School of Business, Jiangnan University Hosts Information Session for the Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Program with Monash Business School

To broaden students’ global perspectives, support informed academic and career planning, and provide access to high-quality international education opportunities, the School of Business at Jiangnan University recently hosted a special information session on its Sino-Foreign Cooperative Programs with Monash Business School, Australia. The event featured Professor David Oliver, Head of the Department of Management at Monash Business School, an Professor Zhu Jiuhua. The session was hosted by Liu Shujiao, Secretary of International Affair of the School of Business, and attracted more than 100 students. Combining presentations with an interactive Q&A session, the event offered valuable insights into overseas study opportunities and future career development.

The event opened with a video introducing Monash University’s academic environment, campus life, and global reputation. Liu Shujiao then outlined the academic requirements and study arrangements for students participating in the cooperative programs, particularly those intending to complete their final year of study in Australia. She also highlighted the program’s strong graduate outcomes and encouraged students to take full advantage of the international learning opportunities available through the partnership.

As one of the few Chinese universities participating in a business education partnership with a globally top-ranked university, Jiangnan University has achieved remarkable outcomes through its cooperative programs. Among the program’s 2025 graduates, 42 of 52 students received offers from internationally renowned universities, including 37 admitted to institutions ranked within the Top 50 of the QS World University Rankings. These achievements reflect the program’s effectiveness in supporting students’ academic progression and global career aspiration. Liu encouraged students to make full use of the high-quality international learning platform, remain committed to academic excellence, and pursue their global aspirations with confidence and determination.

Drawing on his experience teaching Strategic Management, Professor David Oliver introduced Monash University’s curriculum structure, teaching approach, assessment methods and academic expectations. His presentation offered students practical guidance on adapting to the expectations of overseas higher education. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and independent learning in an international academic environment.

Professor Oliver also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in higher education. While AI can enhance learning efficiency and support academic work, he noted that it should complement rather than replace independent thinking and original scholarship. He encouraged students to develop strong analytical skills and maintain academic integrity as they prepare for future study and employment.

Professor Zhu Jiuhua focused on issues of greatest concern to students regarding overseas study and career development. She provided detailed explanations of Australia’s employment visa policies, progression pathways from undergraduate to postgraduate and doctoral studies, and the opportunities available to doctoral candidates. Drawing on her own educational experience in Australia, as well as successful alumni stories—including graduates who have joined Amazon in the United States and those who have pursued academic careers at universities in New Zealand—Professor Zhu highlighted the broad range of opportunities available to students. She encouraged participants to build a solid academic foundation, make full use of the resources available at both partner institutions, and plan their academic and professional development strategically.

Professors Oliver and Zhu answered students’ questions regarding course completion rates, academic regulations, graduation requirements, teaching formats, campus life, and graduation ceremonies. Their detailed and practical explanations of seminar-based learning, comprehensive student support services, and well-structured academic systems helped alleviate students’ concerns about studying abroad and provided them with a clearer understanding of life and learning at Monash University.

The information session served not only as a platform for academic exchange between the two institutions but also as a valuable introduction to international education and career planning. Through policy interpretation, academic pathway guidance, study skills advice, and personal experience sharing, the event provided comprehensive support for students preparing for overseas study.

Approved by China’s Ministry of Education in 2012, the cooperative program between Jiangnan University and Monash University has now been successfully in operation for fifteen years and is one of the university’s flagship international undergraduate programs. The School currently offers two programs—Business Administration and Big Data Management and Applications—and follows a well-established “3+1” model, under which students complete the first three years of study at Jiangnan University before undertaking their fourth year at Monash University.

Students who satisfy the graduation requirements receive a bachelor’s degree and graduation certificate from Jiangnan University, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Monash University.

Over the past fifteen years, the program has produced nearly 400 graduates, with more than 80% pursuing further studies overseas. By integrating Monash University’s high-quality educational resources with the development needs of industries in the Yangtze River Delta region, the program has established a distinctive digitally enabled curriculum supported by Jiangsu Province’s Comprehensive Economic and Management Training Center. The program is dedicated to cultivating innovative, interdisciplinary, and internationally minded business professionals. In 2017, it was selected as part of the Jiangsu Provincial High-Level Demonstration Project for Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Programs, further recognizing its excellence in educational quality, student development outcomes, and social impact.

Looking ahead, the School of Business will continue to strengthen the cooperative programs, further enhance its international talent cultivation system, and provide students with broader global opportunities. Through sustained innovation and international collaboration, the School remains committed to empowering future generations of business leaders to pursue their ambitions on the global stage.

Information Session on the Sino-Foreign Cooperative Program

Liu Shujiao Moderating the Event

Professor David Oliver Introducing the Program Curriculum

Professor Jiuhua Zhu Providing Academic and Career Development Guidance

Q&A session