Australia’s role as a good global citizen will be on display today when some 200 students from dozens of countries attend a ceremony in the grounds of Government House to mark the completion of their tertiary studies as Australia Awards scholars.

The Australia Awards are prestigious international scholarships and fellowships funded by the Australian Government, which offer the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia and for high-achieving Australians to do the same overseas.

Today’s ceremony, for Award recipients who studied at Flinders University, the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, Carnegie Mellon University, TAFE SA or University College London, will be followed in coming months by similar ceremonies in other Australian states.

Mr Hieu Van Le, the Governor’s Deputy will address the gathering on behalf of His Excellency the Governor.  Other guests include Deane Edgecombe, SA’s Indonesian Honorary Consul.

Flinders Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Professor Nancy Cromar, said the University’s own experience in hosting Australia Awards recipients has demonstrated the multiple benefits that flow from the initiative.

“There is a strong element of community engagement involved in the Australia Awards scholarships, not least from the undoubted contribution Australia makes to developing countries when the students return home with their learnings,” Professor Cromar said.

“The students also make their own contribution, here, while resident in Adelaide, enriching the universities and the broader community with their customs and culture,” she said.

“Developing relationships with Australian friends, supervisors and academic colleagues are valuable assets that will enable the future exchange of ideas and expertise on a continuing basis.”

Professor Cromar added that recipients become members of both formal and informal networks that already include many high profile leaders in their chosen field – members of parliament and ministers, scientists, lawyers, journalists, researchers, senior government officials and others who make a strong contribution to their community across the globe.