CSC Renews University Deals to Bolster China-New Zealand Education Ties

Summary

The China Scholarship Council renewed cooperation agreements with the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, the University of Waikato and Auckland University of Technology at the Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch on 24 September. CSC Secretary-General Hu Wei, Education New Zealand Chief Executive David Downs, Acting Consul-General Xu Haiyuan, Consul Tang Jun and senior representatives of the New Zealand universities attended the signing ceremony. Tang read a congratulatory letter from Ambassador Wang, affirming the achievements of China-New Zealand educational exchange and expressing expectations for deeper collaboration in high-level talent development.

Hu reviewed the history of study exchanges between the two countries and called for carrying forward the Rewi Alley spirit to build mutual trust through educational exchange. Downs said education is an important pillar of the bilateral relationship and praised CSC programmes for building talent bridges between the two countries. Representatives of the New Zealand universities spoke in turn, reviewing joint programme delivery and collaborative research with Chinese partners and expressing expectations to deepen engagement with China in education under the renewed agreements.

Commentary

The China Scholarship Council's renewal of cooperation agreements with four New Zealand universities extends a long-standing mechanism for China-New Zealand educational exchange. Education New Zealand data show China is New Zealand's largest source of international students, with about 35,000 Chinese students enrolled across all levels of the New Zealand education system in 2024, accounting for around 35 percent of the international student total. The University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, the University of Waikato and Auckland University of Technology are all known for applied disciplines, closely matching the talent needs of New Zealand small and medium-sized enterprises.

The renewal will stabilise channels for high-level talent development, supplying local firms with graduates who have both Chinese and New Zealand backgrounds and easing skills shortages. At the same time, deeper joint programme delivery and collaborative research could drive technology transfer and commercial cooperation, particularly in areas where New Zealand has strengths such as agricultural technology and environmental engineering. However, competition in the international education market is intensifying, with Australia, Canada and others also actively attracting Chinese students, and New Zealand universities need to stay competitive on course quality, employment pathways and visa policy.

For SME owners, it is worth watching internship programmes and joint research opportunities with these universities to secure talent and technology resources early.

Keywords: China Scholarship Council, New Zealand universities, renewal of cooperation agreements, China-New Zealand educational exchange, Rewi Alley spirit, high-level talent development, Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch, David Downs

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

9月24日，国家留学基金委与新西兰坎特伯雷大学、林肯大学、怀卡托大学、奥克兰理工大学在驻克赖斯特彻奇总领馆续签合作协议。留基委秘书长胡炜、新西兰教育国际推广局局长大卫·唐斯、克馆代总领事许海远、我馆唐筠参赞及新方高校领导出席签约仪式。唐参宣读王大使贺信，肯定中新教育交流成果，期待各方深耕高层次人才培养。

胡秘书长回顾两国留学交往历程，寄语传承路易·艾黎精神，以教育交流增进互信。唐斯局长表示，教育是双边关系重要支柱，高度评价留基委项目为两国搭建人才桥梁。新方高校代表先后发言，回顾与中方合作办学、协同科研成果，期待以协议续签为新起点持续深化对华教育交流合作。

Commentary in Chinese | 评论

国家留学基金委与新西兰四所高校续签合作协议，延续了中新教育交流的长期机制。新西兰教育国际推广局数据显示，中国是新西兰最大国际学生来源国，2024年约有3.5万名中国学生在新西兰各级教育机构就读，占国际学生总数的35%左右。坎特伯雷大学、林肯大学、怀卡托大学、奥克兰理工大学均以应用型学科见长，与新西兰中小企业的人才需求高度契合。

此次续签将稳定高层次人才培养渠道，为本地企业提供具备中新双重背景的毕业生，缓解技能短缺。同时，合作办学与协同科研的深化可能带动技术转化和商业合作，尤其在农业科技、环境工程等新西兰优势领域。不过，国际教育市场竞争加剧，澳大利亚、加拿大等国也在积极吸引中国学生，新西兰高校需在课程质量、就业衔接和签证政策上保持竞争力。

对中小企业主而言，可关注与这些高校的实习项目或联合研发机会，提前锁定人才与技术资源。

关键词: 国家留学基金委, 新西兰高校, 续签合作协议, 中新教育交流, 路易·艾黎精神, 高层次人才培养, 驻克赖斯特彻奇总领馆, 大卫·唐斯

Source: Chinese Embassy in New Zealand – China-New Zealand Relations