MEDIA RELEASE
21 June 2007
For immediate release
AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES ON SHOW
PNG has been discovering more about the wide range of world-class educational opportunities on offer in Australia this week through a major education roadshow.
The annual Australia Education and Training Roadshow opened in Port Moresby today after spending two days in Lae, where it attracted hundreds of visitors.
The event, which is free of charge and open to everyone, is the premier education and training exhibition in PNG of educational opportunities available in Australia.
The Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, said: “The roadshow is a superb opportunity for prospective students, parents, business houses, schools and others to get first-hand information on future study and training opportunities in Australia.
“Australia is the preferred choice for international students from many countries and is the third-largest English-speaking study destination in the world.
“International students, including those from PNG, are attracted by the high standards of Australia’s education and training and its welcoming and diverse society.”
Mr Moraitis said the historical affinity between Australia and PNG and their close geographic proximity made Australia a natural study destination for many PNG citizens and businesses.
He added: “Papua New Guineans studying or training in Australia receive a high quality education and also enjoy the rich life experience on offer in Australia.
"Furthermore, the personal and institutional links which they develop strengthen the relationship between Australia and PNG, which is tremendously important.”
The roadshow is supported by the Australian Government, through its Trade Commission, Austrade, and its aid agency, AusAID. In total, 16 educational institutions were represented at this year’s roadshow.
Notes to editor
• The roadshow is open at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday), which is the final day.
• The 16 institutions represented in this year’s roadshow are Australian National University, Curtin University, Flinders University, Griffith University, James Cook University, Monash University, New South Wales Tafe, Southern Cross University, Swinburne University, University of Canberra, University of New England, University of Queensland, University of South Australia, University of Southern Queensland, Victoria University Tafe and Victoria University
• At any given time more than 300,000 international students are studying at Australian educational institutions. Another 100,000 international students are undertaking Australian courses either by correspondence or at off-shore campuses
• PNG has more people enrolled in educational institutions in Australia than any other country in the Oceania region, except Fiji.
• In 2006 the Australian Government announced that it would double the number of educational scholarships it offers in the Asia-Pacific region. 2006 also saw the setting up of a new PNG-Australia Alumni Association to provide networking opportunities and support to Papua New Guineans who have studied in Australia.
• PNG is also playing a key role in Australia’s new $150 million Australia-Pacific Technical College, which will be a centre of training excellence with bases in PNG, Samoa, Vanuatu and Fiji.
Media Inquiries: Raymond Palangat, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454