Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), an international joint venture between Xi’an Jiaotong University (China) and the University of Liverpool (UK), is strengthening its presence in Indonesia, its largest international market. With approximately 700 Indonesian students currently enrolled and undergraduate applications from Indonesia exceeding 1,500 for the upcoming September intake—accounting for about 38% of total international applications—XJTLU is positioning itself as a strategic choice for Indonesian students seeking global education and career opportunities.
“Currently, XJTLU has faculty members from more than 60 different countries and regions around the world. Our students also come from nearly 100 different countries and regions, creating a campus environment where they are well accustomed to a diverse, multicultural atmosphere,” said Professor Youmin Xi, Executive President of XJTLU, at a Media Discussion held in Jakarta on June 24, 2026. Professor Xi emphasized the university’s educational model, which focuses on helping students develop agile thinking, a wide range of skills, and wisdom by integrating knowledge from both Western and Eastern perspectives.
XJTLU offers more than 100 degree programmes across disciplines including science, engineering, business, finance, architecture, urban planning, languages, and culture. All programmes are delivered in English, except for general and foundational courses. Undergraduate students graduate with two degrees: an XJTLU degree recognized by China’s Ministry of Education and a globally recognized degree from the University of Liverpool. Postgraduate students receive degrees from the University of Liverpool, also recognized by China’s Ministry of Education. All academic departments offer PhD programmes, supporting the university’s vision to become a research-led international university.
Alumni representative Tuty Julfa shared her experience: “I feel very fortunate to have studied at XJTLU, primarily because it not only strengthened my hard skills but also developed the soft skills essential for my career growth. It’s not just about academics, but also about interpersonal skills and how we cultivate perseverance and resilience.” Tuty now runs a fashion retail business.
As part of its international expansion, XJTLU established an official representative office in Indonesia in 2024 and expanded its recruitment team in June 2026 to enhance services. The university has also built partnerships with leading Indonesian institutions including Binus University, Universitas Indonesia, Institut Teknologi Bandung, and Petra Christian University Surabaya, as well as education agencies and international schools.
A key differentiator for XJTLU is its integration of artificial intelligence into the curriculum. “This year marks the 20th anniversary of our university. The future world requires new pillars—individuals who are able to work alongside AI. From the first year, our students are introduced to what AI is, how to use it, and the ethics surrounding it. In the second year, they begin learning how to apply AI appropriately in subjects such as Mathematics, Engineering, and the Social Sciences. By the third year, they are supported by AI in conducting research. We use AI to support education—upgrading, restructuring, and reshaping it. However, we do not aim to use AI to replace education. Our philosophy is ‘X plus AI,’ not ‘AI plus X,’” Professor Xi explained.
The implications for Indonesian students and the broader education landscape are significant. XJTLU’s double-degree structure offers a cost-effective pathway to a UK-recognized degree while studying in China, potentially reducing the financial burden compared to studying directly in the UK. The AI-focused curriculum prepares graduates for a rapidly evolving job market where AI proficiency is increasingly critical. For business and technology leaders, XJTLU’s model demonstrates how higher education institutions can adapt to the AI era without replacing traditional education, potentially influencing global education strategies.
For more information about XJTLU, visit https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en.
