Eight Solomon Islands students have recently graduated from various universities across China in June 2025.
On Friday, 20th June, the Solomon Islands Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Barrett Salato, attended the graduation ceremony of five undergraduate students at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing.
Ambassador Salato extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on successfully completing their studies.
Three additional students completed their Master’s degrees over the same weekend from Renmin University, Jiangsu University, and Beihang University.
In his remarks, Ambassador Salato stated:
“On behalf of the Solomon Islands Embassy, I wish to offer my heartfelt congratulations on your achievements. Your parents and the Solomon Islands as a whole are proud of you.”
During the ceremony at UIBE, Ambassador Salato met with the University Dean, Professor Jinlan Liu, and expressed gratitude for the academic and professional environment the university has provided to Solomon Islands students.
He also thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China for offering scholarships to Solomon Islanders to pursue higher education in various institutions across China.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Salato hosted a luncheon for the graduates and members of the Solomon Islands community in Beijing.
He formally congratulated the students on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government and emphasized the importance of education cooperation as a foundation for strengthening bilateral relations between Solomon Islands and China.
“Through higher education in China, our scholars gain a deeper understanding of the country, which will only strengthen our partnerships and deepen the bonds between our peoples,” he remarked during the luncheon.
Speaking on behalf of the UIBE graduates, Mr. Nelson Ameo thanked Ambassador Salato for his continuous support and encouragement.
He extended his best wishes to fellow graduates and encouraged continuing students to remain focused on their academic journeys.
Graduation ceremonies for students in other provinces were attended by Embassy staff. More Solomon Islands students are expected to graduate in June and July, with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various fields, including Accounting, Auditing, Civil Engineering, Culinary Arts and Nutrition, International Relations, Medicine, Public Administration, Social Work, and Tourism.
Currently, over 160 Solomon Islands students are studying in China—making Solomon Islands the largest Pacific Island country cohort under Chinese bilateral scholarships.
In 2025, a total of 19 Solomon Islands students are expected to graduate. Each year, China provides more than 30 fully-funded scholarships to Solomon Islanders.
Additional scholarships are also offered through sister-province relationships and university partnerships.
All graduates are expected to complete their degree verification processes and return to Solomon Islands in July 2025.
—MFAET PRESS RELEASE
