China's support centre for international student exchange has named UTS among its best overseas partners.
UTS was the only Australian university to receive a 2014 Best Overseas Partner University award presented by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) in Beijing late last month.
A public organisation under China's Ministry of Education, CSCSE supports students who are pursuing international study, exchanges and cooperation and has played an important role in the international development of Chinese higher education and exchange, partnering with more than 100 international universities.
The selection criteria required for universities to win the CSCSE award include: engagement projects in China; effectiveness in communication; sustaining a longstanding, robust partnership with CSCSE; and the number of Chinese students recruited from mainland China.
"This award recognises the strong partnership we have built with CSCSE over the years," said Innes Ireland, Associate Director of UTS International. "It shows UTS's dedication and investment in China, and our focus on developing deep and mutually-beneficial partnerships."
UTS has developed a rich and diverse collaboration with organisations and individuals in China, exchanging the best and brightest in education, research, entrepreneurship and innovation. These relationships provide students with opportunities to gain intercultural and global perspectives.
UTS established the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) in 2014, with Professor Bob Carr as Director. ACRI works closely with business communities in both countries to promote leadership exchanges for young people. Professor Carr is also patron of the China Australia Millennial Project (CAMP), another example of UTS's ongoing engagement with China.
In the CAMP program Chinese and Australian students are collaborating to tackle challenges common to both countries, including how to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. As a partner, UTS will guide 10 participants in an entrepreneurship thinktank, utilising the extensive resources and networks of the UTS Business School.
As well as successful business development and leadership opportunities, UTS has one of the longest standing joint venture collaborations in China, with Shanghai University. The venture offers students from both universities opportunities to travel, experience different cultures and develop their networks.
To further facilitate engagement, students studying at UTS can apply for the Dr Chau Chak Wing (DCCW) scholarships, which include BUiLD Travel Grants and the DCCW Scholarship for Postgraduate exchange and Study Abroad students. Students enrolled in the UTS Bachelor of Business at Shanghai University can apply for the DCCW Scholarship (SILC Pathway).
The DCCW Scholarship (KTP Master Degree) provides a full fee scholarship and a living allowance to Chinese students enrolled at UTS's Key Technology Partner (KTP) universities in China to undertake a master's coursework degree at UTS in Sydney.
"These programs and initiatives have contributed to the significant cohort of students from China for whom UTS is their university of choice in Australia," Mr Ireland said.
"UTS receiving this CSCSE award recognises our commitment to partnership building with organisations in China, and our commitment to becoming a truly internationalised university."
- UTS has been named a Best Overseas Partner University by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, the organisation that supports students pursuing international study, exchanges and cooperation
- UTS was the only Australian university to receive a 2014 award, presented late last month in Beijing