The University of Melbourne deepens its connections within South America

The University of Melbourne's delegation to South America in early June aimed to strengthen regional education and research partnerships. The visit focused on connecting, renewing, and establishing collaborative agreements with key institutions in Chile, Colombia, and Peru.

Under the leadership of Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Adrian Little, this marks the second Chancellery-led visit since the post-pandemic resumption of international engagements, aligning with the University’s Advancing Melbourne Globally strategy, which aims to lead, convene and collaborate through strategic partnerships on a global scale.

"The delegation to South America and the signing of renewed and new agreements demonstrates our commitment to building global educational and research partnerships. We are proud to play a role in enhancing academic opportunities and fostering cross-cultural understanding and innovation’, Professor Little explained.

In Chile, the University renewed its partnership with University of Chile through a Memorandum of Understanding and Student Exchange Agreement. The universities are continuing a long-standing partnership that began in 2007. Since the last renewal in 2019, the University has welcomed 15 exchange students from University of Chile, while 13 of our students have participated in exchanges at the University of Chile.

The delegation's visit to Colombia marked the first high-level Chancellery representation in the country, opening new avenues for partnership development.

The University renewed its sponsorship agreement with the Foundation for the Future of Colombia (Colfuturo) for another three years. Colfuturo is a non-profit Colombian organisation that provides guidance and financial support for Colombian students to pursue higher education globally. Supported by the Colombian Government and various organisations, it is the longest-running scholarship program in Latin America.

In 2024, Colfuturo selected 2,011 applicants, marking the largest cohort in the program's history. The University of Melbourne typically welcomes 20-24 students from this program each year, the largest group among Australian universities. This year, 19 students arrived at the University through the Colfuturo sponsorship agreement. Additionally, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the University receiving its first students from the Colfuturo program.

Alumni events provided platforms for networking and community building, celebrating the achievements of University of Melbourne graduates and exploring ways to stay connected.

The signing of these collaborative partnership agreements demonstrates the University’s continued commitment to being a world-leading and globally connected Australian university with students at the heart of everything we do.