(Information current as at 14 July 2017)
As outlined in previous policy updates the Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE) views Chinese-Foreign Cooperation in Running Joint Schools (institutions) as largely about capacity building for China’s education system. According to the Ministry of Education, this model of cooperation involves a systematic introduction of high quality educational resources from foreign universities and colleges, enabling Chinese students to access international education without leaving home. Australia currently has around 300 active joint education programs and institutions, including six joint institutions[1] established between Australian and Chinese universities.
The MOE has recently commenced a review of the regulations and implementation measures governing Chinese-foreign joint education ventures. The review will examine ways to drive quality improvement and increase capacity building for Chinese education institutions, including with reference to the following objectives:- The Four One Thirds rule is a minimum standard relating to the level of teaching resources committed by a foreign education partner. The expected standard should be higher in relation to Chinese-foreign joint institutions.
- All graduates of joint institutions should have the opportunity to receive the academic qualification certificate of the Chinese and foreign partner institution, regardless of whether they complete their course of study overseas with the foreign partner.
- The foreign partner institution should operate in a direct relationship to their Chinese partner institution, rather than through a third party that is not an education institution.
The MOE has established a public account on China
’s largest instant messaging and social media mobile APP, Wechat, in order to share information and progress on the review - “2017 Review of the Regulation for Cooperation in Running Schools” (2017 合作办学法规修订进行时).
According to Wechat reports, the expert panel for the revision work has visited key provinces across China to discuss matters related to Chinese-foreign cooperation in running schools, including tuition fee setting and taxation as well as issues regarding foreign teaching staff. A recent seminar in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province was attended by representatives from 25 Chinese-foreign joint institutes across China as well as leaders from government. Suggestions made by experts included:
- Introduce clearer definitions for key terms such as “foreign teachers” and "Core profession courses"
- Take into consideration the legal barriers in some countries for issuing foreign qualifications
A draft of the amended regulations and implementation measures will be circulated inviting feedback in the near future from government departments, education institutions and foreign embassies.
The education section in the Australian Embassy in Beijing will continue to advocate for greater regulatory transparency and decision making with respect to Chinese-foreign joint programs and institutions. The education section will also work with Australian regulators to assist the MOE understand the regulatory requirements for Australian education institutions delivering education overseas.