Australia Awards Recipients to start studies in Australia in early 2014

155 new Australia Awards Scholarships recipients will depart Vietnam in January 2014 to commence their postgraduate study in Australia.

They are among more than 4,500 Vietnamese students who have received long-term and short-term training opportunities from the Australian Government since the opening of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1973.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Hugh Borrowman, congratulated the award recipients at their farewell ceremony in Hanoi today. “I strongly believe that these scholars, after completing their studies in a large variety of areas in Australia, will play important roles in Vietnam’s future development”.

“This is a very special year as Australia and Vietnam are celebrating our 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and education is one of the longest standing links and a cornerstone in this bilateral relationship,” said Mr. Borrowman.

The awardees will study at a university of their choice in Australia, at the postgraduate level (Master and PhD) in a diverse range of key development areas such as gender, disability, human rights, economics, education, infrastructure, environment, rural development and health.

Twelve of the awardees are from rural-disadvantaged areas, three are from ethnic minorities and five are awardees with disability. This reflects the high priority Australia places on equity and social inclusion in its selection of award recipients.

Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders for development. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.

Vietnam is the second largest recipient of Australia Awards with up to 400 awards on offer each year.

The Australia Awards Scholarships are for full-time study and include all tuition fees, a living allowance, airfares and health insurance.

The next selection round for Australia Awards Scholarships will be from 1 February until 31 March 2014.