Australian Embassy
Vietnam

Media Release - 05/11/2014

Australian institutions seek Vietnamese students focused on their future

 

Representatives from over 50 of Australia’s top education institutions will travel to Vietnam for a four day national expo in Danang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from 6 to 9 November. Almost 4,000 students and their families are expected to visit the exhibitions for discussions about their future with institution representatives.

Acknowledging that Australia continues to be the destination of choice for Vietnamese students seeking an international education, Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Hugh Borrowman, explained that an Australian education equips students with knowledge, skills and networks for their future. “I think what Vietnamese students find so appealing is that Australian education focuses on meeting the needs of employers, providing quality education, training and connecting skills with job outcomes” said the Ambassador.

“At the same time, our reputation for research excellence is growing. Perhaps many Vietnamese are unaware of Australia’s role in revolutionary inventions such as in-vitro fertilisation, ultrasound, the bionic ear, the cervical cancer vaccine and even wi-fi”. Mr Borrowman cited 15 Nobel Laureates from a country with a relatively small population as testament to Australia’s research strengths and innovation talents.

In its 11th year, visitors will have the opportunity for face-to-face discussions with institution representatives at the exhibition to gain comprehensive and practical information on studying and living in Australia. Australia offers a diverse range of study options with over 24,000 accredited courses on offer to international students. The recent weakening of the Australian dollar will add extra appeal to the quality of the education and the enviable lifestyle Australia enjoys. There are also many options available for students wanting to study an Australian qualification in Vietnam.

There will be activities and speakers at the events including alumni sharing their success stories, as well as sessions on student visas and Australian Government scholarships. In recognition of the Vietnamese Government’s development and education reform agenda there will also be a vocational skills showcase.

For the first time this year the event is being staged in Da Nang. In addition to meeting with parents and students, 23 institutions from the group will participate in a private event with agents to ensure they have the latest information to support decisions made by Da Nang students and their families about their futures.

Ambassador Borrowman welcomed the initiative of the Australian institutions in visiting Da Nang. “Da Nang is a progressive and impressive city. I am pleased to see the exhibition expanded to include Vietnam’s top three cities. This demonstrates Australia’s commitment and interest in growing the relationship between our two countries.”

In this context, Ambassador Borrowman spoke about Australia’s New Colombo Plan. “As a sign of the deepening education relationship we should see more Australian students coming to study part of their degree in Vietnam next year under the New Colombo Plan, an Australian Government initiative to encourage Australians to study in the Asia-Pacific region.”

The Ambassador concluded by saying that education is arguably the longest standing link between Australia and Vietnam. “Education is key to Vietnam’s future and Australia is proud to be an active player in this space. When you combine Australia’s unrivalled scholarship program, the international student program, our development assistance which is very focused on human resource development and the work of Australia’s private sector investing in management talent, Australia continues to make a significant contribution to the development of human capital for Vietnam’s future.’’

Visitors can register to attend the events at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/vietnam. The events are free-of-charge and will be open to the public at the following venues and times:

Danang
14.30 – 18:00, Thursday 06 November 2014
Novotel Hotel
36 Bach Dang, Hai Chau District

Ho Chi Minh City
09.30 – 14.00, Sunday 9 November 2014
InterContinental Hotel
Corner Hai Ba Trung – Le Duan, District 1 Hanoi
08.30 – 13.30, Saturday 08 November 2014
Pullman Hanoi Hotel
40 Cat Linh, Dong Da District

Contacts for the event:

Ms Hien Le
Education Manager
Australian Trade Commission - Hanoi
Tel: +84 4 3774 0317
E: [email protected]