NANJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Duke University on Wednesday launched a joint university in Kunshan, east China's Jiangsu Province.

Duke Kunshan University (DKU), jointly established by U.S.-based Duke University, Wuhan University and the Kunshan government, will begin enrolling both domestic and international students next year, said DKU President Liu Jingnan.

The DKU campus will cover a total area of 1,280 mu (85 hectares) and accommodate up to 7,000 students, he said.

"The first batch of education facilities, which drew an investment of 950 million yuan and covers an area of 220 mu, have almost been completed. The teaching buildings, dormitories and conference halls will be handed over to the university next June," said Liu. (950 million yuan is equal to 151 million U.S. dollars.)

DKU will introduce Duke University's "Elite Education" model to boost its educational level, said Richard Brodhead, president of Duke University.

Brodhead added that DKU will be a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees. Students will receive diplomas issued by Duke University.

The deal for the joint project was inked by the three parties on Jan. 24, 2010. China's Ministry of Education gave the project the greenlight in August this year.