As the first full-scale cooperation in higher education between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) was jointly founded by Beijing Normal University (BNU) and Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). UIC is the first modern college in the Chinese mainland that upholds a liberal arts education, situated in Zhuhai city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

UIC's charter has been approved by the Ministry of Education with full support from local authorities. Professor Xu Jialu, former Vice-Chairman of Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Professor Ng Ching-Fai, founding President of UIC, made this innovative College a reality. The highest governing body is the UIC Council. The President is responsible for the day-to-day business of the College while also reporting to the UIC Council. Professor Xu Jialu serves as Chairman of the UIC Council, and Professor Tang Tao, who is a Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is the current UIC President.

UIC shoulders the historical mission of advancing the internationalisation of Chinese higher education and taking the lead in implementing liberal arts education in China. Since its first enrolment in 2005, UIC has grown into an international institution with innovative educational approaches.