Shantou University (STU), established in 1981, is the only public university in the world that receives long-term funding from a private foundation—the Li Ka Shing Foundation. This financial support has helped the university develop high-quality facilities (such as its new library, reputed as "the most beautiful university library in Asia") and strengthen its research capabilities. Its key strengths include Clinical Medicine, Chemistry, Biology, and Engineering. The university is comprehensive, also offering programs in Journalism, Law, Art and Design. International students primarily have the option to study Medicine (MBBS) and certain Master's programs in English.