Despite hopes for long-term collaboration, the first Chinese university established in Israel has closed its doors after three years of operation in Petah Tikva.
Chinese professors and students, alongside Israeli students, have returned to China and expressed no desire to return to Israel.
The branch, part of Beijing's University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), had received approval from Israel's Council for Higher Education and was recognized as an academic institution. The initiative was led by Maj. Gen. (ret.) Matan Vilnai, a former Israeli ambassador to China, who spearheaded the collaboration and the establishment of the university's Israeli branch.
The university operated under the auspices of the Chinese government, which has taken a tough stance against Israel since the outbreak of war. It is believed that the Chinese authorities decided to cease operations in Israel despite prior plans to expand and establish a research institute. Land had even been allocated in Petah Tikva for the construction of a new campus, which was to be funded by China.
The university operated temporarily in Petah Tikva, offering a bachelor's degree in business administration to both Israeli and Chinese students, with annual tuition set at 34,000 shekels ($9,200).
'At the time, the relationship between China and Israel was special'
Before the war, Israel was seen by the Chinese as a model for innovation and knowledge. The university's faculty included six professors and two Chinese language instructors from China, while courses were taught in English and included business-level Chinese language instruction, along with two four-week trips to China for study and mentorship in Chinese companies. Five Israeli PhDs were also part of the faculty.
In China, UIBE is ranked as a "Double First-Class" university, a prestigious distinction, offering 18 academic faculties, 10 research institutes and approximately 160 undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs, specializing in economics and global management.
Vilnai told Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth: "The university has closed, and the Chinese have left. At the time, the relationship between China and Israel was special—ties with Israel were considered a mark of excellence. The first class completed their studies as planned, and the second will finish their third year in China. No new students are being admitted."
"It’s a great shame—the Council for Higher Education recognized us, which is no small feat. We had land allocated for a new campus, and everything was planned. We had great momentum, and it’s a real shame."