Hefei University of Technology

Hefei University (HFU), formerly known as Hefei Union University, was established in 1980 through collaborative efforts between Anhui Province and Hefei City. Born during a period of reform and innovation, HFU pioneered a distinctive approach to education characterized by affordable tuition, practical skill development, and strategic partnerships. Recognized as a trailblazer in China's Higher Education Reform, HFU embarked on a cooperative venture with Lower Saxony state, Germany in 1985 to adopt the model of German universities of applied sciences. This partnership led HFU to become one of two model universities of applied sciences in China supported by German expertise. In 2002, HFU underwent a significant transformation approved by the Ministry of Education, consolidating Hefei Union University, Hefei Institute of Education, and Hefei Normal School into a single institution. Today, HFU stands as a beacon of Sino-German educational collaboration, serving as a demonstration base for Sino-German education cooperation in China. It is among the 63 universities nationwide authorized to offer master's courses and degrees for specialized national demands, and one of 61 universities offering advanced engineering programs. With a commitment to practical education, HFU has cultivated a wealth of professionals instrumental in local development. Through rigorous academic endeavors, HFU has garnered national recognition, receiving prestigious awards such as the National Teaching Achievement Award and the National Science and Technology Progress Award. Its students have achieved remarkable success, securing numerous national prizes and maintaining high employment rates, particularly within the province. Furthermore, HFU prioritizes internationalization, fostering partnerships with 72 universities worldwide and hosting a substantial number of international students and faculty. Notably, HFU's collaboration with Germany has been particularly fruitful, highlighted by visits from esteemed leaders like Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. With a focus on innovation and cultural preservation, HFU actively engages in industry-university-research cooperation and promotes regional cultural studies. Its dedication to ideological and political work has earned accolades, including recognition as a Provincial Civilized Campus and selection as a model university for Party Building. HFU's remarkable journey of growth and excellence has attracted widespread attention, with numerous universities seeking to emulate its success. Its impact extends beyond academia, shaping the educational landscape both regionally and nationally, earning it the distinction of being referred to as the "Anhui phenomenon" and the "Hefei mode" by China's Ministry of Education.