The UWI China Institute of Information Technology (UWICIIT) is a prestigious educational institution that serves as a hub for technological advancements and academic collaborations between the University of the West Indies (UWI) and various Chinese universities and organizations. Established in 2016, UWICIIT embodies the shared vision of promoting information technology education and research exchanges between China and the Caribbean region.

UWICIIT offers a diverse range of programs and courses in information technology, computer science, and related disciplines. The institute prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research initiatives, which attract top scholars, students, and industry professionals from both China and the Caribbean. Through its collaborative partnerships, UWICIIT provides students with invaluable opportunities to engage in cross-cultural learning experiences, gain exposure to innovative technological advancements, and develop the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age. With its commitment to academic excellence and international cooperation, UWICIIT has emerged as a prominent institution driving technological innovation and fostering global connections in the field of information technology.

About the Program

The programme is offered as a 2+2 programme, with students spending the first two years in the Caribbean at The UWI and the succeeding two years at GIST in China, where students have an opportunity to complete an internship at an IT company in Suzhou, one of China's most tech-friendly cities. English is the primary language of instruction for the programme, however, Chinese language and cultural training will be provided as part of the curriculum. Students completing two years at GIST will also receive a GIST diploma in addition to The UWI degree.

Tuition Fees:

• • $10,000 USD per year
• • Total: $40,000 USD

MANDATORY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:

• • Birth Certificate
• • Academic Certificates – according to their jurisdiction.  The ones listed are examples
• • SAT Scores (If the students have SAT Scores these should be submitted)
• • Professional certificates/diplomas (if relevant)
• • Official Transcripts from international High Schools, Colleges and Universities 

           IMPORTANT NOTE: The Official Transcripts from international High Schools, Colleges and Universities must be sent directly from the granting institution or forwarded from World Education Services (WES). If you have a personal/unofficial copy, you can upload it pending submission of the official copy from the institution.  However, you will not receive a final offer until the official transcript is received.

OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (as applicable):

• • National ID card (Barbadian applicants only)
• • Certificate of Citizenship (Certificate of Registration; Certificate of Citizenship by Descent) NOTE: Applicants who hold dual citizenship are asked to clearly indicate which nationality they wish to be considered.
• • Marriage Certificate (where your name has been changed through marriage)
• • Legal Affidavit or Deed Poll (if your name is different from that on the Birth Certificate)

Creating Tomorrow's Tech Leaders

The UWI China Institute of Information Technology (UWICIIT), was formed through an agreement between The University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Suzhou Global Institute of Software Technology (GIST) and was officially opened in September of 2016. Both universities have come together to pave 'a silk road for education', linking China to the Caribbean and the rest of the western world.

The UWICIIT is the first institute of its kind in the hemisphere, which aims to foster collaboration between the Caribbean and China. It has the endorsements of regional governments, CARICOM and the Chinese Government. The Institute offers state-of-the-art software engineering training, development, research and services. It will have its main offices in Barbados, with additional sites across the Caribbean.

The University of the West Indies is recognized as an approved foreign university by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China.

A Global 21st-century University Rooted in the Caribbean

For over seven decades, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has provided service and leadership to the Caribbean region and the wider world.

Starting as a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI has evolved into a modern, future-driven, activist, top-ranked academy with over 50,000 students. Our mission to advance learning, create knowledge and foster innovation for the positive transformation of the Caribbean is centered on producing critical thinkers and leaders who serve the needs of the 21st-century society.

About The Global Institute of Software Technology (GIST)

Global Institute of Software Technology, Suzhou (GIST), bestowed its legal status by Jiangsu Provincial Government, is an innovative institution of higher learning jointly established by Microsoft (China) Co. Ltd., Suzhou Science and Technology Town and Global EduTech Management (Suzhou) Co. Ltd.

GIST has a strong record of collaborations with universities to jointly create a conducive environment for international students to gain and enrich their knowledge of contemporary China. With a strong relationship to The UWI, enviable location in stunning Suzhou, and incredible tech opportunities, it is the perfect partner for Software Engineering at The UWI students.

Ranked Among the Best in the World

Since 2016 when the University management took the strategic decision to prepare and position the institution for global competitive rankings, its performance results have been steadily progressive. The choice to engage the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking system was based on its standing as the most reputable and independently quality assured. Its annual rankings have become a standard measuring tool in the comparative performances of the best global universities.

The ranking results for 2022, released by the THE in early September 2021 show that The UWI has soared within the scales, moving up a very impressive 94 places. From the global field of some 30,000 universities and elite research institutes, The UWI now stands in the top 1.5%, up from 3% in the prior year.

A Legacy of Producing Leaders

UWI graduates can be found in every sector of Caribbean society, including the highest levels of government and business. Over 20 proud Pelicans have risen to become Heads of Government and countless others are leaders of all the professions – locally, regionally and internationally.

Their network of more than 240,000 alumni includes from Emmy Award, Man Booker and Nobel Prize winners, to CEOs, entrepreneurs, academics and artists and every other major discipline.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it