Belfast an International City
Belfast as a port city has always had an international feel and has thrived on building links with the world. Today Belfast City Council are deeply involved in building these partnerships and we believe that local international communities should be at the heart of that outreach.
From long established communities like the Jewish, Italian and Chinese to the more recent Eastern European communities we all have a role to play helping our new home country build bridges to others.
Belfast City Council has been a great partner and we hope that that work will continue. Thet=y are currently involved in:
EU and International relations
We’re building international relationships across Europe, USA and China in order to attract investment, encourage trade and develop our tourism, cultural and educational links.
We also collaborate with a number of key institutions in the city including universities and colleges, international consulates, Belfast Chamber of Commerce, the British Council, government departments including The Executive Office, Invest Northern Ireland, Visit Belfast, the NI Executive Office in Brussels, the Special European Programmes Body and potential investors.
Links to our key stakeholders are provided below.
All of these partnerships enable the European and International Relations unit to provide connectivity and service within the city and internationally.
Europe
Belfast's membership of EUROCITIES and strong links with the European Union (EU) help us to secure funding, promote Belfast across Europe, and influence EU policy development.
We're working with Dublin City Council to explore the potential of the 100 mile Belfast-Dublin economic corridor to improve transport connections and boost trade.
International
Belfast is a Sister City of Boston, Nashville (USA) and Shenyang (China) which allows us to strengthen trade, investment, tourism, cultural and educational links.
| Organisation | Website (link opens in new window) | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| All Consulates in Belfast and NI | https://www.ca-ni.org (Consulate Association NI)
http://ca-ni.org/documents/diplomatic-list.pdf (List of all Consulates in NI with contact details) |
028 9187 4697 |
| Belfast Chamber of Commerce | https://belfastchamber.com | 028 9033 1399 |
| Belfast Metropolitan College (International) | https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/support-for-business/international-programmes | 028 9026 5025 |
| Eurocities | www.eurocities.eu | +3225520888 |
| International Relations Queen’s University | https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/MRCI/InternationalOffice/ | 028 9097 5088 |
| International Relations Ulster University | https://www.ulster.ac.uk/departments/global-engagement | 028 9036 8220 |
| Invest Northern Ireland | https://www.investni.com | 0800 181 4422 |
| NI Bureau Washington | https://www.nibureau.com | +1 (202) 674 3874 |
| NI Connections | https://www.niconnections.com | 0800 181 4422 |
| NI Executive Office Brussels | https://brusselsni.com | +32 2 290 13 30 |
| SEUPB Belfast | https://www.seupb.eu/seupb-home | 028 9026 6660 |
| St Mary’s University College (International) | https://www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk/academic/departments/default.asp?nq=1&mode=detail&departmentid=36&cid=110786176978 | 028 9032 7678 |
| Stranmillis College (International) | https://www.stran.ac.uk/international-students/international-team | 028 9038 4255 |
| The British Council Belfast | https://nireland.britishcouncil.org | +44 (0)161 957 7755 |
| The Northern Ireland Executive Office | https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk | 028 9037 8151 |
| Tourism Ireland | www.tourismireland.com | 028 7035 9200 |
| Tourism NI | www.tourismni.com | 028 9023 1221 |
| Visit Belfast | https://meetbelfast.com | 028 9023 9026 |
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Business Consultancy Centre
Chinese Chamber of Commerce N.I.
Business Consultancy Centre
北愛爾蘭華商會商务咨询中心
A non-profit organization set up to promote and facilitate investment and trade between Northern Ireland and China.
We focus on delivering value by connecting the small and medium-sized enterprises with the Chinese market and creating opportunities for Northern Ireland companies.
We are committed to provide a range of professional services which include facilitating global trade by opening up new Chinese markets for Northern Ireland SMEs, offer SMEs the highest possible quality of service and business and financial consultation.
MISSION
Our mission is to effectively promote and facilitate investment and trade for economic development and to passionately use our knowledge and expertise to develop business ties between Northern Ireland and China.
Our Objectives
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To act as a bridge between Northern Ireland and China – attracting investors from China and creating business ties.
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To facilitate trade between Northern Ireland and China .
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To provide translation services.
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To recruit students from China for Universities and Schools in the UK.
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To provide basic market consultant services for business and investors in Northern Ireland and China.
Why Study at Queens University Belfast
Queens University has invested heavily in making international students welcome. As one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom with a long history of excellence it has become a firm favourite with Chinese students.
Every year international students start their study abroad journey by exploring a host of options looking for the university that best suits and fulfills their personal and academic aspirations. International students often look for the best university for their desired discipline, the tuition and living costs in the country/city in which the university is located as well as after-graduation employability, among many other criteria. This article sheds light on reasons why international students choose Queen’s University Belfast as their university of choice pursuing their education abroad.
Academic Reputation & Faculty Quality
As the 9th oldest university in the UK, Queen’s University Belfast has been providing top education since 1845. With world-renowned faculty members, Queen’s University Belfast is able to provide students with top-class undergraduate as well as graduate education in many different disciplines. The university has a wide reputation as a leading research university in the UK. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities and has been ranked as first in the UK for research intensity in disciplines like Biological Sciences, Dentistry and Mathematics. Its research ranking received as high as first in the UK for Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Food Science and Agriculture and Forestry making it one of the most popular study destinations for foreign students.
Degree Programs & Disciplines
Queen’s University Belfast is known to provide a wide spectrum of undergraduate as well as graduate degree programs. Its programs cover a host of disciplines; from Accounting and Economics to Medicine, Computer Engineering and Architecture. Its population of 3000 International students from more than 80 countries around the world are not only attracted by the highly-ranked disciplines, but they also choose to study at Queen’s University Belfast for the variety of specializations as well as its academic excellence; 96% of current international students are satisfied with the subject area expertise of their lecturers while 93% of current international students at are satisfied with the teaching ability of their lecturers.
Top Ranked University
Queen’s University Belfast is amongst the top ranked universities in the world and in UK. The University has been ranked 209 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2021 and 200 in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2021. The University also has 15 subjects with ranking in the top 200 in the world in the QS World Rankings by subject 2020; amongst which are subjects like English Language and Literature (51-100), Pharmacy and Pharmacology (51-100), Nursing (51-100) and Medicine (151-200).
Not only does Queen’s University Belfast enjoy such a high ranking amongst the world’s top universities, it also holds such high ranking amongst UK universities. It is ranked 27th in the UK with 24 subjects in the UK top 20 and 10 subjects in the top 10. Subjects like Electrical and Electronic Engineering ranks 9th in the UK while Accounting and Finance ranks 6th, Chemical Engineering ranks 16th, and Mechanical Engineering ranks 20th.
Employability
Queen’s University Belfast is ranked in the top 140 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). The University prepares and encourages its students to take advantage of a student exchange program or an international work placement program as part of their degree. Students will have a chance to utilize the European Erasmus Programme, through which, students will have a chance to study abroad for one year at a partner university in Australia, Canada, China, India, New Zealand or the USA. Students can also gain some work experience through a work placement program with an employer. Every year over 800 Queen’s students take the opportunity to go outside of Northern Ireland to study or gain work-related experience. This will enhance students’ employability, broaden cultural awareness and boost self-confidence and resilience. It’s worth noting that 96% OF Queen’s graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation. *
*(HESA Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17)
Scholarships
Amongst the top criteria international students take into consideration when deciding on a university to study abroad is the availability of scholarships. Queen’s University Belfast is considered to be one of the top universities to provide foreign students with scholarships and grants; Queen’s University Belfast avails £1.5M in scholarships to talented, fee-paying international students each year making it one of the most attractive study destinations for international students. The International Office Undergraduate Scholarship awards international undergraduate students enrolling in full-time undergraduate programs up to £3000 for one year. The Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship awards international students enrolled in full-time undergraduate program up to 50% discount on tuition fees paid for all years; students can apply for the scholarship by filling out this application.
International Student Friendliness
Belfast, generally, is a modern, beautiful capital city that is welcoming to its visitors and quite easy to get around while being an affordable place in which to live and study. The city features a beautiful contrast of old and modern architecture. Being one of the most affordable cities to live and study within the UK has made Belfast a top destination for international students. Particularly, Queen’s University Belfast is a top choice for international students for its friendliness and welcoming to visiting students. The university takes into account the stress international students may fall under while being away from home thus has over 200 clubs and societies to suit everyone, including sports, gaming, creative, cultural and academic societies.
Location
Queen’s University Belfast is located in south central Belfast and as such is close to both Northern Ireland’s main motorways, connecting it easily with the rest of Ireland. The university is also a five-minute walk to Botanic Train Station making it easily connected to Dublin and the rest of the United Kingdom. Belfast could also easily be reached by plain; Belfast’s 2 airports, George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport, seamlessly connect it to other major cities within the UK with less-than-an-hour flights that are reasonably priced. Its 2 airports serve 74 direct flight from Belfast to UK, Europe and the USA.
Lower Cost of Living
Belfast is generally is considered one of the most affordable cities to live and study in within the United Kingdom making it an attractive study destination for international students. Average monthly living expenses certainly varies depending on individual spending habits but generally speaking, the average living cost in Belfast is considered to be a lot less than the living costs in mainland Britain. Average monthly rent ranges from £400-£550 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, a single movie ticket costs about £7 and a fast-food combo meal would cost around £6. It is estimated that the average total expense is £950 per month.
Network of Support
Moving to a new country can be an intimidating experience for young international students. The Student Guidance Center at Queen’s University Belfast is the first place students visit when looking for information, support or advice. The center provides students with support services that look after their health, wellbeing, education needs, study needs, financial security and future career. The dedicated International Support Services team can provide students with specialist advice in relation to visa and immigration matters including applying for visa to come to the UK and assisting with any queries they may have during their time here.
Quality Accommodation
With accommodations costs varying between £85-£175 per week, Queen’s University Belfast provides one of the most affordable accommodations options in Belfast. The University has added 1,237 rooms across two brand new city center sites in 2018 that provide students with modern accommodation. Queen’s University Belfast offers its students different types of accommodations; students can choose to live in a twin, standard or en suite accommodation. Additionally, students who wish to live in a single-sex, quiet-living and alcohol-free accommodation have to indicate that in their application. Students who are looking for a more economic accommodation option can certainly look for private housing where they can share an apartment with other fellow students.
Cost of Tuition
Queen’s University is considered one of the most affordable universities for international students to study abroad in the UK. Its yearly tuition fees amounting to £17,400 for classroom-based level of study and £ 21,400 for laboratory-based level of study while Pre-clinical Based / Clinical level of study costs £32,200 per year. While, as mentioned earlier, Queen’s University Belfast avails £1.5M in scholarships to talented, fee-paying international students each year, international students have a great opportunity to make use of scholarships and lowering tuition fees
Local Chinese Community Support
We know how difficult moving away from home and travelling round the world to embark on challenging studied in another language. All those things we miss about home from friends and family to food and fun. While the excitement and rewards of such a move are huge there will always be a time of adjustment and home sickness. Therefore the Chinese Welfare Association which is located practically on campus provides a wide range of events and courses which will help Chinese and other international students feel right at home. A safe space where they can meet each other and enjoy friendship and food as well as a way of exploring Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Queen's University Graduation Ceremony on Weibo
Queen's University Graduation Ceremony · Weibo Online Watching Ceremony
05/07/2021
In order to facilitate the viewing ceremony, the Weibo online virtual graduation ceremony will broadcast the whole process. Welcome to watch it.
At that time, you can invite relatives and friends to watch the ceremony on Weibo and share this exciting moment.
Click this link or scan the QR code below to follow the Weibo account of @Queen's University of the United Kingdom to watch the ceremony.
I wish the students a happy graduation and enjoyable ceremony!
Queen's University · Graduation Ceremony Team
英国女王大学毕业典礼·微博线上观礼
英国女王大学毕业典礼·微博线上观礼
05/07/2021
为方便观礼，微博线上虚拟毕业典礼将直播仪式全程，欢迎大家观看。
届时，大家可邀请亲朋好友上微博观看典礼仪式，共享这激动人心的时刻。
点击此链接或扫描下方二维码，关注@英国女王大学 微博账号，即可观礼。
祝同学们毕业快乐，乐享典礼！
英国女王大学·毕业典礼团队
Study Here - Queens University
Stay and Study Here
Your Gateway to a World Class Education
The Chinese Welfare Association has a track record in supporting students and promoting education within our community as well as welcoming students from overseas to our local universities. Let us help you stay and study here and find the right place for you.
Stay and Study
Introducing Our Local Universities
Education is the key to the future and we have been working with both main universities in Northern Ireland to help them reach out to students from China. They have both been engaged in strong outreach programmes, with information and help in Chinese. The Chinese Welfare Association is based in the University Quarter of Belfast practically on the Queens University campus.
Queen’s University is the ninth oldest university in the UK and a member of the excellent Russell University Group. Welcome to join the ranks of 1200 Chinese students studying at Queen’s University to win the opportunity for yourself in the global job market.
英国女王大学是英国第九古老的大学，也是优秀的罗素大学集团的成员之一。欢迎各位加入英国女王大学1200位在读中国留学生的队伍，为自己在全球就业市场赢得先机。
Speak to Someone
CWA Introducing You
Introducing Catherine Li, Senior International Officer/Senior Business Development Manager
Welcome to your country’s information page. Here, you’ll find relevant information for your country to help you make an application to one of our degree programmes, including entry requirements, Queens’s events near you and even contact information for our local representatives in your country. I’m here to help you with any questions you may have about studying at Queens University. Why not check if we’re visiting your country soon for an event, or feel free to contact me via the channels below.
Virtual Tour
Virtually Visit Today
Why not have a look around before you make your decision. The virtual tours of the campus and the city of Belfast will give you a real feel for the beautiful historic surroundings and the atmosphere you will be studying in. So have a look today and explore the online student experience with a range of interactive features, information videos and downloads.
CWA continues to work with local universities and schools to support students from China who have decided to live and learn here.
Virtual Visit
Get a feel for studying here with a virtual visit today and learn more.
Queens University Reaches Out to China
The education Team at CWA would be glad to help you with any query about studying here in Northern Ireland or you can speak directly to the University
The Queens University website in Chinese is a great first point of contact for all students and have a wealth of information and insights into life here.
Email china@qub.ac.uk
- Sina Weibo
- 新浪微博
- WeChat (service)
- QueenUBelfast
- WeChat (subscription)
- QueensUniBelfast
Important Contact Information
Immigration Support Service (ISS) – Visa and Immigration Enquiries
https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/iss/
Admissions and Access Service - Admissions Enquiries
intl.student@qub.ac.uk
www.qub.ac.uk/ado
International Office - International Generic Enquiries
international@qub.ac.uk
www.qub.ac.uk/International/
International Scholarships - International Scholarships Enquiries
internationalscholarships@qub.ac.ukhttps://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/
Partnerships – Current and Prospective Partner and Partner Student Enquiries
Student Finance Office - Tuition Fee Payments
studentfinance@qub.ac.uk
www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/finance/
INTO Queen's University Belfast - English Language Courses and Pathway Programmes
into@qub.ac.uk
www.intohigher.com/queens
The Graduate School - Postgraduate Funding Enquiries
graduateschool@qub.ac.uk
www.qub.ac.uk/sites/graduateschool/PostgraduateFunding/
Student Services and Systems - Enrolment and Registration
s.records@qub.ac.uk
www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/srecords/
Queen's Accommodation and Hospitality
accommodation@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/accommodation/
Faculties
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences askahss@qub.ac.uk
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences askeps@qub.ac.uk
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences askmhls@qub.ac.uk
Hong Ling Gets Connected
Technology has greatly enhanced our lives in so many ways. We have never seen this as much as over the last year when we have had to ‘click and connect’ with our friends and family all over the world.
A key part in this ‘Digital Multiply’ project to bridge the digital divide and connect these advancements in technology with those who are the most vulnerable in our Chinese community- our elders.
We are currently working with Radius housing to develop an exciting pilot project to utilise the Facebook Portal+ device to connect better with our Chinese elders who are resident at Hong Ling Gardens.
We hope to install this hands-free support technology to provide a direct link with our elderly support worker and in due course, with friends and family.
With an uncertain winter ahead in terms of the pandemic, this project provides an accessible way to keep connected even if contact may be restricted.
Training session at the Chinese Resource Centre to introduce the devices to the elderly. We have agreed that the device will have an appropriate ‘Chinese name’ to personalise the experience.
New Virtual Space Developed
Working with leading Northern Ireland digital design firm The Flex Studio and consultancy practice LEXXER Solutions CWA has helped to design a bespoke virtual space which replicates their Belfast Chinese resource Centre. The virtual space includes a conference/lecture hall space where audiences can attend events, lectures and other education or entertainment events. It can host realistic augmented reality speakers as well as traditional audio-visual presentations. The room has been designed to host a community heritage themed schools project which will allow schools to use the space as a means of completing the course.
Chinese New Year - A New Start
The projects initial concept was to use the Chinese New Year to host a virtual international event with Belfast’s sister city in China. This we achieved and gave us online resources which we have utilised in the current Belfast City Council funded project. This ‘Digital Multiply’ project gave us more time to plan and consider how technology can be used across our operations to address the digital divide . It allowed us to develop our online facilities to ‘host’ events and ‘produce’ virtual spaces which were designed to be used by older people.
The spaces were specially designed to replicate in a virtual format the Chinese Resource Centre in Belfast which is the hub of the Chinese Community.
Many of our older members were key players in the work to achieve a Centre and they see it as their greatest achievement. This meant that as age, disability and then COVID isolation prevented them from using even visiting the Centre there was a real sense of loss. Using technology we have allowed them to revisit and start to reuse the Centre in a virtual way using hand held devises.
The project allowed us to involve older people in a safe way and expose them to technology and its benefits effecting a culture shift in the organisation.