MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS ALEXANDER DOWNER and MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TRAINING JULIE BISHOP
We are pleased to announce that Australia will double the number of educational scholarships it offers in the Asia-Pacific region. The new program, to be called Australian Scholarships, will provide nearly $1.4 billion in funding over five years for more than 19,000 scholarships.
The initiative brings together Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), managed by Australia's international aid agency, AusAID, and Endeavour scholarships, administered by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).
A new component, the Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) will target future leaders in the region for advanced study.
Mr Downer said scholarships have a proven record in promoting political and economic reform and enabling regional leaders to develop enduring connections with Australia.
'This initiative revives the spirit of the Colombo Plan,' he said. 'It demonstrates the high value Australia places on building relationships with countries within the region.'
Ms Bishop said scholarships also enhance Australia's reputation as a provider of high-quality education for international students.
'Australia is committed to fostering closer ties through education and through study exchange programmes,' Ms Bishop said.
From May 2006, DEST will provide up to 9,700 scholarships under an expanded Endeavour Programme. AusAID will provide 6,600 scholarships through the Australian Development Scholarships program and 3,200 Australian Leadership Awards.
The Australian Leadership Awards will focus on current and future leaders in business, education and government within the region.
Endeavour Scholarships will provide international education experiences across the vocational and technical education and higher education sectors, as well as postdoctoral research and professional development opportunities in Australia and overseas.
The Australian Development Scholarships programme supports development needs in recipient countries.
The total cost of Australian Scholarships will be $1.387 billion.
For more information on Australian Scholarships go to: www.australianscholarships.gov.au [external website]
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs): 0417 680 590
Murray Hansen (Ms Bishop's Office): 0417 886 155
DEST (Public Affairs): 02 6240 7175