August 23, 2015
The Group of Eight Universities (Go8) is looking to further develop its Indian international student base, and this focus has also been requested by elite Inidain schools. The Go8 (currently in India with Minister Christopher Pyne) is today meeting representatives of seven elite private schools for a “schools collaboration forum” where the subject of studying at a leading Australian University will be a priority.
“We are very pleased that those schools specifically requested to meet with Go8,” says Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. “In 2014 we had 2401 students from India – up 33% on the previous year – and we are always keen to attract more quality students. This interest in meeting with us to discuss how we can work together to achieve that outcome is most welcome.”
Ms Thomson said that India was very much on the Go8’s radar. “We want to engage with those quality students who have until now been seeking to study in the UK and US. This is now a concerted push by the Go8. Importantly as Australia’s leading research Universities we will be working with Indian schools and students to instill an early passion for research.
“We know we are some of the best research Universities in the world, and this is being recognised by India and its elite chools. As a bonus, their students would have the opportunity to live, study and research in some of the most livable cities in the world.
“So we are working hard to strengthen our links with India,” she said. “In particular we are building on the number of existing activities being conducted by our member Universities. Having elite schools now seek to join us in this wish for stronger and more active relationships is an added bonus.”
Ms Thomson said that the Go8 saw great worth in quality Indian secondary students understanding what was required to study at a Go8 Univeristy and all lthe practicalities of doing so once they arrived in Australia. “To that end we see working through schools, in a variety of ways that we will be discussing today, as eminently sensible so future students can make informed choices about their future.”
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155
