Media Releases 2006

26 April 2006

Expanded Australian Scholarships a welcome to whole-of-government approach

Australia’s international education today received an impressive boost by the Australian Government with the joint announcement today by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer and the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop of a five year, $1.4 billion Australian Scholarships program.

Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC) President Professor Gerard Sutton said that Vice-Chancellors are pleased with the initiative as it will more than double existing scholarships for the Asia-Pacific over the next five years.

“The significant increase in Australian support coincides with Australia’s commitment to ongoing biennial meetings of Asia-Pacific Education Ministers,” Professor Sutton said.

“Education and research collaboration and cooperation are vital components for sustaining the growth of Australia, and its relationships in the Asia-Pacific region.

“This initiative will ensure that future leaders from these countries will have positive attitudes that reflect the warmth of current leaders that have studied in Australia under the Colombo Plan,” Professor Sutton said.

The AVCC looks forward to working with the Government to implement the initiative which is scheduled to commence in the next academic semester starting 1 July 2006

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