Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program
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 third 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
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-…
2025 Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Announced
Forty-five of the brightest international students from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan studying at universities across this nation will benefit from inside access to Australia’s defining…
AuSI secures $1M to support Australia-China relations
The ANU Australian Studies Institute (AuSI) has been awarded four-year grant funding of $1 million from the National Foundation for Australia China Relations (NFACR) to continue the prestigious…
Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program 2024
The ANU Australian Studies Institute (AuSI) is proud to have hosted the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program from Wednesday 20 — Friday 22 November 2024. In its second year, the prestigious three-day…
2024 Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Announced
Thirty-three of Great China’s brightest international students from universities across the nation will gain a unique insight into Australia’s political, legal, and cultural foundations. The select…
WATCH: Stephen Fitzgerald Scholars Program 2023 recap
Chinese international students are an important part of Australia’s communities, classrooms and campuses. The ANU Australian Studies Institute delivered the inaugural Stephen FitzGerald…
Stephen Fitzgerald Scholars Program in its second year
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…
Scholars will be announced in 2026.
Ying Kwan O’Keeffe Chan 陈映均
Griffith University
Ying Kwan (O’Keeffe) is an international student from Hong Kong SAR of China, currently pursuing a double master’s degree in Marketing and International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Griffith University, with expected graduation in December 2025. She has a professional background in marketing, event coordination, and competition planning, and aspires to become a program manager after graduation.In 2023, she was the 3rd runner-up in the China Shaoxing “Ten Thousand Acres, Trillion Yuan”… » read more
Lihui Chen 陈力晖
Queensland University of Technology
Lihui (Lucas) Chen is a final-year Bachelor of Electrical Engineering student at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia. Originally from Guangdong, Lucas has combined his academic studies with hands-on industry experience in electrical systems, including work on sustainable energy solutions and electric vehicle infrastructure.At QUT, Lucas has actively contributed to the university community through leadership roles, including serving as an executive member of the… » read more
Meiling Chen 陈美玲
Murdoch University
Meiling Chen is from Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, China, the hometown of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China. She recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from Murdoch University, Australia.She has had the experience of travelling and exploring the Australian outback and central regions as a backpacker, including Alice Springs, where she deeply learned about Indigenous culture and was deeply attracted by the richness and colours of… » read more
Zhi Chen 陈志
Federation University
I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Software Engineering at Federation University. With 8 years of experience in web design, I have developed a strong skill set in creating user-friendly and innovative websites. My career has been focused on understanding client needs and translating them into visually appealing and functional designs. Originally from Guangzhou, China, I am passionate about the intersection of technology and design, and I aim to further explore how these fields can… » read more
Shaoleng Cheng 程绍棱
Central Queensland University
Shaoleng Cheng is a Master of Information Technology student at Central Queensland University, specialising in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital systems integration. Originally from Fujian, China, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Engineering and is an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.From 2017 to 2019, he worked as a System Engineer at Noitom Technology Ltd, developing and maintaining virtual reality and motion capture systems. His academic and practical… » read more
Yongqi Cheng 程雍祺
University of Wollongong
I am a postgraduate nursing student at the University of Wollongong. I come from Guangdong, Zhongshan, a city in southern China, and have developed a strong interest in healthcare through both academic study and hands-on clinical experience. My placements in the medical ward at Shellharbour Hospital and the mental health unit at South Coast Private Hospital have helped me build skills in both physical and psychosocial care.My transition from law to nursing reflects my passion for supporting… » read more
Kan Dong 董侃
University of Queensland
Kan Dong is a Master of Economics student at the University of Queensland, specialising in Applied Econometrics. Originally from Shanghai, China, he has passed all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program examinations and holds a strong background in finance and economics. His research interests include the dynamics of real estate bubbles, as well as monetary and fiscal policy in debt-deflation environments. Currently, Kan is working on his master’s thesis examining global… » read more
Siming Chen 陈思名
Australian National University
Siming is in her final semester for the master’s degree of public policy at Crawford School, Australian National University, specialising in social policy and economic policy. She worked in tech start-ups and in the arts. Before coming to Crawford, she was a senior arts manager in the British Council Shanghai office, forging creative connections and collaborations for artists and arts organisations in the UK and China in response to sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion. Her… » read more
Yaqi Chen 陈雅琪
University of Wollongong
I am Yaqi Chen, a Master’s student at the University of Wollongong, focusing on data mining and machine learning. With a passion for research, I plan to pursue a research pathway in the future. Outside of my academic work, I am a tea and museum enthusiast. Exploring history, culture, and traditions always sparks my curiosity. Originally from Yunnan, a province known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures, I’ve discovered unexpected connections between my hometown and Australia. Both… » read more
Chen Yun Cheung 张侦芸
Flinders University
A second-year student at Flinders University currently studying for Bachelor Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine. Motivated to embark on the medical profession after volunteering at National Taiwan Hospital, upon seeing how medical personnel - both doctors and nurses - are able to make a difference in people's lives. Aim to become an Anaesthetist after gaining a few years' experience as a General Practitioner. Originally from Taiwan, came to Adelaide in 2014 as a… » read more
King Hei Chiu 赵敬熙
University of New South Wales
King Hei (Calvin) is a dedicated final-year student in the Master of Actuarial Studies program at UNSW Sydney, originally from Hong Kong, China. He has cultivated a robust academic foundation in actuarial science and data analytics, with a passion for utilizing data to address complex challenges. Throughout his studies, Calvin has completed various projects focusing on statistical modeling, risk analysis, and data visualization.In addition to his academic pursuits, Calvin has spent the past… » read more
Jialei Ding 丁嘉磊
Swinburne University of Technology
Jialei (Brian) Ding is a final year Mechanical Engineering (Honours) student at Swinburne University of Technology. He hails from the picturesque coastal city of Xiamen in China. Brian has excelled academically and has a passion for research. He possesses extensive experience in project management and leading teams to solve real-world problems across disciplines. His current research focuses on the theory and practical applications of topology optimization, and he is eager to apply pioneering… » read more
Ruolin Fang 方若琳
University of Queensland
Ruolin Fang is currently pursuing Master of Commerce at the University of Queensland. Originally from Guangzhou, China, she has an interest in the intersection of finance, psychology and international business. Her undergraduate research focused on corporate governance, with a case study of an acquisition in China's energy sector. In addition to her academic studies, Ruolin has gained practical experience through internships in financial analysis and business development, where she developed a… » read more
Yijia Ji 季怡佳
Monash University
Yijia Ji, also known as Jessica (she/her), is from Shanghai, China, and has recently completed her Honours Degree in Pharmaceutical Science at Monash University, where she focused on malaria drug target identification. With aspirations to pursue a PhD in pharmaceutical research, Jess aims to make a lasting impact through her work, contributing to new therapeutic discoveries, especially for underprivileged and vulnerable populations around the world. Outside the lab, Jess works as an English… » read more
Suet Kin Chan 陈雪坚
Charles Sturt University
As a nine-year programmer in Hong Kong, my career path underwent a profound transformation when I enrolled in the Master of Information Technology at Charles Sturt University in 2021. This significant decision was propelled by an enduring passion for technology and an unwavering commitment to staying on the cutting edge of industry innovations. My extensive experience in the IT sector across multiple companies exposed me to the rapid evolution of technology, from Big Data and Data Science to… » read more
Yu Ho Chan 陈汝濠
Macquarie University
Enoch is a dedicated data science enthusiast pursuing a Master's degree at Macquarie University. Hailing from Hong Kong, he is passionate about harnessing the power of data to drive informed decision-making. With a strong foundation in data analysis and a commitment to continuous learning, Enoch aspires to excel in the data analytics industry upon graduation and is excited to contribute his skills and knowledge to the world of data science, making a meaningful impact in the field.
On Yiu Cheung 张安瑶
Curtin University
On Yiu (Nicole) Cheung is an international student from Hong Kong, who is currently in the second year of postgraduate degree in occupational therapy at Curtin University in Perth. Upon graduation of an undergraduate degree in biotechnology in the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Nicole held full-time positions for three years, respectively at a pharmaceutical company and the Hospital Authority, before relocating to Perth to pursue her further studies. Growing up with a brother… » read more
Wenqing Fan 樊文清
University of Queensland
My name is Wenqing Fan, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Pharmaceutical Industry Practice at the University of Queensland. I'm from Beijing, China. My academic journey (my undergraduate major) began in the realm of Chinese medicine, where I delved into the study of natural herbs, their healing properties, and traditional practices. After coming to the University of Queensland, my research field is more focused on clinical trial and chemical medicines. It is interesting to discover the… » read more
Jiafu Hao 郝嘉甫
University of Wollongong
Jiafu Hao, originally from Inner Mongolia, China, is a bachelor at University of Wollongong's School of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering. Specializing in the field of telecommunication and machine learning, Jiafu has published one paper in international conference. He also represented UOW in the 5-MICC competition organized by ICASSP and won the first prize. He has a high interest in research and plans to start a PhD career in the future. Outside of her professional life… » read more
Kaixin He 何凯鑫
University of South Australia
I am a final-year Laboratory Medicine student at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Originally from Guangdong China, I was inspired to pursue studies in Australia by the late Dr. Jian Zhou’s story of co-inventing HPV vaccines with Prof. Ian Fraser. Through the world-class education at UniSA, I have gained a solid foundation and practical skills in clinical pathology. In particular, my interests lie in haematology, immunology, and virology, which are exciting disciplines that have… » read more
Xueting Hong 洪雪婷
RMIT University
Hi, I am Xueting Hong. I am a Master student of Laboratory Medicine at RMIT University. I am interested in degenerative diseases and would like to promote personalised precision diagnostics as a medical scientist. I am the current student representative on the committee of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) Victoria Branch, where I assisted the initiation of AIMS×RMIT Career Discovery Night. Before coming to studying in Australia, I earned my Bachelor of Science… » read more
National Cultural Institutions
As the nation’s capital, we’re privileged to be home to all of Australia’s national cultural institutions.
Check out their websites for exhibition schedules:
- National Gallery of Australia is located at Parkes Place, Parkes ACT 2600. Open 10am–5pm daily (closed Christmas Day).
- National Portrait Gallery is located at King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600. Open 10am–5pm daily (closed Christmas Day).
- National Library of Australia is located at Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600. Open 10am–8pm, Monday-Thursday, 10am–5pm, Friday-Saturday, and 1:30–5pm Sunday. Closed on public holidays.
- National Museum of Australia is located at Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, ACT 2601. Open 9am–5pm daily (closed Christmas Day).
- National Archives of Australia is located at Kings Avenue, Parkes ACT 2600. Open 9:30am-4:30pm daily.
- National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is located at McCoy Circuit, Acton ACT 2601. Open 10am–4pm daily.
- Australian War Memorial is located at Treloar Crescent, Campbell ACT 2612. Open 10am–5pm daily (closed Christmas Day).
- Australian National Botanical Gardens is located at Clunies Ross Street, Acton ACT 2600. Open 9.30am–4.30pm daily (closed Christmas Day).
- National Arboretum Canberra is located at the western end of Lake Burley Griffin, six kilometres from the centre of Canberra. Open 9am–4pm daily (closed Christmas Day).
- Questacon (National Science & Technology Centre) is located at King Edward Terrace, Canberra ACT 2600. Open 9am–5pm daily (closed Christmas Day).
- National Zoo & Aquarium is located at 999 Lady Denman Dr, Yarralumla ACT 2611. Open 9:30am-5pm daily.
Contact Us
All enquiries regarding the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program should be directed to admin.ausi@anu.edu.au