An agreement between EIT and a university in one of China's premium grape-growing regions is tipped to give Hawke's Bay a boost as a destination for international wine industry students.
EIT has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qilu University of Technology in China's Shandong Province which it hopes will see students from China spending up to two years in Hawke's Bay to complete bachelor degrees in viticulture and wine science at EIT.
While it is expected to be three or four years before the relationship between the two institutions results in overseas students arriving in Hawke's Bay to take part in its bachelor programmes, EIT says the deal is an example of the potential to grow international education opportunities in partnership with local councils.
The relationship with Qilu University has been cemented through two visits to the institution over recent months by Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule.
"EIT is very strong in wine and viticulture education, and wine production and consumption is increasing in China so they are looking to increase their skills and tertiary qualifications in that area," said EIT's dean for commerce and technology, Fred Koenders.