International Design Education Program

The International Design Education (IDE) Program has been jointly organized since 2021 by the United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries (UNTB), the World Eco-Design Conference (WEDC), and the International School of Design, Ningbo Innovation Center, Zhejiang University (ZJU-ISD). The Program aims to strengthen industrial design engineering education for students from least developed countries (LDCs), enhancing their capacity and competitiveness in industrial design.

Each year, the Program awards up to 50 full scholarships to eligible students from LDCs. These scholarships enable students to pursue industrial design studies while developing problem-solving and interdisciplinary skills. The Program welcomes students from diverse educational backgrounds and nurtures interdisciplinary designers. It also serves as an incubator for student innovation and entrepreneurship, providing business support, research opportunities, and services to transform classroom ideas into market-ready start-ups.

Between 2021 and 2022, the Program received 149 applications from 21 LDCs, admitting 68 students from 19 countries, with an acceptance rate of 45.6%. Modules are hosted at the Ningbo Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, in English, over two and a half academic years. During the pandemic, an online study option was offered. Students who fulfill all degree requirements are awarded a Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering from Zhejiang University.

IDE students actively participate in international conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events. A major highlight has been the student-led charity exhibition “Culture from Afar,” showcasing digital arts inspired by their cultural experiences and the design tools learned in the Program. Launched in December 2021, the exhibition was also featured at the World Eco-Design Conference 2022 and the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5).

The Program aims to expand LDCs’ industrial design talent pool and stimulate their knowledge economies. It also promotes technology transfer and international cooperation among industry, universities, and research institutes. Ultimately, the IDE Program seeks to strengthen LDCs’ capacities in science, technology, and innovation, contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the world’s 46 LDCs.

Access the one-pager of the program here.