Australian Education Fair To Exhibit Higher Education and Scholarship Options for Sri Lankan Students

The Australian Education Fair 2016 has been organised to provide students’ the opportunity meet 21 top Australian Universities and Colleges and explore education and financial solutions. The Fair will be held on the 11th of February 2016 from 10am to 5pm at The Winchester Hall, Kingsbury Hotel. Australian education, especially due to its expansive selection of education programs has become an extremely popular destination for Sri Lankan students. At the fair students will be able to meet representatives of Macquarie University, Deakin University, Edith Cowan University, La Trobe University, University of Tasmania, University of Wollongong, Perth Institute of Business and Technology (PIBT), Griffith University, James Cook University, University of Sydney, Flinders University, International College of Hotel Management – Australia (ICHM), Melbourne Institute of Technology, Le Cordon Bleu Australia, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT) and University of South Australia. Colleges such as Deakin College, La Trobe Melbourne, Eynesbury Senior College and UOW College, which offer pathways to leading Australian Universities, will also be represented.

Accordingly, students including those who have completed their Ordinary Levels can apply to follow Undergraduate courses, as the Universities have introduced pathways, which include either a Foundation Program or Diploma. For example, Melissa Keane, Marketing Manager – Eynesbury College says, “Our Foundation Studies Program can be packaged with virtually any undergraduate degree program at either the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, providing a guaranteed pathway into first year at university.” Postgraduate courses including Diplomas, Masters Degrees and PhD studies in all streams have also been made available for Sri Lankan students. KitiwanBuabarn, International Promotions Coordinator – QUT says, “A QUT degree is designed to set you up for success. You’ll have opportunities to gain practical workplace experience and valuable industry connections, putting you in the best possible position when it comes to starting your career.”

An on the spot admission facility will be provided so that students can lodge their applications for the 2016 intake with guidance, thereby reducing application time and processing time and in certain circumstances even have the application fee waived off. “We’re delighted to be able to participate in the upcoming Education Fair. Deakin is Sri Lanka’s favourite Australian University, having enjoyed longstanding and multifaceted relationships with the people and institutions that make up your wondrous country.  Come and meet members of Team Deakin,” says Carl Jones, International Manager – Deakin University. Abhishek Sharma, Hub Manager (Indian Sub-Continent) – Le Cordon Bleu comments, “Le Cordon Bleu is proud of its Illustrious Sri Lankan Alumni like Chef Dhilmin Silva, the Youngest Head Pastry Chef from South Asia and HemantDadlani. I invite Sri Lankan students to speak to me about Le Cordon Bleu offerings.” Meanwhile, the International College of Hotel Management says it takes into account Sri Lankan hotel management programs and provides #485 Post Study Work Visa eligibility for ICHM bachelor graduates with two years study. Universities and Colleges will also be providing scholarships ranging from 25% to100% based on the academic and extra curricular achievements of students. “Macquarie has one of the most generous scholarship programs in Australia and one category that is dedicated to Sri Lankan students only,” says Abizer Merchant, Regional Director (South Asia) – Macquarie University. The University of Sydney for example provides Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships of up to AUD 40,000.00, which are awarded based on academic merit. Moreover, the University of Tasmania, among the top 2% of the world’s universities, promises the most cost effective study options in Australia. “Edith Cowan University provides the perfect learning surroundings for students who aspire to achieve their life ambitions both academically and in professional careers. Meet us at the Australian Fair for further information on Scholarships, and Paid work placements available for International Students,” says Wilson Msiska, International Account Manager-South Asia – Edith Cowan University.

In addition, students can consult with one of seven banks on financial solutions, as at the Fair banks will be providing an exclusive interest rate and even guarantee a 48-hour loan approval. Further, an experienced panel of Australian education experts will be onsite to offer guidance including on document preparation and visa application. IELTS is necessary for students seeking to study in Australia; therefore ANC will be providing free IELTS Examination preparation classes for every student who registers through the fair. “With an impressive 4 out of 5 stars for graduate starting salaries, Flinders will help you prepare for a career – not just a job. It is a great pleasure to come together to participate in the Australian Fair 2016,” says Mark Charnley, Regional Manager – Flinders University. In addition, PiyushWahi, Admissions & Marketing Officer (South Asia) – La Trobe University states, “We are happy to come to Sri Lanka to give opportunities for Sri Lankan students who wish to study at La Trobe University in Melbourne. Come and meet me for information on education opportunities.” Finally, Gayle Hunt, Country Manager – University of SA adds, “University of South Australia offers a wide range of professionally focused programs. If you like to know more about studying in Australia’s least expensive capital city in a top 25 ranked university on QS, Top 50 under 50 years old ranking guide then come visit our booth.”