Exchange to bring students into Chch

It's hoped a new relationship with a Chinese university will help international numbers flourish at Canterbury University.

The deal with Tsinghua University of Beijing will see an exchange programme between the two.

Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Rod Carr says any relationship like this has the potential to bring more students into Christchurch.

"There's no quick fix for all of this, but certainly this is an institution of great standing, an institution we're proud to be associated with. Such things will start in a modest way, but are likely to grow."

Mr Carr says one of the interesting concepts is to get Chinese engineering students in Christchurch to study business.

Canterbury University has struck a chord with a university in China which is hoped to bring more international students.

The deal with Tsinghua University of Beijing will see an exchange programme between the two.

Mr Carr says they have some great ideas for learning possibilities in mind already.

"In particular they want to pursue with us the opportunity for some of their engineering students to come to the University of Canterbury for a semester, interestingly enough to study business."

Mr Carr says it's not a quick fix - and will take some time to grow, but he holds promise for the initiative when its fully functional.

Photo: NZ Herald