111 Filipinos get postgraduate study grants

A total of 111 Filipino scholars will leave for Australia in January for postgraduate studies in top universities Down Under.

The Australian Embassy said the scholarship grants were part of its government’s commitment to continue supporting the development of the next generation of Philippine leaders.

Scholars are expected to return to their home country after they get their degrees and pursue programs related to their courses.

“Australia Awards will allow these Filipino leaders to further hone their skills and competencies in Australia’s premier learning and research institutions. Their learning will equip them to take on more significant and more challenging roles in the development of the Philippines,” said Andrew Byrne, Australian Embassy deputy head of mission.

Byrne added: “These 111 Filipino scholars represent the best and the brightest among Filipinos, and are aspiring leaders from both government and the private sector.”

The Australia Awards selects annually deserving Filipino students to pursue Masters and Doctors of Philosophy degrees in top schools in Australia, including universities rated among the world’s 100 best.

Calling the education partnership a “cornerstone of Australia-Philippine relations,” the embassy estimated that thousands of Filipino students had been granted scholarships to Australian universities since the 1950s.

The embassy conducted a three-day predeparture briefing recently for the awardees to help prepare them for school life in Australia.

“The scholars also defined their reentry action plans, which include programs or projects that they will implement when they return, to put into practice what they learned from their studies in Australia,” said the embassy.

The Australia Awards will open its 2014-2015 scholarships on Feb. 1, 2013.  Those interested may check out details on www.australiaawards.ph.