National Honors Program

In November 2021, China’s Ministry of Education designated Lingnan College as Guangdong Province’s first training base in Economics for the National Top Student Training Program in Basic Disciplines 2.0 (National Honors Program). This recognition was awarded to only a small fraction of universities in China.

The intensive, research-driven honors track offered by Lingnan College is designed in small cohorts and for academically outstanding undergraduates. It aims to equip students with solid theoretical foundations in economics and finance, as well as critical thinking ability and innovative spirit. Students are expected to become future scholars and leaders capable of advancing economic research, addressing the challenges in China’s economic development, and contributing to the progress of civilization.

At the end of the freshman year, students from the three majors of economics, finance and digital economy can apply for admission into the Program. Every year, the College conducts an assessment for the students in the Program. Those who fail the assessment or give up on their own will be withdrawn.

Each student in the Program is assigned an experienced faculty member as academic advisor, and they are guided to join the advisor's research teams. This provides students with early exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies.

In terms of curriculum design, the Program prioritizes rigorous training in mathematics and computer science, and the learning of advanced economic theories. Selected doctoral-level courses are opened to students as elective courses to bridge undergraduate and postgraduate study.

To expand students’ knowledge, Lingnan College established the "Dean's Reading Club" and organizes students in the honors program to read books from the "Dean's Book List" and holds regular sharing sessions. The College also offers targeted support for the Program students’ international exchange, research project applications, and participation in academic competitions.