Media releases

Federation University Australia will sign a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taizhou University China in a ceremony at the Gippsland Campus this week.

Both universities recognise the value of international cooperation and have entered into a MoU to collaborate in academic exchange programs, teaching activities and research on the basis of mutual benefit.  

The joint partnership between the Taizhou University, Federation University Australia and Latrobe City Council has been designed to attract more international students to the region. 

Representatives from FedUni and Taizhou University will sign the MoU at 9am this Thursday, 17 November, in the Crofton Hatsell Room, Building 2W, at the Gippsland Campus. 

The MoU will provide Taizhou students with the opportunity to receive course credits to complete Bachelor Degrees in Nursing, Early Childhood, Information Technology, Commerce and Marketing at Federation University Australia’s Gippsland Campus.

The arrangement also is exciting for FedUni students studying to become secondary school teachers. They will now be able to apply to undertake placements abroad in Taizhou University sister schools.

Academic staff exchange programs form part of the agreement creating opportunities for research collaboration between the two universities as well.

Delegates from Taizhou University, including Professor Deng Youxiang, were accompanied by Professor John McDonald, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts and Education; Head of Gippsland Campus, Dr Harry Ballis from FedUni; and Latrobe City Mayor, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, to sign the MoU. 

Dr Ballis said the agreement confirmed FedUni as a provider of choice for Taizhou students seeking international education. 

"The joint partnership between Taizhou University and Federation University Australia, builds on Latrobe City's successful Sister-City link with Taizhou and is designed to attract more international students to the region," Dr Ballis said.

In her welcoming address, Latrobe City Mayor, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, said the Sister City relationship continued to flourish and the signing of the MoU would boost economic and cultural activity between the two cities.

“The partnership will attract investment in the region generating revenue to the local economy through university fees, accommodation and living expenses,” Cr O’Callaghan said.

“It has also helped make Latrobe City an exciting and vibrant hub based on a mutual friendship of trust and understanding that has developed between the two cities over the past 16 years.”

Professor John McDonald praised the MoU, stating it was a historic moment that begun the process of international student exchange between the Sister Cities and FedUni. 

“This will provide an excellent opportunity for students and teachers in the province to benefit from international exposure at one of Australia’s largest regional universities,” Professor McDonald said.