KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 12
The Australian government has announced that nine Australia Awards Scholarships have been awarded to recipients from Nepal.
All nine scholars will start their Master's degree studies in Australia in early 2023. Of the nine scholars, six are from the public sector, five are women and two are people with disabilities. Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi joined Australia's Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk, at an award ceremony to congratulate the scholars.
Addressing the ceremony, Bairagi said, "As Nepal prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country, we will require highly qualified human resources. The skills, knowledge and exposure of the recipients of the prestigious Australia Awards scholarships will be of immense importance to Nepal."
"Australia Awards is about learning in Australia and using that knowledge for personal transformation as well as contributing to transformations in Nepal."
Ambassador Volk said, "The Australia Awards programme focuses on social inclusion, making it a scheme that is truly representative of the rich diversity of Nepali society. Gender equality, inclusion for people living with disabilities and social inclusion underpin our selection processes.
And our data speak to the success of these efforts. Of this cohort, 56 per cent are females, 67 per cent are from traditionally marginalised communities and 22 per cent are people with disabilities."
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards funded by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The scholarships provide emerging leaders with study and research opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and networks, drive change, and contribute to development in their home countries.
Many Australia Awards alumni go on to hold senior positions in the government, civil society and business after their return to the home country. Scholarships have been a key feature of Australia's foreign policy since the Colombo Plan of the 1950s. Since then, over 100,000 individuals from around the world have received Australian Government scholarship to study in Australia. Over 1,100 Nepalis have pursued study and research in Australia with the support of Australia Awards.
Australia Awards scholars are supported throughout the period of their studies in Australia. The benefits include full tuition fees, return airfares, contribution to living expenses and medical insurance.
A version of this article appears in the print on December 13, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
