FAQs for the Duke Community

DKU undergraduates are students from around the world who are enrolled in DKU's 4-year dual degree program. They may opt to spend a semester (fall or spring) at Duke during their junior year, and the vast majority do so. DKU undergraduates may also enroll in Duke summer courses (on campus, or remotely if classes are taught online) at any time during their academic career, as long as they meet any course eligibility criteria. 

DKU undergraduates have been studying at Duke in Durham and at the Duke Marine Lab since Fall 2020. Through Spring 2022, as COVID-related measures restricted international students from traveling to China, Duke hosted DKU students from all class years – from freshmen to seniors. Since academic year 2022-2023, Duke has primarily welcomed juniors for the semester at Duke program.

As of the 2024-25 academic year, the DKU undergraduate population comprises approximately 1,700 students from 70 countries and regions. Approximately 60% of DKU undergraduates are from China, and 40% are international, including students from the U.S.

DKU offers a dual degree undergraduate program. Upon successful completion, students receive two bachelor degrees, one from Duke and one from DKU. The type of degree (e.g. BA, BS, etc.) depends on each major. Additionally, graduating students become alumni of both institutions.

The DKU undergraduate curriculum was designed to blend a liberal arts and sciences education with modern interdisciplinary learning. The curriculum is grounded in seven key principles and incorporates hands-on research, problem-based and team-based learning, and the freedom to craft individual pathways.

As part of the DKU undergraduate program, students take common core courses, language, and major courses, plus electives. In addition, they complete signature work consisting of coursework, experiential education and a signature project.

DKU graduation requirements and majors are different from Duke’s. DKU currently offers 16 majors, some of which have multiple tracks. Each major consists of a set of foundational courses drawn from the relevant divisions (Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, or Natural and Applied Sciences), interdisciplinary courses that integrate different forms of knowledge, disciplinary courses that provide expertise in specific areas, and electives. Students declare a major during their second year. Details about DKU general education and major-specific requirements can be found in the DKU Undergraduate Bulletin.

The DKU academic calendar has fall and spring semesters that run from mid/late August through mid-December, and from early January through early May. Each semester is divided into two seven-week sessions, during which students typically take two courses at a time. DKU classes meet Monday-Thursday; Fridays are reserved for field trips, practicum, community projects, or exploring individual interests. Semester start and end dates, holidays, and breaks at DKU and Duke do not coincide.

While at Duke, DKU undergraduate students may enroll in any Duke undergraduate courses numbered 500 and below for which they meet prerequisite requirements or receive instructor permission, where applicable. Juniors may also enroll in courses numbered 500-699 with the permission of the instructor and academic dean.  Some Duke courses are approved for DKU major requirements; the majority will count as electives. The DKU Office of Global Education provides detailed information regarding course transfers for visiting DKU students.

Visiting DKU undergraduate students must register for a full load of four (4) course credits and can register for up to five (5) Duke course credits.

While studying at Duke, DKU undergraduates must fully enroll in Duke courses. Between 2020-2023, visiting DKU undergraduates were permitted to remotely enroll in one or two DKU courses. This exception was granted due to COVID in order to facilitate completion of students' DKU degree requirements. 

DKU undergraduates who study at Duke are assigned registration windows along with Duke students in the same class year.

Each DKU undergraduate is supported by a DKU academic advisor, as well as a dedicated Duke academic dean and academic advisor for their study at Duke semester. Additionally, DODR helps visiting DKU undergraduates connect with resources and services across campus. If you have questions or are unsure how to assist a DKU student at Duke, please contact dkurelations@duke.edu or reach out to one of our team members directly.

Yes! While at Duke, DKU undergraduates are encouraged and eager to participate in a wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular programs, activities, student groups, etc. Programs and organizations that require a longer commitment or presence on campus may not be available to DKU undergraduates.

While studying at Duke during a fall or spring semester, DKU undergraduates are required to live in Duke residence halls. Assignments are made by Duke Housing and Residence Life based on student applications. During summer session or while participating in summer programs, visiting DKU students may opt to reside on the Duke campus or to arrange off-campus accommodations.

If you are a member of the Duke community, you will meet visiting DKU undergraduates just as you would meet Duke students – in classes, programs, student organizations, and everywhere on campus. DODR staff and Duke-DKU student groups can also connect you with DKU undergraduates who are at Duke or at DKU.

Please contact DODR at dkurelations@duke.edu if you have questions or believe a student needs support. For urgent support after hours, contact the Dean on Call at (919) 970-4169.