The MLFP was established in 1998 as a commemorative project between South Australia and Japan. The objective of the MLFP is to provide financial support for research grants and short-term exchanges to conduct research in urban development and planning, urban design, environmental management and related disciplines between South Australia and three Japanese universities - Waseda University, Nagoya University and the University of Tsukuba.
Five Adelaide University students received a New Colombo Plan scholarship to study at universities in Japan, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea and China in 2026. This federal government initiative supports Australian undergraduate students to undertake study, language training, internships and work in the Indo-Pacific region, deepening international connections and enabling students to gain valuable global perspectives and networks.
Adelaide University has several joint PhD programs with partners in Northeast Asia, including Nagoya University (Japan) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China). These programs provide students with a unique opportunity to undertake research across two high-quality universities and enrich their academic experience, live and study in two countries (gaining valuable cross-cultural insights), build diverse research connections and strengthen professional networks to support future career pathways.
Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Aviation program has a partnership with Flight Training Adelaide, a world-class facility that collaborates with Cathay Pacific and STARLUX. This shared training environment exposes Adelaide University students to the same professional standards, facilities and pathways as Cathay cadets, who are often invited to campus to engage directly with university students. Cathay’s Talent Acquisition team regularly delivers on-campus information sessions promoting its Cadet Pilot and Second Officer programs, with the airline also participating in the University’s career fairs.
Australia-China Cooperation for Sustainable Aviation (ACCSA)
Adelaide University was awarded a grant from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations to deliver a two-year project aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The ACCSA initiative strengthens collaboration between Australian and Chinese researchers, investors, and government stakeholders to advance SAF policy, certification, technology pathways, feedstocks, investment and trade opportunities to address decarbonisation in the aviation sector. Under ACCSA, Adelaide University will deliver five major SAF conferences across Beijing, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hong Kong, and Sydney to translate high-level dialogue into scalable, investment-relevant outcomes. A flagship student exchange and competition program involving 5-10 universities across Australia and Greater China will also support the next generation of SAF leaders. To ensure a long-term legacy, the project will establish a permanent SAF industry networking platform, fostering continued green innovation and strategic partnerships beyond the grant period.
