The first Chinese university established in Israel has unfortunately shut down after just three years of operation, following a temporary pause in new enrolments during Israel’s war on Gaza. The university, a branch of Beijing’s University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), had initially received approval from Israel’s Council for Higher Education and was considered a recognized academic institution.
The decision to close the university, despite plans for expansion and a research institute, came as a disappointment to many. Chinese professors, students, and even Israeli students have returned to China, with no intention of returning to Israel. The university, which offered a bachelor’s degree in business administration to students from both countries, set tuition at $9,200 a year.
China has been an advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution, while also brokering agreements between Palestinian political groups – a stance that Israel has been against. The closure of the university came amidst a nationwide strike in Israel after the tragic discovery of six captives found dead, leading to the closure of universities across the country.