Collaboration between leading Australian and Chinese universities will be strengthened after a joint higher education forum, to be held in Australia later this year, was announced today.

Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, announced the forum in conjunction with Professor Yuan Guiren, Chinese Minister for Education, after a meeting in Beijing.

"China is an important education partner for Australia, with a strong history of partnerships and joint programs," Senator Evans said.

"At the end of 2011, more than 97,000 Chinese students were enrolled in higher education courses in Australia, around 40 per cent of international enrolments in higher education.

"At the same time, it is estimated more than 3,000 Australian students were studying in China.

"The partnership is multi-faceted and built around flows of students, academics and university leaders between both countries, as well as substantial science and research collaboration.

"Both His Excellency Minister Yuan Guiren and I share the view that our education relationship is critically important and we are committed to furthering collaboration between our education institutions."

Senator Evans said the Australia-China joint higher education forum, to be held during the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and China, will bring together university leaders from both countries to discuss future priorities for collaboration.

"The joint higher education forum will provide a strong platform for Australian and Chinese universities to deepen their engagement and draw on each others' expertise," Senator Evans said.

"Education has been one of the pillars of the bilateral relationship throughout that last 40 years and universities from both countries have been important and significant contributors to the strong and mutually beneficial relationship we now enjoy.

"Supporting our universities to further develop partnerships is paramount to ensure they remain at the leading edge of education and training and produce graduates with the necessary skills to respond to the global economy.

"Australian and Chinese universities have cultivated strong partnerships, ranging from student exchanges, through to professional development programs and curriculum development."

21 February 2012