Public universities were this month required to submit details of deals with overseas governments for scrutiny under the new foreign relations scheme.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has the power to veto agreements which state and territory governments, councils and universities have struck with overseas powers, if she decides that they don't align with Australia's foreign policy goals.

Senator Payne earlier this year used the power to cancel Victoria's agreement with China's controversial "Belt and Road" initiative.

The ACT government has already put forward several agreements for scrutiny, including its sister city partnerships with Beijing and Wellington.

The nation's group of eight universities - which includes ANU - last week announced it had submitted more than 4000 deals between them ahead of the June 10 deadline.

An ANU spokesman would not specify the exact number or nature of deals which had been submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, but said it amounted to "several hundred".

The government has an online register of the agreements, meaning at least some details will be made public.

The spokesman said the university undertook a "rigorous assessment" of all its agreements.

Universities also have to submit any agreements with foreign institutions which are substantially controlled by their respective government.

The Group of Eight's chief executive, Vicki Thomson, has warned the cancellation or variation of agreements as a result of the scheme could have a "chilling effect" on international collaborations involving universities.

"The impact of this legislation has not gone unnoticed by current and potential international partners of Go8 universities," she said.

"A number have already signaled a refusal to renew agreements with Go8 members, because of the uncertainty and risk to normal business which the foreign relations scheme introduces.

"It will be critical to the future of Australia's globally competitive tertiary education sector that our international partners can have confidence in their arrangements with us.

"Despite these challenges, Go8 universities will continue to support Australia's national interest by working diligently with government to ensure that the foreign relations scheme is effective and efficient, and that it operates in a way that minimises disruption and harm to the sector."

The ANU spokesman said the university would continue to "pursue world-class research that serves Australia and all Australians".

"World-class research is in the nation's interest," he said.

"To be world-class you need to partner with institutions across the globe."

A University of Canberra spokeswoman confirmed it had notified the government about existing and prospective foreign deals, but did not provide further details.

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