The opening ceremony for undergraduates of Duke Kunshan University in 2020. [Photo/WeChat account: dukekunshan]

Duke Kunshan University has recently become popular among international students, as more than 1,800 students had applied for the undergraduate program by early January, doubling last year's figure.

The students were from 100 countries and regions, including Canada, Russia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Al Bloom, the managing vice-president, said he was glad to see the university getting recognition from an increasing number of excellent international applicants.

"I'm looking forward to greeting the students," Bloom said.

Jessica Sandberg, chief of international student recruitment affairs, said China is now the top choice for international students and their families. The country's success in fighting COVID-19 and its fast economic recovery from the pandemic have motivated them to study in China.

Martina Gaddi, an Italian student who gained early admission to the school, had previously been on a study trip to Shanghai.

"I want to make friends from across the globe and I think Duke Kunshan can help me realize that dream," Gaddi said.

Laura Moncada from Venezuela said she is looking forward to the welcoming campus climate and experiencing different cultures.

"I cannot wait to immerse myself in the Chinese culture and get to know the cultural background and ideas of my classmates," Moncada said.

Duke Kunshan University is jointly run by Duke University in the United States and Wuhan University in Central China's Hubei province. It was approved by the Ministry of Education in September 2013 and started recruiting international undergraduate students in autumn of 2018.

International students applying for the undergraduate program starting this autumn will receive their admission letters in March.