has been designed to successfully use the surrounding waters system to achieve natural infiltration, natural purification and the reuse of rainwater. The water circulation system is composed of four complementary parts: the natural water features around the campus are responsible for rainwater collection and flow control; the roof garden helps rainwater infiltration; the underground filtration system ensures water quality; the irrigation system makes full use of treated rainwater for irrigation. Since the campus opened in the fall of 2014, all the irrigation on the campus has only used recycled rainwater, reducing water consumption by 100% and saving roughly 10 tons of water per day on average.

DKU's Sponge City

Environmental-Friendly Campus

Air filtration system:

The air filtration system is adopted throughout campus to ensure the circulation of indoor and outdoor air. The filtration system in the Innovation Building, where Duke Kunshan’s science laboratories are located, is equipped with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters, which can effectively prevent dust and filter out harmful substances in the air.

Carbon dioxide detector:

All classrooms in the Academic Building are equipped with carbon dioxide detectors. When the indoor carbon dioxide reaches a certain concentration, fresh air will be added. The air system will also accelerate air circulation and increase oxygen levels, ensuring teachers and students can maintain focus in the classroom.

Energy saving technology:


All buildings at Duke Kunshan University have used a number of internationally leading energy-saving and emissions-reduction technologies for the efficient use of energy, lighting, hot water, electromechanical systems, etc., in order to create a “low-carbon” campus. Most buildings use large-area glass to maximize the use of sunlight, thereby reducing the need for lighting. In addition to natural lighting, dimmers are installed in areas with high circulation such as classrooms, gyms and team rooms, to enable teachers and students to manually adjust brightness levels, making possible a more efficient use of energy. The campus buildings are equipped with high-efficiency water-saving devices that can reduce water consumption by 38%, saving up to 12,000 tons of water each year. The Conference Center and the Service Building are equipped with solar thermal panels on the roof, with a total area of 675 square meters that can generate 470,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year. This energy is then used to provide hot water on campus.



Categories
ADMISSIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

General
As a research-oriented, interdisciplinary liberal arts and sciences university located in China, our primary mission is to provide the highest quality undergraduate and graduate education and enable our students to lead purposeful and productive lives. The core of our educational offering is a four-year undergraduate degree program featuring an integrated and multi-disciplinary curriculum, with a strong Chinese, American, and global focus. In a culture of academic excellence and freedom, we prepare students for professional and academic leadership roles across the globe. As a highly selective Sino-U.S. joint-venture university, we promote innovative scholarship in service to society. We embrace the integration of global, national, and local traditions of thought, promoting cross-cultural understanding and cross-border collaborations.

Duke Kunshan is different in several ways. First, we offer an innovative liberal arts curriculum that is at the cutting-edge of knowledge and practice. The curriculum was developed after careful consideration of the key strengths and weaknesses of higher education in China and the U.S. The curriculum is derived from the academic excellence associated with Duke University, which is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report.

 

Second, Duke Kunshan is a research-oriented university. We take great pride in the fact that our faculty are known for excellence in teaching and research, with special relevance to China, including global health, environment, innovation, and research and development management.

 

Third, our state-of-the-art campus offers a total student experience second to none. We go the extra mile to ensure that each student has exciting extracurricular “outside the classroom” experiences that complement the innovative learning environment inside the classroom.

 

Furthermore, we are a tight-knit community of students and faculty who have come from all over the globe to live, study and research together. Close student-faculty relationships are a hallmark of the Duke Kunshan experience.

Duke Kunshan offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a highly diverse, internationally oriented learning environment. The advantage of this environment is that our students have ample opportunities to learn from one another and to share and exchange ideas based on their unique backgrounds and cultures. Duke Kunshan students become more deeply grounded in their own history and culture as well as more globally aware – an important prerequisite for career success in the globalized world of the 21st century.

Students who are in good standing with Duke Kunshan University will have the opportunity to attend Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, in either the fall or spring semester of junior year. In addition to spending a semester at Duke in their junior year, students may also choose to study there for one six-week summer term.

 

While at Duke, in addition to a wider range of courses, Duke Kunshan students will also have access to Duke student activities and clubs and to other student services on the Durham campus. Please see the Duke Kunshan University Office of Study Abroad website and the Duke University website for more details. While students will pay the same tuition at Duke that they would have paid at Duke Kunshan, students should keep in mind that housing and other costs are more expensive in Durham. Duke Kunshan students will be responsible for the normal costs of housing, meals, health insurance and other customary fees at Duke during their stay. The Office of Study Abroad will provide students with a detailed cost breakdown for the Duke summer and semester programs.

 

Students also have the opportunity to study abroad at locations other than Duke for a regular semester and/or during the summer. Students should consult with their academic advisers and with the Office of Study Abroad. Students are required to have all courses pre-approved through the Office of Study Abroad.

The city of Kunshan lies in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta region, one of the most developed areas in China. Bordering Shanghai, a large international metropolis, to the east and Suzhou, one of the country’s most renowned cultural and historical cities, to the west, Kunshan is an emerging industrial and commercial city with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. As an important county-level city in the southeastern part of Jiangsu province, Kunshan occupies an area of 359 square miles (931 square kilometers), one-quarter of which is covered by lakes and rivers. Kunshan’s superior natural and urban living environment has attracted people from all over the world to live and work. Widely considered a successful model for China’s social and economic development, Kunshan has won many titles, including the top ranking in Forbes China’s list of best county-level cities in the Chinese mainland for six consecutive years, and the 2010 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor Award. A number of Fortune 500 companies and other leading enterprises have established operations in Kunshan’s three national-level development zones, two provincial-level development zones, and within its eight townships. Kunshan is located about 60 kilometers west of Shanghai, a 90-minute drive from Shanghai’s downtown and about 50 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. There are more than 100 high-speed trains running between Kunshan and Shanghai every day, with each trip lasting under 20 minutes. A new subway system will be completed in 2021, adding another convenient option for transportation between Kunshan, Shanghai and Suzhou.

International students will need to apply for a temporary residence permit within 30 days of entering China. This process takes about one month and costs RMB 800. This permit will allow international students to travel in and out of China freely without further visa requirements. However, some destination countries may require their own visa, and students will need to apply for such visas through the embassies or consulates of the destination country.

International students will need to apply for the X2 visa to study in China. Before entering China, international students must apply for a Chinese visa through the Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country. Duke Kunshan has a specific office that can provide personalized services for international students applying for Chinese temporary residence permits and can assist domestic Chinese students in transferring their hukou to Kunshan. Detailed information including procedures and materials for applying for a visa and transferring hukou can be found on the Duke Kunshan website.

Yes, you are very welcome to visit the campus. For individual visits, our admissions counselors are available for consultation as well as trained student campus guide volunteers, who can provide campus tours upon reservation. Visit here to learn more and register.

We invite you to join us for one of our many live information sessions online, or for a local information session in one of several cities around the world. Times and locations for these sessions will be posted on our website and official social media channels.

 

Those who located near Durham, United States may request an add-on visit to the DKU Admissions House at Duke.

No. The language of instruction at Duke Kunshan is English. However, all students at Duke Kunshan are encouraged to attain a high level of Chinese, not only because the university is located in China but also because Chinese is one of the world’s most important global languages. For this reason, students who do not have a strong academic and professional command of Chinese will be assigned to a course appropriate to their Chinese level based on the results of a placement examination process.

Duke Kunshan is a Sino-U.S. partnership established by Duke University, Wuhan University and Kunshan city to create a world-class liberal arts and research university offering a range of academic programs for students from China and throughout the world. Duke Kunshan is a nonprofit, joint-venture institution that was granted accreditation approval by China’s Ministry of Education in September 2013.

Yes, we do consider applications from students who would like to enroll in undergraduate classes at DKU for one semester. You can learn more about the Duke Kunshan Visiting Student Program here.

Admission

• A record of outstanding academic achievement and a passion for learning;

• Strong English language proficiency

• Strong interest in Duke Kunshan’s innovative, integrated and interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum

• An adventurous spirit and global orientation

• Highly motivated, with a demonstrated ability to contribute to campus and community life

• The ability to overcome obstacles in various forms

All applications for Duke Kunshan University should be submitted using the Common Application. Students wishing to apply to both Duke University and Duke Kunshan University may do so by applying to each university individually via the Common App.

 

Common Application Checklist

 

• School report

• Counselor recommendation

• High school transcripts

• Teacher evaluations (2)

• SAT or ACT test score (optional for Fall 2024 applications)

    – No minimum test score is required for admission

    – International testing school codes for Duke Kunshan University:

      • SAT – 7059
      • ACT – 0621

•  Personal Essays

    • DKU-specific essay prompts:
    • “Why do you think Duke Kunshan University is a good match for you? And what special qualities do you feel you could bring to Duke Kunshan University?” (Required)
    • “Is there anything else you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you?” (Optional)*

•  Video Supplement (Optional)

    • A short video response to a randomized prompt. Details can be found here. 

•  CSS Profile (Required only if applying for financial aid)

The video supplement is an important part of your DKU application and gives you an opportunity to further demonstrate your fit for DKU’s unique community. Although not required, it is highly recommended. Details can be found here.

Up to eight elective credits may be awarded on the basis of Advanced Placement (AP), International Placement Credit (IPC, such as international baccalaureate) and Pre-Matriculated Credit (PMC). In some cases, such test scores and documented previous educational experiences may be used for placement into higher-level coursework and to satisfy major requirements at Duke Kunshan University to the extent allowed by each major.

International testing school codes for Duke Kunshan University: SAT – 7059, ACT – 0621, TOEFL – B624.

Yes. Students who are non-native Chinese speakers are required to take two years of Mandarin. For those who have taken Mandarin Chinese in high school, language proficiency will be assessed upon entrance, and a sequence of required courses will be assigned according to their particular needs.

No. All students begin their studies in the fall semester.

While applicants are strongly encouraged to enroll at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) in the year for which they apply, there are sometimes compelling reasons to delay enrollment. These reasons could include a military obligation, a family or health issue, an opportunity for public service, or a cultural experience. Click here for more information about our enrollment deferral policy.

The ability to communicate in English at a high level is necessary for success in the program. The admissions committee will be able to assess an applicant’s writing abilities through their academic achievement, standardized test results and written essay.

For applicants whose secondary school instruction language is not English or who reside in a country/region where English is not the official language, submission of TOEFL or IELTS test scores may prove helpful to the admissions committee. However, these exams are not required for admission.

All Chinese mainland citizens, whether in China or in other countries, must participate in the gaokao in the year of application and submit the results to the university. If you have any questions about the eligibility for application, please feel free to email China-Admissions@dukekunshan.edu.cn for assistance.

Students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan should provide their score in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Students from Taiwan can choose to provide their score in the General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT), in lieu of the JEE.

Yes. For applicants from outside the Chinese mainland, their test scores must still be valid. Please check the expiration date of all test results.

DKU has adopted a Test Optional Policy.  However, students with SAT and ACT results are still welcome to submit them for consideration.

Applicants can find the Duke Kunshan University-specific essay question in the Application Requirements section of our website. Applicants can find the Common Application essay question options in their Common Application.

Applicants can contact international admissions about technical issues related to Common Application by email.

Yes, please check out our record request policy here

Yes, students enrolled in homeschool and/or online school are welcome to apply to DKU. There are no additional requirements for admission but we encourage students to review our homeschool guidelines for help preparing their applications.

Tuition & Fees

Please view our current tuition and fees schedule, which is subject to approval from the university board and related government bodies. Duke Kunshan University seeks a high caliber yet diverse cohort of students, and thus makes available both need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to assist with the cost of tuition. Qualified students are encouraged to apply based on the understanding that the university will endeavor to assist students with demonstrated financial needs.

Citizens of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan qualify for the same tuition rates as Chinese mainland students.

There is NO application fee. Students who are admitted to the university and choose to enroll will need to pay a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit by wire transfer before the May 1 commitment deadline.

Expenses beyond tuition will depend on the tastes and habits of each individual. In general, students from outside the Chinese mainland can plan for a $12,000 annual budget, covering student fees, health insurance and other living expenses. During the optional Duke University semester in Durham, North Carolina, there will be no changes to a student’s tuition or scholarship package. However, students will have additional room and board costs associated with the Duke campus due to the higher cost of living.

Tuition and fees are due before the start of each semester. Students can pay via wire transfer or online bankcard debits in the currency in which they are invoiced. A Duke Kunshan University payment plan is available for international students to allow for tuition, fees and residence charges to be paid in four installments per year (two installments per semester). Further information can be found here.

Financial Aid & Scholarship

Duke Kunshan University seeks a high caliber yet diverse cohort of students, and thus makes available both need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships in to assist with the cost of tuition. The university has a substantial pool of funding dedicated to supporting students with need. We encourage all qualified candidates with financial need to apply to Duke Kunshan University.

Admission decisions are based on the overall assessment of all application materials. However, in order to best support the financial needs of all students who ultimately enroll, Duke Kunshan has a need-aware admissions process that may place some consideration on an applicant’s level of financial need in relation to available space and funds. On average, 80 percent of international students received scholarships or financial aid, with awards covering up to full tuition* (see Question #4 for more information).

Students who want to be considered for financial aid should complete a CSS Profile application with their admissions application. Final deadlines are Nov. 5 for early decision applicants and Jan. 15 for regular decision applicants.

Applicants are expected to provide details about their financial situation for consideration. When applying to Duke Kunshan via the Common Application website, all applicants must indicate “yes” in the financial aid interest box in order to be considered for need-based financial aid.

 

International students should submit a CSS Profile online by Nov. 15 for early decision applicants and Feb. 1 for regular decision applicants. The CSS code for Duke Kunshan is 7059.

 

Applicants from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who indicate an interest in applying for need-based financial aid will receive further instruction from China Financial Aid. 

Duke Kunshan University seeks a high caliber yet diverse cohort of students, and thus makes available both need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to assist with the cost of tuition, and the cost of attendance in selected cases for Class of 2028. Qualified students are encouraged to apply based on the understanding that the university will endeavor to assist students with demonstrated financial needs. On average, around 80 percent of international students received some level of scholarships or financial aid.

At Duke Kunshan, all applicants will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships. Need-based financial aid is also available. Students seeking financial aid should complete the CSS Profile application by Nov. 15 for early decision applicants and Feb. 1 for regular decision applicants. Award amounts vary, up to and including full tuition in most cases*. Students are responsible for covering their living expenses such as room, board and transportation, which are relatively lower compared with typical U.S. universities.

 

* To reach talented students with significant financial hardship. These awards cover the full cost of tuition and the majority of non-tuition costs associated with enrollment including books, airfare, housing, food, and local health insurance. To be considered for these awards, eligible international applicants must demonstrate full financial need, exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. Further information could be found here.

Applicants will be notified of a merit-based scholarship or need-based financial aid award at the time of your admissions offer.

External Scholarships are a form of grant aid that is awarded to students by external organizations like community nonprofits, local businesses, scholarship organizations, etc. If you receive additional funds from any external sources (other than DKU), you shall report this to the Office of International Enrollment Management within one month after your receipt of such additional funds. For more information regarding external scholarships, please click here.

Degree

Duke Kunshan University students successfully completing the course of study required by Duke Kunshan University and Duke University will be conferred both a Duke Kunshan University graduation certificate and diploma officially approved by the MOE as well as a diploma from Duke University indicating that the degree has been granted in accordance with the requirements of Duke Kunshan University and Duke University (Duke University and its degrees are accredited by SACSCOC).  Students will be alumni of both institutions. 

As a Sino-foreign cooperative university with independent legal status approved by China’s Ministry of Education, Duke Kunshan confers a graduation certificate and a bachelor’s degree recognized by the Ministry of Education in addition to a Duke University degree indicating that the degree has been granted in accordance with the requirements of Duke Kunshan University and Duke University. As one of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. and the world, a Duke degree is well recognized all over the world by governments and employers. Duke University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and is certified by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, the degree certification organization of China’s Ministry of Education. Duke Kunshan University is not accredited by SACSCOC and the accreditation of Duke University does not extend to or include Duke Kunshan University or its students. Further, although Duke University agrees to accept certain course work from Duke Kunshan University to be applied toward an award from Duke University, that course work may not be accepted by other colleges or universities in transfer, even if it appears on a transcript from Duke University. The decision to accept course work in transfer from any institution is made by the institution considering the acceptance of credits or course work.

Our innovative, integrated and interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum in a residential, personable, all-English, and interactive learning and teaching environment with great research opportunities will prepare our students extremely well for advanced studies in graduate schools. Graduates of our undergraduate degree program are expected to be highly competitive for some of the best graduate programs in the world.

Curriculum

A liberal arts and sciences education relies not on a formula for choosing and combining courses but on a culture of pedagogy that is immersive and dynamic, in which teachers and students work closely together to approach open questions, articulate hypotheses, test out ideas and challenge one another. This approach to education builds critical and problem-solving skills, simultaneously conferring a broad base of knowledge, and fostering the ability to question that knowledge and apply it flexibly.

 

A liberal arts and sciences education provides students with knowledge and skills that shape their lives, enhance their roles as citizens and increase their competitiveness for jobs. It develops their creativity and leadership and is deeply cross-cultural in its orientation, giving all participants the ongoing experience of learning to see from multiple points of view and to work together across cultural boundaries — a crucial skill for the future.

To learn more about the curriculum, visit: http://undergrad.dukekunshan.edu.cn/what-to-study/

The undergraduate degree program features a 21st century curriculum built around liberal arts principles and imbued with the hallmarks of a Duke education blended with Chinese tradition. The program incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, engagement with research questions, problem-based and team-based learning, and opportunities for students to craft individual pathways and deepen their intellectual engagement over time.

 

At Duke Kunshan, our liberal arts and sciences education fosters the freedom to explore academic interests while developing a breadth of knowledge and key skills including creativity, independent thinking, teamwork, written and oral communication, and evidence-based reasoning. Our approach combines theoretical and practical knowledge, delivered in small classes and taught in an open, participatory style that offers significant co-curricular and applied learning opportunities, including civic engagement and leadership opportunities.

 

Duke Kunshan also has a unique focus on producing a significant signature product and an emphasis on character development and rooted globalism. We foster an especially close connection between faculty and students, promote the intermixing of students with different interests, and provide direct access to research opportunities for undergraduates.

 

Other unique features of the Duke Kunshan undergraduate program include:

 

• Majors that have interdisciplinary and disciplinary components, with the former serving as the entry point and primary definition of a students’ academic focus, and the latter providing specialized training as well as divisional foundation courses that prepare students for advanced study and signature work that addresses a specific question, problem or issue. The disciplinary component includes independent research, a senior thesis or creative production.

• Common Core courses that focus on big questions and critical challenges.

• Electives that broaden students’ educational experience via distributional requirements and enable them either to develop greater specialized knowledge or to further broaden the scope of their study.

• Experiential opportunities that align the formal curriculum with practical experience, internships and other hands-on offerings.

• Intensive seven-week terms  enable students to take two in-depth courses with the flexibility to take some courses in 14-week blocks.

• Fridays are designed for practical work, field trips, internships, co-curricular activities and civic engagement.

• Mini-term courses provide a focused exposure to a single topic while enabling students to move outside of their comfort zone. There are no pre-requisites or grades for these non-credit courses.

• Seminars of fewer than 20 students make for an intensive, mind-on-mind education.

Majors at Duke Kunshan have interdisciplinary and disciplinary components, giving students the opportunity to customize their studies. Upon graduation, students receive a U.S. degree from Duke University and a Chinese degree from Duke Kunshan University. Students will declare their majors in their second year. For more information, visit dukekunshan.edu.cn/majors

No. However, each major consists of two important major related studies – an interdisciplinary area of study and a disciplinary area of study. The disciplinary area of study can be understood as a traditional major, while interdisciplinary work allows a student to tie that to other areas of knowledge. Students may also use their signature work to probe more deeply into another area and tie it to their major.

One of the advantages of a liberal arts education is that it encourages students to explore and discover his or her passion. Therefore, students are not required to declare a major until the second semester of their sophomore year, although students can also declare in the first semester of their sophomore year. Students will receive more information related to major declaration from the Office of Undergraduate Advising in their sophomore year.

Students can switch majors. However, they are not encouraged to switch too late, as this may make it difficult to meet the degree requirements in four years. Students need to complete their degree requirements within six years.

The faculty to student ratio is roughly 1:7. Most of Duke Kunshan’s faculty are globally recruited resident faculty members who have been selected by a Duke Faculty search committee. Other faculty members come to teach at Duke Kunshan from Duke University, Wuhan University and other top universities around the world.

Course instruction will be delivered primarily in small classes taught in an open, participatory style. Although there are some larger classes, the majority of courses will be seminar-style with 20 or fewer students. These seminars are the primary means by which excellence in writing, speaking and listening are nurtured.

 

Two of the core courses, China in the World and Critical Global Challenges, will be taught in large classes, appropriate to their function in developing a shared community of learning among students and teachers. Hybrid class designs utilizing flipped classrooms and team-based learning will provide opportunities for students to gain exposure to course content prior to class and provide in-class activities that focus on higher-level cognitive learning.

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to get involved in research with faculty members for credit through independent study research courses. The university’s research centers and institutes, including the Global Health Research Center, the Humanities Research Center and the Data Science Research Center, also sponsor research projects open to undergraduate students. In addition, the signature work project provides students the opportunity to seek creative alignments between curricular pathways and to engage in experiential learning that leads to the creation of knowledge and products for scholarly, private sector and public audiences.Undergraduate students have the opportunity to get involved in research with faculty members for credit through independent study research courses.

 

The university’s research centers and institutes, including the Global Health Research Center, the Humanities Research Center and the Data Science Research Center, also sponsor research projects open to undergraduate students. In addition, the signature work project provides students the opportunity to seek creative alignments between curricular pathways and to engage in experiential learning that leads to the creation of knowledge and products for scholarly, private sector and public audiences.

Students whose secondary education was not in English-medium schools will generally benefit from instruction in academic English skills, and they will take two semesters of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses. Students can further develop their academic English skills by taking additional elective EAP courses and/or written and oral communication (WOC) courses. We have a Writing and Language Studio for students who want to learn more about how to build their foreign language skills.

The general academic calendar is similar to that of Duke University. The fall semester starts in late August and ends in the middle of December. The spring semester starts in early January and ends around May 15. The spring break week will coincide with the Chinese Spring Festival holiday week. The one-week mini-term will take place between the two seven-week sessions in the spring term.

 

Please click here to see the academic calendars at Duke Kunshan University.

Academic Advising is an essential part of the student experience at Duke Kunshan University. Advisers aid in the selection of courses, majors, signature work and experiential activities, as well as exploration of career goals. In addition, advisers cultivate learning outside of the classroom by helping students explore their interests and goals while advising on how to navigate academic and social life. Through the advising community, students are connected to a network of faculty and staff who can help them adjust to college and make decisions related to major selection and enhanced academic experiences (e.g. internships, study abroad, research and civic engagement).

DKU offers courses in English and Chinese. Students who have a strong enough command of both English and Chinese that they can readily do academic work in both languages may take independent study courses in a third language through the Writing and Language Studio.

Each year, Duke University accepts a very small number of transfer students. Duke Kunshan students interested in transferring to Duke University should apply in the same way as all others. They receive no special consideration for admission to Duke University. Duke Kunshan does not accept transfer students.

Regardless of background or experience with a particular subject, all students at DKU can succeed. To ensure your success, we provide a variety of student support services that we hope you take advantage of when you arrive. These services, such as the Academic Resource Center, DKU Library and Writing and Language Studio, can help you with a particular course or with your overall academic experience.

Although Duke University agrees to accept certain course work from Duke Kunshan to be applied toward a degree from Duke University, that course work might not be accepted by other colleges or universities in transfer, even if it appears on a transcript from Duke University. The decision to accept course work in transfer from any institution is made by the institution considering the acceptance of credits or course work.

The Duke Kunshan-Duke-NUS Medicine Pathway is an unique opportunity that allows students to pursue their undergraduate studies at Duke Kunshan University before going to embark on their medical training at Duke-NUS Medical School’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program in Singapore. Open only to students who are committed to pursue the Data Science and/or Global Health Biology tracks, this conditional admissions pathway builds on DKU’s existing resources as a hub for high-tech research while preparing students for professional, intellectual, and societal leadership roles. Further details, including admission criteria, can be found here.

Campus Life

Our residential facilities include 9 Silver LEED certified buildings, containing around 2,100 beds, many study spaces, social lounges, and kitchenettes, and several classrooms and multipurpose spaces. Undergraduates will occupy 8 of the 9 buildings, which will be clustered into 4 courtyards. Each courtyard have around 500 students, a team of RAs, an RLC, and host a Living Learning Community (most of which have a Faculty-In-Residence). The buildings are a traditional-style accommodation with floors full of bedrooms and public bathrooms. Each room has 2 students living in it and each floor has bathrooms with private toilets and private showers.

Students of the same gender are assigned roommates using a complex computer process, designed to consider student preferences as provided on the suite assignment form before arrival. If students mutually confirm they wish to live together, they will be assigned as roommates. If not all students mutually confirm, they will be matched based on compatibility of answers from the “Lifestyle Preferences” section (e.g., smoking, sleeping, studying habits, etc.) of their Housing Application.

Single rooms are available only in the Student Residence Hall. Since there are staggered dates to sign up for housing based on citizenship grouping, and in an effort to provide equal access to all students, single rooms are assigned to those who complete the Housing Application in the shortest amount of time relative to their sign-up dates.

All undergraduate students are required to reside on campus. 

On-campus dining is available three meal times a day, seven days a week, but they are periodically closed for major holidays and/or when the university campus is closed. At such times, email notices will be sent out for information on closing times.

 

Nestled within DKU’s campus is a modern three-story dining hall, designed to meet the diverse needs of our community. This spacious facility houses a mini mart, a convenient coffee & juice bar, and an assortment of food options catering to a variety of preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp salad, flavorful halal dishes, traditional Chinese cuisine, or comforting Western fare, our dining hall aims to provide a comprehensive culinary experience for all.

 

All meals must be paid for using a pre-loaded DKU ID card or WeChat. The DKU ID Card allows for a 10 percent discount and can be topped up at the Academic Cafe next to the Cafeteria.

Orientation is usually held two weeks prior to the start of classes.

Covering 13,000 square meters over four floors, the DKU Sports Complex includes courts, running tracks, workout areas, and many other recreation spaces, all fitted with advanced equipment and technologies.

In addition to a 180-seater basketball arena, the Sports Complex has a full-size soccer field, swimming pool and sauna, and courts for badminton, volleyball, tennis, squash and racquet ball, and table tennis. It also has indoor and outdoor running tracks; areas for cardio, weight, and strength training; a spinning and rowing room; and spacious studios for dance, yoga, and martial arts.

We
offer clubs and organizations in various categories to meet the diverse
cross-cultural and academic interests of the student body. Club
categories include academic and university department(s), arts and
culture, community building and social, environmental, science and
technology, recreation and sports, service and philanthropy, special
interest, and wellness. DKU has over 35 active student clubs and
organizations, and more are in the process of becoming active. Students can get information and
visit with clubs and organizations on campus during our Clubs and Orgs
Expo, which will be held on the first Friday of each semester.

 

Our clubs and organizations include but are not limited to:

 

• DKU Philosophy Organization

• Drama Queens

• Mathematical Modeling Club

• DKU Model United Nations

• Student Health Exchange

• Student Research Club

• Chinese Calligraphy & Painting Club

• Duke Kunshan Music

• Glee Choir Club

• DKU Badminton Club

• DKU Football Club

• Showtime DKU Basketball Club

• DKU Street Dancing Club

• Key Club

 

For more detail, please visit DKU Athletics Website.

Locally and internationally, DKU aims to provide suitable, high-quality volunteering and community service programs. These programs include a large number of volunteer opportunities with regional community partners, social practice programs across China and the DKU-established Duke Kunshan Home. Duke Kunshan Home is a nonprofit volunteer program initiated by the Office of Student Affairs and now led by the University Volunteer Association, which serves the Kunshan community.

There are a variety of religious and faith-based venues across Kunshan, Suzhou and Shanghai. Locally, they include a Roman Catholic Church in Kunshan, and a mosque and a nondenominational Christian church in Suzhou.

Duke Kunshan’s Student Health Center provides basic primary care medical services. It has one full-time physician, one part-time physician and two nurses. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Part-time nurses provide out-of-hours care for medical emergencies.

CAPS is staffed by a full-time counselor and a full-time psychologist. It provides crisis intervention and emergency services, individual and group counseling services, workshops, outreach programs, and consultation and referral services for students. CAPS can also provide assistance to students with special needs or disabilities.

Kunshan has general hospitals and clinics with Chinese-speaking staff such as No. 1 People’s Hospital (about 7 km from campus) and Jen Ching Memorial Hospital (about 10 km away). Clinics and hospitals with bilingual staff are available in nearby Suzhou and Shanghai.