Australian Embassy
China

EDU20110523

SENATOR THE HON CHRIS EVANS
Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations
Leader of the Government in the Senate

23 May 2011

 

Scholarships build stronger education ties with China

 

Higher education ties between Australia and China are being strengthened through the first Australian Government university scholarship program between the countries.

Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, announced the program today after a meeting in Canberra of the Australia-China Joint Working Group on Cooperation in Education and Training.

“This initiative will offer short term study opportunities for up to 100 undergraduate and post graduate students in each country,” Senator Evans said.

“Australia's university sector is a major driver of cooperation with China. Around 40 per cent of international university enrolments in Australia come from China ─ more than any other nation ─ and Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Chinese students studying abroad.”

While details of the program are still being finalised, each scholarship will be valued at $2,500 and the Australian component of the program will be managed in close consultation with the university sector.

Also today, Senator Evans and Chinese Ministry of Education Vice-Minister Du Yubo endorsed a proposed joint work plan outlining priorities for engagement between China and Australia for the next two years.

“I look forward to seeing the excellent education relationship between Australia and
China further strengthened through the wide range of proposed activities and exchanges outlined in the plan,” Senator Evans said.

The plan covers activities including closer cooperation on quality assurance and standards, increasing awareness in Australia of study opportunities in China, and developing joint PhD programs between leading Chinese and Australian universities.

The work plan builds on the already significant education cooperation between the countries. Recent initiatives include:

• The Arrangement on Higher Education Qualifications Recognition, which was renewed in April before Prime Minister Julia Gillard's visit to China.

 


• An extra $100,000 to support increased participation in the long-running China-Australia Executive Leadership Program - an exchange initiative for university leaders.

• $100,000 to the Group of Eight to support the establishment of the Research Leadership Executive Shadowing Program between leading research universities in Australia and China.

“My visit to China in November 2010 highlighted the vital role that education plays in the bilateral relationship. The new scholarship program and work plan are further examples of that relationship strengthening,” Senator Evans said.

“The Australian Government remains committed to initiatives that deliver greater mobility for students and academics between Australia and China, and help foster closer links between our universities.”


Senator Evans' Media Contacts: Karen Brown 0413 080 956
Rhys Davies 0411 138 572
DEEWR Media: [email protected]
Non-media enquiries: 1300 363 079