More than 1,900 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students from around the world celebrated their graduation at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) on 18 and 19 July, marking the successful completion of their studies and the beginning of new journeys.
Family members, friends and academic staff gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026 as graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees and join the University of Nottingham’s global alumni community.
Building bridges for the future
Addressing graduates, Professor Xincheng Xie, President of UNNC, encouraged them to become bridge-builders in an increasingly interconnected world.
Reflecting on a generation shaped by rapid technological change and artificial intelligence, he urged graduates to use their international outlook, critical thinking and ability to connect people, disciplines and cultures to help shape the future.
Professor Jon Garibaldi, Provost of UNNC and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, highlighted the global capabilities students had developed during their time at the University, while Professor Jane Norman, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, welcomed the Class of 2026 into the University’s worldwide alumni community of more than 350,000 members.
The ceremonies also recognised outstanding contributions to research, education and the student experience through a series of honorary appointments and University awards. Professor Ji Wang, Professor Markus Blut and Mr Hong Lin were awarded Honorary Professors in recognition of their distinguished contributions to their respective fields. Professor Umesh Sharma was awarded the title of Chair Professor for his exceptional academic achievements. The University’s Careers and Employability Service Office, the “Nihao Ningbo” project team and the Regional Centre of Expertise Ningbo on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE Ningbo)’s SMART Project received the Lord Dearing Award for their outstanding contributions to enriching the student experience and enhancing educational quality.
Ready for the world
The Class of 2026 leaves UNNC with an impressive record of achievement.
By the end of June, 185 students had voluntarily shared postgraduate admission results, receiving a total of 220 offers from six of the world’s leading universities: Imperial College London, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, Harvard University, the University of Cambridge and Yale University.
Graduates have also secured opportunities at leading global employers, while others will continue their studies at top universities across China through the postgraduate recommendation scheme. In 2025, UNNC became the first Sino-foreign university in China authorised to recommend outstanding undergraduates for postgraduate study at Chinese universities without sitting the national entrance examination.
Reflecting on their time at UNNC, graduates spoke of the University’s international learning environment, supportive community and emphasis on independent thinking, all of which had prepared them to pursue ambitious goals around the world.
A celebration of new beginnings
Graduation was shared with families and friends who travelled from across China and overseas to celebrate this important milestone.
Parents and relatives reflected on the confidence, maturity and resilience their loved ones had developed during their years at UNNC, expressing pride as they embarked on careers, further study and new adventures around the world.
To commemorate the occasion, graduates received a selection of gifts from the University, including alumni welcome packs designed to support their lifelong connection with the Nottingham community.
As the Class of 2026 begins the next chapter, they join a global network of Nottingham graduates equipped with the knowledge, confidence and determination to make a positive impact wherever their journeys take them.
Published on 20 July 2026