While Australian Universities may not necessarily be any better than those in the Unites States, United Kingdom and Canada, the sturdy Australian economy is an incentive for students to pursue their education there.
The ease with which students can obtain citizenships and jobs after studies is also a decisive factor behind many students’ eagerness to go to Australia.
These views were expressed by Australian Educational Organisation (AEO) Resident Director Saad Mahmood on Thursday during an exhibition held by AEO for students and professionals who intend to get quality education in Australia.
During the exhibition, Dr Chris Daly from the School of Mining Engineering of University of New South Wales stressed on the importance of research-based education and training in Australia.
He termed international graduates as “invaluable assets” who are needed in the academia, as local students tend to gain employment instead of seeking higher education after graduation.
“There is a generous International Post-graduation Research Scholarship (IPRS) which covers the entire tuition and living costs and even airfare for students who excel in research after completing their masters programme,” he explained.
During Pervez Musharraf’s tenure, Australia promised 500 scholarships to Pakistani students and has been fulfilling the promise by offering 50 scholarships every year, Daly said.
Students attending the exhibition seemed impressed with Australian education. Tajammul, 24, who completed his undergraduate degree from Arid Agriculture University, said, “I found my degree to be impractical. We hardly had any meaningful practical assignments and outings.”
He said, “The landscape in Australia is magnificent and perfect for field work.”
Waqas, 23, from the same university agreed with Tajammul, saying that the curriculum in Australia is updated unlike Pakistan. “We have been studying from the same books which were used in the 70s,” he remarked.
The universities who set up stalls on the occasion included Holmesglen University, Fraser International College, Deakin University, Swinburne University, University of South Australia, University of New South Wales and Murdoch University.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2012.
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