The intake of 249 students commenced across three new Science and Engineering programs delivered in partnership by the two universities.
The Joint Institute, first proposed in April 2024, received official approval from China’s Ministry of Education in May, marking a major milestone in Macquarie University’s international engagement.
Speaking at the official welcome ceremony for the new students, Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton said: “This partnership is about the co-creation of programs, of knowledge and of opportunities for students, staff and both institutions.
"Macquarie brings to this partnership our expertise in interdisciplinary teaching, applied research and strong industry integration.
“Our Joint Institute reflects the best of what international education can be – grounded in respect, built on trust and focused on students.”
Macquarie University delegates, including Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton (centre), celebrate with some of the Nanjing Normal University Macquarie University Joint Institute's inaugural cohort. Credit: Zeng Jiaqi and Tang Tianming.
The NMJI leverages the strengths of both institutions to create a world-class educational hub, offering bespoke dual degree programs, including a Bachelor of Information Technology (Data Science), a Bachelor of Environment (Environmental Science) and a Bachelor of Science (Statistical Data Science). It will also serve as a platform for academic collaboration, staff mobility and joint research.
The collaboration reflects the commitment of both universities to strengthening international engagement and collaboration to develop innovative, world-class educational opportunities.
Profesoor Dowton was joined at the formal welcome ceremony, held at Nanjing Normal University (NNU), by various dignitaries, including NNU President, Professor Hua Guihong, and Ms Alison Dell, Minister-Counsellor (Education and Research), Australian Embassy, Beijing.
Ms Dell spoke about the depth and breadth of the valuable education relationship with China and the world-class teaching and research capability of Australian institutions. She encouraged students to embrace the transformative power of an international education to foster cross-cultural understanding and grow into future leaders with global vision.
Student representative Miss Xia Yuchen expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to study at the Joint Institute, and shared her determination to embrace challenges, make the most of the resources offered by both universities, and grow into a young leader of the new era.
The ceremony followed the first Joint Management Committee meeting, which was attended by: Professor Dowton; Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global), Professor Anthony Cahalan; Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor Samuel Muller; Vice-Dean of the NMJI, Associate Professor Guanfeng Liu; Director, Global Partnerships and Protocol, Mr Stephen Fan; and Director, Greater China, Ms Stella Wang from the Future Students team.
Macquarie and NNU have a history of collaboration that spans more than 20 years and is built upon a strong foundation of shared values and a commitment to high-quality education and student wellbeing.
