Two Canberra students will be selected to take part in an new internship program linking the ACT with the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
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ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher announced the new partnership in the Assembly on Thursday, a week after she visited the powerhouse business and technology capital.
The Canberra-Shenzhen Innovation Intern Exchange Program is the first education outcome of the agreement Ms Gallagher signed with Shenzhen Mayor Xu Qín.
Canberra will send two students to Shenzhen and two students will come to the ACT, supported by $30,000 in government funding.
The cost of airfares and living expenses will be shared between both governments and business partners.
"The first stage the program will bring together future leaders from Canberra and Shenzhen, who will be placed for an internship in a leading Shenzhen business and provided with accommodation throughout the duration of the placement," Ms Gallagher said.
"The placement will develop the successful students' leadership skills in their chosen field and as future ambassadors for the cities Canberra and Shenzhen."
Ms Gallagher said both cities would benefit from improved capability in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and internship participants would be exposed to learning experiences and social networks in each city.
"ACT students studying overseas are often the best ambassadors for educational opportunities back in their home town of Canberra, and I am hopeful that this program will showcase Canberra to a range of students who may be interested in studying here."
Applications for the Study Canberra internship program are expected to open soon and the first exchange placements will take place during 2015.
One of China's special economic zones, Shenzhen is a major manufacturing hub and hosts leading international businesses, including telecommunications giant Huawei.
It has been one of a number of regular stops in Asia for ACT government ministers seeking investment and business co-operation for Canberra. Ms Gallagher's most recent visit included a business roundtable and comes as ACT government ministers seek to continue a regular presence in Asian capitals.
