The Australian High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese AO inaugurated the ‘Australian Education Excellence Showcase 2011’ in New Delhi on Wednesday, February 16.
Addressing a gathering of students, parents, delegates and journalists, the High Commissioner admitted the role of India as a force that will shape the regional and global power scenario. He further emphasized the need for the Indian scholars and students to connect with Australia for the mutual benefit of the two nations.
“The education link will occupy a prominent place as a connecting thread between the two countries,” the envoy noted.
Varghese further observed that the attacks on Indian students in the last two years had been unfortunate but Australia has managed to make a strategy to ensure the safety of international students.
However, the diplomat did not refrain from cautioning those entering Australia on student visas with the intention of settling Down Under.
“We need to separate out education objectives from migration objectives,” Varghese said.
He welcomed genuine students to experience excellence in education in Australia. Although he conceded that his country will not “seal the pathways” and that employment opportunities will be available to the talented students to work in Australia after completing their studies.
It must be remembered that there had been several attacks on Indian students in the last two years, especially in Melbourne. The Australian government has held that the guilty will be meted out severe penalties as per the law.
About 25 leading educational institutions of Australia participated in the education fair and helped curious students with their questions.
Speaking on the occasion, Peter Linford, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Australian Trade Commission said, “Australian education has a strong international reputation for excellence and quality education across universities, schools and vocational institutions. Students can be assured that their Australian education experience will give them a sound foundation and competitive edge to be successful in the modern world.”
Australian government has relaxed the visa norms for students going for higher education in the country. These will come into effect from April 1 this year.
The education fair series will be held across eight cities in India till February 27.
University of Melbourne, Deakin University, La Trobe University are some of the leading institutions that are participating in the fair.
Australia has seen a decline in the enrolment of international students and this initiative by the Australian government is seen as an effort to recapture the $3 billion dollar market of Indian students who enroll in Australia institutions of higher learning.
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