Ningbo college supports students in least developed countries

To help the world's 46 least developed countries (LDCs), scholarships are being provided to students from such countries who sign up for the International Design Education program at Zhejiang University, Ningbo.

The two-and-a-half-year postgraduate program aims to cultivate interdisciplinary design talent which can then bring their newfound knowledge to their home countries.

Last year, 33 students from 18 countries, including Zambia, Bangladesh and Guinea, were admitted to the program. This year, the college will offer 50 places for eligible students from LDCs. 

Applications for the program began on Jan 26 and will last until March 31. 

The scholarships were launched in 2021 by the college in partnership with the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries and the World Eco-Design Conference.

Taffere Tesfachew, the acting managing director of the UN Technology Bank, stressed the importance of developing science, technology and innovation in the LDCs, which can then lead to sustainable development.

He added that the International Design Education program promotes entrepreneurship and innovation in these countries, which will help with the issue of employment.