Victorian universities strengthening ties in France

Published: 22 October 2025
A group of people posing in front of an RMIT backdrop.

Victoria’s higher education sector was well represented in Paris last week, where the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office in Paris welcomed a Swinburne University delegation led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester; and RMIT University marked the 25th anniversary of RMIT Vietnam with a celebration in Paris. Both took part in a networking event hosted at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The event showcased the achievements of the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) since its official start two years ago and announced several upcoming projects, including the launch of the Climate 4.0 Hub, a startup accelerator based at Swinburne University’s Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, RMIT University marked the 25th anniversary of RMIT Vietnam with a celebration in Paris. Featuring keynotes addresses by Vietnam Ambassador to France, RMIT Chancellor Peggy O’Neal and Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, as well as a from Choose Paris Region and Commissioner Gönül Serbest, the event gathered a large group of RMIT Vietnam alumni as Paris is home to the largest RMIT Vietnam alumni cohort in Europe. RMIT also delivered a roundtable focused on strengthening research and industry partnerships organised in partnership with NAB and the Australia France Business Association. During the discussion, Commissioner Gönül Serbest highlighted the Victorian Government’s strategy to support industry growth and its strong commitment to research and higher education collaboration.

News recommendation
a group of people seated and watching a speaker

Study Melbourne Industry Connection Session in Shanghai

Study Melbourne hosted an Industry Connection event at Vic House on 17 June, targeting 30–35 prospective students and young Victorian graduates
View article
A group of four people

Study Melbourne joins sector colleagues at the ITEC26 International Education Symposium

Study Melbourne joined sector colleagues at the ITEC26 International Education Symposium in Brisbane on 3 June 2026, where Caroline Hartnett highlighted Victoria’s strengths as an international education destination during a panel on how Australian cities and regions attract global students.
View article
Photograph of a large group of people gathered in an auditorium with five individuals standing in front, dressed in formal and business attire. The setting suggests a professional event or conference, with attendees seated in tiered rows and a well-lit stage area.

Victoria highlights global education partnership through the BITS–RMIT initiative

At the BITS–RMIT Higher Education Academy Student Engagement and Networking Event held at The Capitol, Melbourne on 22 May 2026, Victoria highlighted its strong commitment to international education and global partnerships. Supported by the Victorian Government’s Yes to International Students Fund, the 2026 immersion program brought more than 100 students from India to Melbourne for a two-week academic and cultural experience.
View article
Photograph of a large group of people seated around a curved conference table in a modern meeting room, suggesting a formal gathering or conference. The room features red chairs, white walls with blue and orange accents, and a carpeted floor, with attendees dressed in business attire indicating a professional event.

Victoria’s education partnerships highlighted during the Governor’s visit to China

Victoria’s strong and enduring education partnerships across China, including Hong Kong, were showcased during the Governor of Victoria’s recent visit, reinforcing the value of alumni engagement, research collaboration and international education links. Highlights included the Victoria Connect: Alumni Leaders Reception in Hong Kong, the signing of Monash University’s second five-year agreement with Suzhou Industrial Park, the opening of a new dedicated IELTS test centre in Chengdu, and new collaboration agreements between education institutions in Sichuan and Victoria.
View article
View more news