AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
ISLAMABAD

Press Release

Australian High Commissioner farewells Pakistani scholarship recipients

The Australian High Commissioner, Mr Tim George, today bid farewell to 52 Australian Scholarship recipients who are about to begin Masters-level study in Australia.

The scholarships, which highlight the strong development partnership between Australia and Pakistan, have been awarded under two programs: the Australian Development Scholarships Program and the AusAID-Carnegie Mellon University Scholarships Program. Scholars will study in the areas of health, education, natural resource management, social sciences, governance, information technology, law & legal studies.

The High Commissioner said the scholarships were intended for emerging leaders in Pakistan and the region.

“The Australian Scholarships Program aims to contribute to the long-term development needs of Pakistan, promoting good governance, economic growth and human development.”

“These scholarships will provide Pakistani professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive change and influence development outcomes in Pakistan by obtaining relevant tertiary qualifications at high quality Australian higher education institutions.”

At the completion of their studies, scholars will return to Pakistan to contribute to the development of the country. Many previous scholarship holders have become leaders in government, the private sector and non-government organisations.

Complementing these existing scholarship programs, Australia’s Prime Minister announced an increase in Australia’s support for Pakistan following the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Summit in New York on 25 September 2009. This increase included a commitment of 100 more Agriculture Scholarships for Pakistanis, to be awarded over a period of four years.

Scholarships play a vital role in building lasting relationships with countries in the region. Up to 1100 Australian Development Scholarships are awarded each year across 37 countries, with scholarships awarded equally between men and women.

Australia recently doubled its development assistance to Pakistan and will provide approximately $58.8 million in assistance in 2009-10. Bilateral programs focus on improving health and education, building agricultural linkages with Pakistan, and providing scholarships at Australian institutions.


Contact: Mr James McGarry, Public Affairs. 051 835 5500

12 November 2009