An agreement has been signed between French and Australian universities in Canberra today that allows for mutual recognition of each country's educational qualifications and periods of prior study.
Universities Australia, together with the French Conference of University Presidents and the French Engineering Schools Directors' Committee have established a framework whereby students who have undertaken secondary school or university studies in Australia or France can apply to study at universities in either country, with equivalent standing to local students.
"This agreement will make it easier for Australian students to include study at a French university or engineering school in their Australian degree program, or to complete their degrees in France," Universities Australia Chair, Professor Peter Coaldrake said today.
"These arrangements are particularly important for those pursuing a professional qualification, as the opportunity to participate in international study has previously been constrained by the strict curriculum requirements of some degree programs".
With the assistance of the Embassy of France in Australia, an internship scheme has also been established between five Australian universities and a number of leading French companies with operations in Australia.
"Together with the agreement on qualifications recognition, the internship program will make it easier for Australian students to pursue further learning in France, gain work experience in an international context, and improve their understanding of French language and culture," Professor Coaldrake said.
"These agreements also provide a template for establishing similar partnerships between Australia and other European countries, and beyond.
"In this way wider and deeper international links can be developed through higher education, which is a major policy objective of Universities Australia," Professor Coaldrake said.
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Contact at the Embassy of France in Australia
education@ambafrance-au.org or (02) 6216 0136
Conference des Presidents d'Universite website - www.cpu.fr
