RMIT expands footprint in China with new Joint Institute in Shanghai

RMIT University will expand its presence in China through a new Joint Institute with the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics (SUIBE), in what Premier Jacinta Allan has hailed as one of the highest-level education partnerships between the two countries.

The announcement was made in Shanghai on September 16, where Premier Allan confirmed that the universities had formally begun the process of establishing the institute following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing.

The agreement will see more Australian-accredited programs delivered to students in Shanghai, including masters degrees and courses in technology and business, building on a 25-year collaboration between RMIT and SUIBE that has already produced more than 4600 graduates.

“A Joint Institute is the highest level of international education partnership available in China,” Premier Allan said. “RMIT is joining forces with a leading Shanghai University to take Victoria’s education offering to the world. My three priorities in China are education, education, education.”

The partnership forms part of the Allan Government’s $5 million Yes to International Students Fund, which supports Victorian universities and TAFEs to expand overseas, launch new courses and boost exchange programs.

International education remains Victoria’s largest services export, worth $15.9 billion in 2024 and supporting 64,000 local jobs. By expanding offshore opportunities, the government says it is both strengthening global ties and reinforcing Victoria’s standing as Australia’s education capital.

Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson said the deal was another example of Victoria’s leadership in transnational education.

“We will continue to back our world-class TAFEs and universities to bring our biggest services export to China,” he said.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney added that the partnership would further bolster Victoria’s reputation.

“This new Joint Institute strengthens Victoria’s global reputation in education and deepens our partnership with China,” she said.

RMIT Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Engagement Layton Pike welcomed the announcement, noting its alignment with Victoria’s new China Strategy. “Today’s announcement of an expanded RMIT partnership will directly support a goal in Victoria’s new strategy to see expanded transnational education offerings in China,” he said.

RMIT already delivers courses at several universities in Jiangsu Province, Victoria’s sister state in China. The new institute in Shanghai is expected to become a cornerstone of the university’s growing international footprint.