Shantou University takes full advantage of the support from Li Ka Shing Foundation and the ties with overseas universities to strengthen academic exchange and cooperation. Distinguished scholars from first-class universities at home and abroad have been invited to give seminars or lectures to the undergraduate students, so as to broaden their academic horizon. Among those scholars are Nobel laureates Yang Zhenning, Li Zhengdao, Ding Zhaozhong, James Mirlees and Zhu Diwen, as well as other world-class celebrities including Chen Xingshen, Qiu Chengtong, Pan Yugang and He Dayi. Some famous scientists from well-known universities like Cambridge University and University of California at Berkeley (UCB) were also recruited as honorary professors, chair professors or adjunct professors to deliver academic lectures at the University.

Under the auspices of the Li Ka Shing Foundation, STU has become one of he few universities in mainland China that awards full scholarships to overseas exchange students. So far, the University has established close academic ties with nearly 20 universities in such countries as US, UK, France, Russia, Australia and Germany, etc., and launched exchange programs for undergraduate and graduate students