67 Filipino scholars bound for Australia

A total of 67 Filipino scholars are headed to Australia for postgraduate studies in the country’s prestigious universities.

Through the Australia Awards Scholarships, the 67 emerging Filipino leaders will continue their studies in economics, trade, infrastructure, education, entrepreneurship and public policy in different Australian universities.

Addressing the scholars during their pre-departure briefing last month, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely said, “The Australia Awards Scholarships offers you, the next generation of global leaders here in the Philippines, an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development, while engaging with Australian expertise and culture.”

Most of the fields, she pointed out, were crucial to Philippine development.

“At the end of your scholarship, you will return with new ideas, knowledge and skills that will enable you to influence reforms in the Philippines as leaders in your chosen field,” Gorely said.

Over 20 of the scholars are from the Australian government’s partner agencies, including the National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of Finance, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Civil Service Commission.

The rest of the scholars are from the private sector, civil society, the media and the academe.

An Australia Awards recipient receives a full scholarship package including travel and cost of living allowance, tuition and other fees such as health coverage and supplementary tutorial assistance. Upon return, the scholar will be invited to be a member of the Global Alumni Network.

Scholarship recipients underwent a pre-departure briefing on May 9 to 11 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila where they were briefed on living and studying in Australia, and oriented on the requirements of the program.

Included in the briefing were the scholars’ reentry action plans which would allow the award recipients to use the knowledge and skills they acquired in Australia in undertaking programs and projects in their chosen government office, nonprofit organization or community to contribute to Philippine development.