Vanessa Lam
6 March 2015: Eighteen Australia Awards Scholarship students have begun their study at the University of Canberra after completing a four-week Introductory Academic Program (IAP).
A celebration was held on campus last month for the students, where University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker presented them with their certificates and congratulated them on the completion of the program.
"Every student here today has already excelled and I have no doubt you will continue to excel throughout your time at the University of Canberra," Professor Parker said.
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Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker with UC's Australia Awards Scholarship students. Photo: Vanessa Lam |
The Australia Awards are international scholarships and fellowships funded by the Australian Government, which offer high-achieving students from around the world the opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia and for Australian students to do the same overseas.
"It aims to build people-to-people linkages at the individual, institutional and country levels and develop leadership skills so that individuals can contribute to development in their home country," study skills and careers manager at the University of Canberra, Kim Taylor, said.
The students are from Bhutan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
IAP provides students with support during their first weeks in Australia and was delivered by the University's student engagement team. As part of the program, students learnt valuable essay writing, time management and presentation skills. They also learnt practical skills such as how to manage money and use public transport, and went on cultural excursions around Canberra.
Master of Strategic Communication student Emmylou Burias said she enjoyed the excursions and academic work the most.
"I appreciated the academic part of it, preparing for oral presentations and doing essay research, which was great. It was good practice for us before we start the semester," Ms Burias, who is from the Philippines, said.
Dr Taylor said the program is important because it creates strong ties between Australia and future leaders.
"Australia Awards students return home after completing their study and can make a significant contribution to their home countries as leaders in their field," she said.
The new cohort of Australia Awards students are undertaking a range of degrees including Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Business Management, Master of International Development and Master of Education Studies.
There are currently 98 Australia Awards students studying at the University of Canberra.
