Chinese graduates of the University of Sydney (USYD) and their families attended a graduation celebration in Shanghai yesterday. It's the first occasion the Australian university has held such a  ceremony in China.

 

 

"It's a big opportunity to allow our Chinese students and their families to celebrate the success of their graduation and return to China," said university President Gavin Brown. "It also enabled us to develop new and specific collaborations with partners here."

 

Almost 200 USYD graduates attending yesterday's ceremony included Chinese students who earned either Bachelor or Master Degrees and expatriate alumni who are currently working in the city.

 

The university also signed seven research and education agreements with its local counterparts including Fudan and Jiao Tong Universities during the trip, USYD officials revealed.

 

The university will renew its collaboration with Fudan University for another five years and explore further joint programs in the arts and music besides the existing programs in English and education.

 

From this year the USYD will also team up with the China Scholarship Council to offer scholarships for 13 PhD researchers in economics and business, according to John Hearn, USYD vice president who oversees international relations.  

 

Hearn wouldn't disclose specific figures for the scholarships saying the money would be raised during future fund-raising with international organizations.

 

 

 

(Shanghai Daily November 1, 2006)