Central Queensland University (CQU) signed a contract this week to deliver education programs on the ground in China, expanding its operations to a total of 14 campuses and learning centres.

CQU’s collaboration with the Hartford Group at Sichuan Normal University extends in Asia, adding to its education delivery agreements in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

CQU will deliver – concurrently with Sichuan Normal University – a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and a Masters of Business Administration program. “This contract is another excellent example of the growing demand in Asia for Queensland expertise,” said Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, who is in Singapore for the contract signing ceremony.

Sichuan Normal University is located in Chengdu, China’s fourth largest city. Under the agreement, the students will receive CQU-developed learning resources and in- country seminars provided by CQU staff. Graduates will receive two degrees, one from CQU and the other from Sichuan Normal University.

“Our partnership in Chengdu at Sichuan Normal University shows our commitment to strengthening CQU by leveraging our expertise in one of the biggest markets in the world for education,” explained CQU Deputy Vice Chancellor (International and Corporate), Eric Laakso.

CQU is a widely respected leader in international education. It received the IDP Educational Australian Education Export Award in November. The university also holds two Premier of Queensland’s Export for Education for 2001 and 2002.

“We have the know-how and resources to deliver education and fill the needs of this growing market. Half of our 20,000 students are international students and we’re one of the Central Queensland’s largest employers,” added DVC Laakso. This venture builds on CQU’s strengths and enhances the university’s reputation as a regional education provider to an emerging international market. When you look at the big picture, you begin to see CQU as a leading international university based in regional Queensland.

“Outstanding facilities, flexible programs, and internationally recognised qualifications put CQU at the front of the class. CQU is unlike any other university in Australia and is the leading Queensland exporter in the sector,” said Paul Braddy, Chair of the Queensland Education and Training Export Board.

Sichuan Normal University (SNU) is a modern learning institution with about 30,000 students. Its campuses in Chengdu cover more than 130 hectares. “We’re focusing upgrading the skills base of working adults in Chengdu. They’ll need these degrees in a growing global economy. But there’s also tremendous potential in sharing academic ideas, education models, and research that will directly benefit the Central Queensland region,” said Dean of CQU International Programs, Debbie Clayton.

The university is admittedly conservative in its approach to the China market. This venture will offer 20 undergraduate and 20 postgraduate places starting in July. The university expects to offer a Bachelor on Business (Tourism) leading up to the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

“We will start slowly in China and make sure we have the best systems in place to deliver a quality education to our students,” added Dean Clayton.