Over 100 Pinoys awarded Australian scholarships

MANILA, Philippines - At least 111 Filipinos have received Australia Awards scholarships in 2012 and will leave in January 2013 to pursue post-graduate studies  in universities in Australia.

Many of the scholars will study in the top five Australian universities, including Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, UNSW and UQ.

The University of New South Wales recorded a massive increase in world ranking, moving up from 173 last year to No. 85 in the world this year.

“Australia Awards will allow Filipino leaders to further hone their skills and competencies in Australia’s premier learning and research institutions, and will equip them to take on more significant roles in the development of the Philipines,” said Andrew Byrne, Australian embassy’s deputy head of mission.

Australia Awards are a cornerstone of Australia-Philippines relations and provide lasting contribution to Philippine development through education.

Thousands of Filipinos have studied and trained in Australia since the 1950s. The awardees recently attended a three-day pre-departure briefing to help them prepare for their student life in Australia.

They also defined their re-entry action plans which include programs or projects that they will implement when they return, and put into practice what they have learned from their studies in Australia.

Application for the next batch of Australia Awards scholarships for 2014-2015 will commence on Feb. 1, 2013.

For more details, visit www.australiaawards.ph.