A delegation of Presidents and Vice-Presidents from top Chinese research universities visited Australia last week to further agreements relating to HE exchange between China and scholars at Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8) universities. The Chinese party represented the C9 consortium; nine prestigious Chinese universities that are grouped together as prestigious research institutions, similar to the USA’s Ivy League.
Australia’s Minister for Tertiary Education, Chris Evans, gave the opening address as delegates reviewed their five-year relationship and discussed future opportunities, which includes the SLIC Project.
SLIC (Student Leadership in International Cooperation) is an Australia-backed scholarship scheme that enables Go8 students to bid to receive up to AUS$5,000 in funding to visit C9 institutions in China in 2013.
‘The SLIC project is about getting a better balance between Chinese students studying in Australia and Australian students studying in China,” commented Michael Gallagher, Go8 Executive Director.
‘The project aims to widen the horizons of Go8 students and encourage them to consider China as a study destination. It also provides them with a great opportunity to form personal relationships and networks which will assist them in becoming future global leaders.”
Up to AUS$100,000 is available via the Department for Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE) for students who present successful applications for the award.
Other C9/Go8 collaborations include an executive shadowing exchange and young researchers exchange scheme. Each year a joint-forum is also hosted.
