Sydney University seeks student boost

By Liang Yiwen  |   2008-10-16  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE University of Sydney has tripled its number of international research scholarships to attract more overseas postgraduates, said university officials in Shanghai yesterday.

A delegation of 57 scholars and officials from the university started a three-day visit to the city to enhance their relationship with local universities and to attend a graduation ceremony on Saturday afternoon for about 200 Chinese students.

The university wanted to enrol more Chinese students and to increase its number of international postgraduate students, said Michael Spence, the university's chancellor.

The yuan's rise against the Australian dollar meant the cost of overseas studies had dropped for locals. But competition for foreign students among universities has become fierce and more overseas schools have begun making special trips to Shanghai to attract students.

An education exhibition featuring 20 United States schools will also be held in Shanghai Multimedia Life Square in Changning District this weekend. Two other similar exhibitions will be held in Shanghai before the end of the month.

Faced with the fierce competition, the University of Sydney has established links with federal and regional Chinese governments. The Chinese Scholarship Council has founded an additional 13 scholarships to the University for PhD students and early career researchers. The Australian government has also opened more research scholarships for international students.

"Now is a good time to buy Australian education," said professor John Hearn, vice chancellor in charge of international affairs.

The university would focus on partnerships with Fudan University and Jiaotong University, where it has long-term partnerships and many new projects to develop, said Hearn.

The vice chancellor said that the university had strong ties with Fudan University in the public health and education areas and would explore new performing arts and music programs.