Unesp (Universidade Estadual Paulista) is set to launch a bachelor's program in Chinese language and culture, opening 40 spots in the mid-year entrance exam of 2026. The course will be conducted in the evenings at the Assis College of Arts and Sciences and will provide an opportunity for up to 20 students to complete their final two years at Hubei University in Wuhan, thus earning a dual diploma. This initiative represents the first degree of its kind in Brazil, aiming to promote better understanding and relations between Brazil and China.

The program will encompass not only Mandarin language instruction but also socio-political education and courses related to commercial relations between Brazil and China. This comprehensive curriculum reflects Unesp's goal to merge language learning with cultural context and economic dimensions. According to Renata Udulutsch, the director of the College of Arts and Sciences in Assis, discussions about the program began in 2022 when a minor in Chinese was proposed within the letters course but was not pursued. Eventually, by the end of 2023, a revised proposal emerged that led to the establishment of this broader academic offering.

Udulutsch emphasized that the university aims to create a program that goes beyond traditional language education, integrating aspects of culture and international relations to prepare students for a globally connected world. This degree is expected to enhance Brazil's academic ties with China and equip students with the skills necessary for careers in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. It reflects a growing awareness of China's influence in global affairs and the importance of fostering knowledge in areas that facilitate collaboration between the two countries.