Australia wooing Indian students

Updated on: Saturday, February 26, 2011

Hit by 35 per cent steep drop in the arrival of Indian students to its universities in the backdrop of the attacks, 35 Australian universities showcased a range of academic programmes, career opportunities and scholarships here in an attempt to woo youngters to pursue higher education.

Maintaining that the attack on Indians students, who represent the second largest section among International students, had been 'overplayed', Michael Carter, Consul
Commercial, Australian Trade Commission, told reporters here that there was a drop of 35 per cent of Indian students to Australia last year. The attacks were 'isolated incidents', he said.

As per 2009-10 figures, about 600,000 foreign students were studying in Australia of which 100,000 were from India. In the past there has been random attacks on Indian students and the Australian government has taken a serious view of the matter, he said. Law enforcement facility has been expanded, court system has been streamlined and various help lines and social networks in collaboration with Indian students have been set up.

Both the governments are committed to ensure that Indian students get good education in Australia and are safe, he said.

Pointing that the relationship between the two countries was stronger than ever before, he said India was the third largest trading partner of Australia. There has been an increase in investments of Australia to India and vice versa.

Carter, who will be overseeing trade and investment activities in South India from next month, said India-Australia trade was worth 22 billion Australian dollars and 80 per cent was in resources sector. India buys large quantities of coal, gold, copper and LNG, he said adding Infrastructure, Education and Agri business and Agriculture would be the areas Australia would be focussing on in India.

Organised by the Australian Government, the Education fair in India showcased the quality, innovation and leadership of Australian education and the global career opportunties an Australian education offers. The fair has covered 7 cities so far including kochi.A similar roadshow will be held in Colombo also, he said.

Australia wooing Indian students

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