Guangzhou-based South China University of Technology has received permission from the Ministry of Education to run a master's program in architecture and urban design jointly with Italy's Politecnico di Torino.

The cooperation makes the first Sino-foreign master's program in the field, per a recent statement from South China University of Technology.

Starting next year, the program will enroll 30 students who will spend half a year at Politecnico di Torino. Participants will receive degree certificates from both universities.

As the first Sino-foreign program by South China University of Technology, the cooperation is set to help strengthen its architecture program and facilitate training of professionals with international vision, the statement read.

Founded in 1859, Politecnico di Torino "has been one of the most prestigious public institutions at both the International and the Italian levels concerning education, research, technological transfer and services in all sectors of architecture and engineering," according to its website.