In a new and interesting trend, over 400 students from Australia are to head to India to pursue various education programs.
It is a welcome move by the Australian Government, as over the past decade the number of students from India coming to Australia has steadily increased. There is also, the increased collaboration between the two nations in education, science and technology that is forecast to see big growth and is seen as a way for the Australian education curriculum to address the weakening areas of science and math.
In a statement, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling, welcomed the Australian Government’s initiative to increase people to people links with India by funding study experiences for Australian students.
The Australian Government will provide $2.53 billion (A$47 million) over four years for the AsiaBound program with $584 million (A$10.6 million) for the program’s first year of operation.
The first group of AsiaBound student grants will allow 3,700 Australian students to study in Asia, from which more than 400 Australian students have been offered subsidies to study in India.
AsiaBound students to India include nursing students volunteering in New Delhi based orphanages; international development studies with students engaging themselves with community based non-government organisations in Bangalore; and emerging Australian producers, writers and directors experiencing India’s vibrant television and film production.
With 390 active links between 32 Australian and approximately 250 Indian institutions already in place in the fields of joint research, student and staff exchange, joint supervision and credit transfer, Australian higher education institutions have strong linkages and partnerships with India.
The program provides funding in the form of grants for Australian students to participate in a study experience in Asia for up to six months to undertake language study, a semester study program, research trips, clinical placements or volunteer projects, the statement said.