Go8 and China Deal to Increase Two-way Scholarship Student Flow

The agreement marks the first time the China Scholarship Council has signed a venturet with a university umbrella group. Source: Getty Images

The Group of Eight will sign an agreement today with the prestigious China Scholarship Council aimed at boosting the two-way movement of scholarship students and academics.

While the CSC already has individual agreements with all the Go8 universities, it is particularly keen to use the Go8 brand to increase the flow of Australian students going into China under the scheme and attract a broader range of students.

It is the first time that the CSC has signed an agreement with a university umbrella group.

Of the 4721 Australian scholarship students studying in China, two-thirds are studying short Chinese language courses. Areas the CSC is interested in expanding include disciplines such as engineering, mathematics, and science.

There is also scope to increase the number of Chinese scholarship students studying here with just 1100 scholarship holders in the country last year. Of these, 41 per cent were visiting scholars and 36 per cent were PhD students. Overall, 60 per cent of these were studying at a Go8 university.

The CSC is a prestigious Chinese-funded merit-based student mobility program that funds living costs in China and overseas. Under the program host institutions waive their fees.

Go8 executive director Vicki Thomson said it was an important platform not just for building student exchanges but also for fostering research connections and collaborations.

“Go8 members are keen to play a greater role in hosting more quality Chinese students through CSC programs,” she said. “In addition, the Go8 plans to use the CSC agreement to offer a trusted platform for Australia and China to share ideas and experiences on international education policy and practice.”

A memorandum of understanding is due to be signed tonight in Perth, where CSC secretary-general Liu Jinghui is leading a visiting delegation. The visit is also expected to include some policy forums, including a forum on Australia’s outward-bound New Colombo Plan.

“The agreement with the CSC is particularly important at this time as it will operate in parallel with the New Colombo Plan which, so vitally, is increasing Australian student mobility into Asia,” Ms Thomson said.

Group of 8 member universities

Source - theaustralian.com.au