BEIJING, July 7 -- Tsinghua University and the University of Michigan (UM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Tuesday on academic collaboration.

Both sides agreed to provide opportunities for staff development and interaction, including modes of teaching and course design.

The two universities will promote student opportunities in their respective schools of business, sciences, humanities, social-sciences and engineering. UM will also encourage Tsinghua students to pursue their masters at its campus.

Joint research and action-based learning projects will also be explored.

"It is very important for Tsinghua to have global engagement. We are looking forward to future cooperation," said Tsinghua president Qiu Yong.

"UM and Tsinghua share an excellence that makes collaboration possible across many disciplines," said UM president Mark Schlissel.

More than 2,500 Chinese students studied at the UM in 2014, its largest group of international students.