ISLAMABAD, FEB 10 (DNA) – Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Margaret Adamson today acknowledged the achievements of 106 recently returned Australia Awards scholars.

 Funded by the Australian Government, Australia Awards offer Masters scholarships and short-term professional development opportunities to equip Pakistani professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to shape successful, inclusive and sustainable economic and social development.

“Education is an important link between our two countries and I’m encouraged by the growing number of Pakistanis who make Australia their first choice for their professional development. Australia has some of the world’s best facilities, researchers and educators, providing local and international students with a range of quality study options,’ High Commissioner Adamson said.

Australia Awards are a central pillar of the Australian Government’s longstanding development assistance program to Pakistan.  Returned scholars will join an active and engaged community of Australian alumni in Pakistan, as well as regional and global alumni networks.

“Our experience of living and studying in Australia is a solid foundation. We now have a platform which will help us excel both personally and professionally, and the ability and skills to help our community and aim for a better future for all,” Australia Awards Alumnus Faiza Rehman Syed said.

Applications for Australia Awards scholarships are now open. This year, the program is particularly interested to see more applications from women, people working in the private sector and people living in remote areas of Pakistan, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. =DNA

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