Under the current and prior governments, the reality is that Australian universities have been encouraged to increasingly engage in what is termed transnational education. This is exemplified by a significant delegation of Australian universities travelling to China last week, led by the peak body Universities Australia.
Macquarie University’s new Joint Institute with Nanjing Normal University in China has been established consistent with Australian Government policy and in accordance with all relevant Australian regulatory, governance and security requirements. As such, it adheres to the highest due diligence standards and has only been established after extensive consultation with a range of relevant Commonwealth agencies and in accordance with stated Government policy.
Joint institutes such as this are not new. Australian universities have successfully operated campuses and partnerships across China, Southeast Asia and South Asia for decades.
In June 2025, the Department of Education released a detailed account of Australia’s engagement in joint institutes and teaching programs in China spanning over more than two decades. These partnerships have been developed with the full support of the current and past Australian governments, irrespective of their political persuasion.
The Joint Institute reflects Macquarie’s long-standing commitment to responsible, transparent and mutually beneficial international engagement. The University has a very diversified profile of international engagement with students and universities across more than 100 international jurisdictions.
Through this collaboration, Macquarie and Nanjing Normal University deliver high-quality academic programs and prepare globally oriented graduates equipped to thrive in and contribute to an interconnected global economy.
In doing so, the Joint Institute strengthens educational and research links between Australia and China, consistent with the Australian Government’s international education objectives.
Rigorous due diligence and government engagement
Before finalising plans for the Joint Institute, under which the two universities would teach equal parts of the curriculum, Macquarie University undertook a comprehensive due diligence process covering governance, academic quality, legal, financial and national security considerations.
This included:
- Detailed risk assessment through the University’s Foreign Interference and Risk Management Framework;
- Curriculum mapping and academic quality assurance to ensure all programs meet Australian higher education standards which are set by the government in the Higher Education Standards Framework;
- Consultation with the Department of Education and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) to confirm compliance with all regulatory and accreditation requirements;
- Notification and engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to ensure alignment with Australia’s broader foreign-policy and national security settings;
- Engagement with the Australian embassy in Beijing throughout, including attendance at the launch of the Institute by a senior representative of the Australian diplomatic mission to China; and
- Oversight by a dedicated working group of senior executives and subject-matter experts.
This thorough and transparent process ensures that all aspects of the partnership align with Australia’s values, laws and national priorities.
All Australian universities have collaborated with the Australian government agencies in developing appropriate monitoring and oversight of engagement with foreign universities and entities initially through the work of a joint foreign interference taskforce.
Educational programs and purpose
The Joint Institute offers three programs:
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Data Science)
- Bachelor of Environment (Environmental Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Statistical Data Science)
These are foundational academic degrees focused on analytical, scientific and problem-solving skills. Any cybersecurity content is elementary, not of concern, does not include research activities, and does not contravene regulatory or national security obligations. The subject matter was the focus of detailed engagement with relevant stakeholders during our due diligence process.
The programs prepare graduates to address shared global challenges — from managing environmental change to using data responsibly in health, business and education — while fostering cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives.
The University is not aware of any specific personnel recruitment activities across the broader local university with agencies of the Chinese government.
Any foreign organisation (university or commercial enterprise alike), entering activity in China does so in full knowledge that there are different standards of engagement between Chinese entities and the government of China in the local political system.
Alignment with Australian Government priorities
Macquarie University’s international partnerships support the Australian Government’s international education objectives and reflect Australia’s long-standing commitment to strengthening regional connections through education and exchange.
As Education Minister Jason Clare has noted:
“International education is a two-way street. It is not just about international students coming to Australia. It’s also about Australian universities going to them.”
And as Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said:
“The opportunities of education provide endless potential for growth for individuals and for their communities, and for their countries.”
These values underpin Macquarie University’s work internationally — building bridges of understanding, advancing mutual benefit, and supporting Australia’s strategic and diplomatic goals through education.
Quotes (attribute to Macquarie University spokesperson)
“Macquarie University has a proud history of responsible, transparent and nationally aligned global engagement,” a University spokesperson said.
“We engaged with the Department of Education, TEQSA and DFAT in meeting our obligations under all relevant Australian regulatory and national security processes, and informing our due diligence alignment with Australia’s interests.
“These are standard academic programs in data science, environmental science and information technology. They are designed to prepare students to contribute positively to their communities and to the global economy — not to defence or cybersecurity sectors.
“Education remains one of Australia’s most powerful instruments of diplomacy and friendship. Partnerships like this one demonstrate how Australian expertise can build enduring connections and mutual respect across our region.”
Background
Australian universities have operated joint education institutes and campuses in China and across Asia for more than 30 years. These collaborations have consistently been recognised as important vehicles for strengthening people-to-people links, supporting regional prosperity, and advancing Australia’s soft power and diplomatic engagement.
Macquarie University remains committed to ensuring all international partnerships are conducted in accordance with Australian laws, regulatory frameworks and national security guidance.