AUSTRALIAN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS CONGRATULATED
Australian High Commissioner Andrew Byrne and the 2015 Australian Award Scholars. Photo credit: Rosalie Nongebatu.
The Australian High Commissioner Andrew Byrne congratulates 50 Solomon Islanders offered Australia Award Scholarships to study in Australia and other regional universities next year.
The High Commissioner joined the Australia Award Scholarship recipients at a briefing organised by the Australian High Commission at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
High Commissioner Byrne said the scholarships represent a significant investment in the long-term development of Solomon Islands.
Commissioner Byrne said the scholarships are an important part of Australia’s partnership with Solomon Islands which provide opportunities for Solomon Islanders to receive quality tertiary education for the benefit of the country.
He said students will use their new skills to influence change and contribute to the development in Solomon Islands upon completing their studies.
Meanwhile, Solomon Islands Australia Awards Alumni Association President Belani Tekulu said many former Australian scholars now hold senior positions in both public and private sectors adding the opportunity offered through these scholarships can be life changing.
Out of the 50 scholarships, 20 are for institutions in Australia and 30 scholarships are for regional institutions in Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
The Australia Awards cover travel, health insurance, living allowances, tuition fees and university costs.