ISLAMABAD, May 21 (APP):Australia recognised around 35 Pakistani professionals at a ceremony in Islamabad after they completed higher education and training programs in Australia, while nearly 21,000 Pakistani students are currently studying there, according to officials. The Australia Awards Scholarships Recognition Ceremony was held in Islamabad, where returning scholars were honoured for completing fully funded master’s degrees and short courses in fields linked to Pakistan’s development needs and more than …
Australia honours 35 Pakistani scholars as 21,000 students continue studies abroad
ISLAMABAD, May 21 (APP):Australia recognised around 35 Pakistani professionals at a ceremony in Islamabad after they completed higher education and training programs in Australia, while nearly 21,000 Pakistani students are currently studying there, according to officials.
The Australia Awards Scholarships Recognition Ceremony was held in Islamabad, where returning scholars were honoured for completing fully funded master’s degrees and short courses in fields linked to Pakistan’s development needs and more than 900 Australia Awards scholarships have been granted to Pakistani students since 2009.
The event was hosted by the Australian High Commission and attended by government officials, academics, professionals and development sector representatives.
Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said the scholarship program was aimed at supporting Pakistan’s future by preparing skilled professionals in different sectors.
He said former scholarship recipients were already contributing in government institutions, businesses, universities and civil society organisations.
High Commissioner said latest group of scholars completed studies and training in areas including climate resilience, water security, agriculture, governance, taxation and gender equality. The programs were designed to help participants gain practical knowledge that could support policy development and economic planning in Pakistan.
Timothy Kane said several scholars also received training in climate finance, export competitiveness and gender-responsive policymaking. These sectors were described as important for addressing economic and environmental challenges facing the country.
The ceremony also focused on women’s participation in higher education programs. A significant number of the returning scholars were women, reflecting efforts by both countries to promote equal opportunities in education and professional development.
Australia and Pakistan continue to maintain cooperation in the education sector, with thousands of Pakistani students enrolled in Australian universities and training institutions every year. Officials said educational exchanges were helping strengthen professional and cultural links between the two countries.
The Australia Awards program provides fully funded opportunities for students and professionals from developing countries to study and receive training in Australia. The initiative supports leadership development and professional skills in sectors considered important for partner countries.
Participants at the event said the knowledge and experience gained during their studies would help them contribute in their respective fields after returning to Pakistan. Several scholars are expected to work in public policy, education, agriculture, water management and development planning.
He said the scholarship program was also helping build long-term people-to-people connections between Australia and Pakistan through academic cooperation and professional partnerships.
The recognition ceremony concluded with discussions on future collaboration in education, training and development initiatives between the two countries.
