Guangzhou Winter School: Introduction to Chinese Commercial Law

Program overview

The Faculty of Law is offering students the opportunity to visit and study in Guangzhou with one of our partner universities, the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS). 

GDUFS is a leading public university with an emphasis on foreign languages and cultures, overseas economy and trade, and international strategies. Established in 1965, it is an important base in South China for international talent cultivation and studies of foreign languages and cultures, global economic governance, foreign-related rule of law, and international communication of Chinese culture. GDUFS is located in Guangzhou, one of the largest business and legal service hubs in China. 

GDUFS will host a two-week immersive law program running from the 30 November – 13 December 2026. Learning from GDUFS’s prestigious law academics, you will gain an in-depth understanding of Chinese Commercial Law, covering subjects like Rule of Law in Greater Bay Area: The Constitution of China and the Basic Laws of Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Foreign Trade Law of China, Foreign Investment Law of China, Digital Law in China and Labor Law of China. 

Beyond the enriching academic experience, you will be able to immerse yourself in the captivating Chinese culture through tours to iconic landmarks, engaging field trips to courts and law firms, and the chance to engage with the diverse study body at GDUFS. The journey will be further enhanced with an opening ceremony and a farewell banquet hosted by GDUFS. 

Selected students will be accompanied by UTS Faculty of Law Associate Professor Colin Hawes and Professor Grace Li. Colin is Chair of the Faculty's International Engagement Committee and a Research Fellow at the Australia-China Relations Institute. Grace is the Associate Dean (International) at the Faculty of Law.

Eligibility

Please check the general eligibility criteria to participate in a short-term mobility program. 

In order to qualify for Dean’s Mobility Prizes, you must be taking the program for academic credit. Please check you meet the prerequisites and have the space to enrol in International and Comparative Study in Law (76099 for UG students, or 78293 for JD students).

How to apply

To be considered for this program, please submit an expression of interest to the Faculty of Law with a statement of motivation and a copy of a current academic transcript. This can be an unofficial copy. In addition, applicants may make a case for consideration on equity grounds. Priority will be given to students from equity backgrounds, based on academic merit and motivation.

EOI submissions will be open from 13 July – 16 August 2026.

Program costs and funding 

The program fee is $2,200 per person.

The fee covers academic lectures, single room accommodation, welcome and farewell banquets, daily coffee breaks, stationery, airport pick-up and drop-off services, transportation, admission tickets for off-campus visits, and expenses for officially organised cultural experience activities.

Funding

$3,000 Dean’s Mobility Prizes are available to eligible students.

Prizes will be allocated based on academic merit and demonstrated motivation, with a priority given to students from an equity background. 

To be eligible for a Dean's Mobility Prize, students must undertake the program for academic credit by enrolling in 76099 for UG students, or 78293 for JD students.

There are additional conditions for receiving the Dean’s Mobility Prize as stipulated below. 

Recipients of a Dean's Mobility Prize are required to participate in a student ambassador program with students from UTS Law's partner university in Guangzhou.

As part of the ambassador program, students will:

• Attend a pre-departure ambassador briefing.
• Participate in student engagement activities with Guangzhou students, including Q&A sessions and a cross-cultural commercial law workshop (approximately four hours in total at the partner university).
• Submit a short reflection on their experience following the program.

Questions 

If you have any questions about the program, please contact: law.mobility@uts.edu.au. 

Information session

We will host an online information session on 31 July at 12.00pm – 1.00pm. 

Draft Schedule for 30 November - 13 December 2026

Please note that this is a draft program and is subject to change.