​Stellenbosch University (SU) staff and students can look forward to another international experience in Asia, with SU committing to work closely with Hunan Normal University (HNU), one of the top universities in China. SU signed a letter of intent with HNU, both institutions expressing an interest to exchange students, scholars, academic information and summer programmes. Prof Hester Klopper, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy and Internationalisation, signed the agreement hosting a high-level delegation from HNU, including its University Council chairperson.

With more than 30 000 students on five campuses, HNU is one of China's key 100 universities. It is envisioned that the collaboration would be implemented through a broad range of strategies which will include, among others the exchange of students, exchange of scholars and joint of research programmes. It will bring to eleven the number of SU's institutional and departmental agreements  in China.

During their visit on 29 November, the HNU delegation met with Robert Kotzé, Senior Director of Stellenbosch University International as with Jennifer Jian, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University. The delegation also attended a lecture on the Chinese Harp by Cui Junzhi, the founder of modern Chinese Konghou art, hosted by the GUS Gallery.

The HNU delegation included Prof Li Min, Chairman of the University Council, Prof Yuan Daoxiang, Vice Dean: Institute of Ideological and Political Education, Mr Li Xuerong, Chairman: Shuda College Council, Prof Tang Jianguo, Dean: Xiang Dong Hospital (attached to Hunan Normal University), Mr Shen Xianlan, Deputy Director: Office of the University Council and Mr Zhou Ke, Section Chief: Office of International Exchange and Cooperation.