The Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program is a prestigious and unique national program that brings selected Chinese students to the capital for an immersive and rewarding three-day tour. Funded by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR), an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the program fosters strong and lasting links and cooperation between the two countries through the next generation of Chinese leaders.

Now in its second year, this unique opportunity has become a valued part of the Australian experience for those who gain selection. It promotes connections between Australia and China, and builds understanding and exchange between the two countries. The inaugural cohort had 30 Chinese scholars from 20 Australian universities. Their experiences are shared on the next page.

The Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program is supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. The ANU Australian Studies Institute is proud to be a National Foundation for Australia-China Relations grant recipient.

Stephen FitzGerald AO

Stephen FitzGerald AO began his career as a diplomat, and then became an academic. He was China adviser to Gough Whitlam, and from 1973 to 1976 was Australia's first ambassador to the People's Republic of China. In 1980 he established the first private consultancy for Australian business and government in China. He is currently a board member of the independent public policy initiative, China Matters, and is an Honorary Fellow at the China Studies Centre at Sydney University. 

WATCH: Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program: Enriching international students’ understanding of Australia