Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program 2025

The ANU Australian Studies Institute (AuSI) was proud to host the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program from Wednesday 26 November to Friday 28 November 2025. In its third year, the prestigious three-day intensive study tour welcomed 42 high-performing Chinese students from across 22 Australian universities to the capital, offering unique access to the state's leading institutions, including Parliament House (meeting with the Speaker and watching question time), Old Parliament House, the High Court of Australia, the National Museum, the National Arboretum, and the National Press Club. 

Funded through a grant from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program is named in honour of Australia's first ambassador to Beijing. 

"It's quite an honour, but more than that, it's a mark of the huge benefits that can flow from dialogue, from mutual understanding and respect, and importantly, from the acceptance of key differences between political systems. While frictions have arisen from time-to-time as is expected, the story of Australia-China relations is one of colossal economic and human benefits on both sides. Anything which deepens understanding and strengthens the people-to-people aspect, creates ballast in that bilateral relationship which guards against overreaction to problems which inevitably come to strain bilateral relations periodically." 

- Dr Stephen FitzGerald AO, Australia's first ambassador to Beijing 

Convened by AuSI Director, Professor Mark Kenny, the 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program featured an outstanding line-up of eminent guest speakers across the three days, including Paul Girrawah House, Zhou Xiaoping, Ted O’Brien MP,  Associate Professor Merryn McKinnon, Dr Liz Allen, Dr Zena Assaad, Professor Peter Kanowski, Peter Swanton, The Hon Milton Dick MP, Virginia Haussegger AM, Andrew Goledzinowski AM, Professor David Headon AM, Gary Cowan, Distinguished Professor Xuemei Bai, and The Hon Robert French AC. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our distinguished speakers, and in particular to the scholars and their home institutions, whose involvement is central to the program’s success. 

"The expanded 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program was proof that this innovative course continues to go from strength to strength. It was wonderful to spend so much quality time with the best and brightest Chinese international students studying at so many different Australian universities. The standard of discussion, eagerness to learn and willingness to consider different perspectives was extremely high. I wish to thank them all for the inquisitive minds and friendship and also for the many laughs had along the way. As Academic Convenor it is an honour to be in their company. I'd also like to acknowledge the generous support of top-shelf speakers across so many disciplines who one again, took the scholars on the journey through their respective fields of research in history, astronomy, politics, constitutional law, demography and migration, Indigenous history, feminism, and international relations. Your participation is vital to the uniquely high standard of access and expertise that is the hallmark of the SFSP. The bonds between the great peoples of Australia and China will only strengthen when such scholarly exchange and openness takes place. A very special thanks to the tireless AuSI team of Teng Pan, Xinyuan (Cynthia) Xu and Angie Ghirardello, and to the wonderful Professor Shirley Leitch for her assistance and wise counsel." 

- Professor Mark Kenny, Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute 

We also greatly appreciate the encouraging feedback shared by the 2025 cohort. 

"Do you believe in light? Not as something dazzling, but as the quiet belief that people can still carry hope, conviction, and the ability to shine. I do now—this is the quiet magic of this program. For anyone curious about Australia, China, and their own potential to contribute across cultures, this program will challenge and inspire you in ways you don’t expect." 

- Fei Wang, Flinders University, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"The program was a mix of friendships, eye opening experiences and the special access we were given throughout the trip. We were able to go into places and sit in sessions that most people would never have the chance to experience, which really broadened my understanding of how Australia works behind the scenes. At the same time, sharing these moments with a group of like minded people helped us build real friendships that I believe will last beyond the program. Altogether, it was a unique and unforgettable experience that opened my eyes and connected me with people I truly value." 

- Tsz Hin (Derek) Ma, Macquarie University, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"This program reminded me why it matters to follow my curiosity. Seeing Australia’s institutions up close — and learning from people who have spent decades thinking about policy, diplomacy and public life — was deeply encouraging. Their guidance offered a kind of clarity you can only gain through conversation. What stayed with me most, though, were the exchanges with fellow scholars. Their talent, openness and perspectives showed me how much inspiration comes from the people who learn alongside you." 

- Yuzhao Zhou, University of Sydney, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"The SFSP gave me far more than I had expected, bringing my study journey in Australia to a meaningful and truly fulfilling close. It opened up a structural understanding of Australia’s political and cultural landscape, and it showed me how many people from diverse cultural backgrounds carry hope and a sense of responsibility as they work diligently and steadfastly in their respective fields. Over these few days, I had the rare opportunity to step into the centre of Australia’s political life, to speak closely with influential figures, and to meet new peers who share similar values and aspirations. These experiences revealed new possibilities for Australia–China relations, and also new directions for my own future. I am sincerely grateful to everyone and every organisation that contributed to this program and to the broader efforts of fostering cross-cultural cooperation. Your generosity, vision, and openness have made this journey one of the most precious experiences of my life." 

- Chaoran (Celia) Li, Federation University, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"One of the most rewarding aspects of this program was learning alongside 42 scholars from 22 universities across Australia, representing disciplines such as law, politics, engineering, international relations, business, health sciences, and media. When we discussed the same topic, each scholar contributed a completely different perspective shaped by their academic and cultural background. These interdisciplinary conversations pushed me to think beyond my own assumptions and helped me appreciate how diverse expertise can enrich and deepen our understanding. This diversity of thought has been one of the most valuable highlights of the entire program." 

- Changrui (Fraser) Zhao, Flinders University, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"I would like to express my gratitude for this scholarship opportunity. It has been an exciting journey of exploration and exchange, and a wonderful gathering with future friends. I am thankful for my own efforts that made this opportunity possible, deeply grateful to my alma mater, the University of Western Australia, for allowing me to participate in this vibrant event, and especially appreciative of the meticulous arrangements and care provided by the host institution, the ANU Australian Studies Institute. I hope future SFSP events will continue to grow and flourish, enabling us to meet even more outstanding individuals. Wishing everyone smooth sailing on both their academic journeys and life paths." 

- Siqing Wu, University of Western Australia, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"Visiting this thoughtfully planned city was a wonderful and immersive experience, where Canberra’s geometric, nature-driven, iconic and functional design, each element carrying its own big story, came to life through its clear axes and the Parliamentary Triangle. This perfectly reflected the spirit of the program, connecting history, culture, and people from different backgrounds through meaningful cultural exchange, bringing us together as a community." 

- Yu Shan (Rain) Yu, Swinburne University of Technology, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"As someone with a multicultural background, the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program allowed me to explore cross-cultural understanding beyond theory, through real conversations and shared experiences. 感谢提供这样宝贵而有意义的学习与交流机会，去深入了解跨文化交流同真實世界嘅連結！" 

- Ying Kwan O’Keeffe Chan, Griffith University, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"Thank you again for the 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program. It was a genuinely joyful and truly transformative experience. Without a doubt, this programme has been the pinnacle of my academic journey here. It was a sincere highlight to deepen our understanding of the Australian government by visiting Parliament House and the High Court and to connect with a unique community of fellow scholars. Our diverse conversations over the Gala Dinner with professors, which covered everything from science, AI, and statistics to urban development, were genuinely enriching and far outside my own discipline. To future applicants for 2026: say yes! You absolutely will enjoy it!" 

- Sze Wa (Silvia) Wong, Murdoch University, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"The program opened my eyes to how Australia really works - its history, its institutions, and its place in the region. If you’re thinking about applying, do it. You’ll learn a lot, but more importantly, you’ll walk away seeing the country with new clarity and purpose." 

- Minqiang Wei, University of Canberra, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

"I would highly recommend the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program to anyone seeking deeper understanding, cross-cultural exchange, and genuine inspiration for their future path." 

- Shuk Yan (Sarah) Wong, Deakin University, 2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholar 

More information on the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program can be found here: Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program | Australian Studies Institute  

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.