ISLAMABAD, Dec 11: The Australian Government has awarded scholarships to 17 Pakistani students for master’s level education in different disciplines.

These students will commence their studies in the disciplines of governance, education, environment and health from the academic year 2004.

The Australian High Commission had arranged a pre-departure briefing for the scholarship holders and their families at a local hotel on Thursday to prepare them for living and studying in Australia and to maximise their ability to adjust to the life there, said an official statement.

In his welcome address, the High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan, Howard C. Brown, emphasized the advantages of pursuing education in Australia and expressed his confidence that the experience would provide the Pakistani students with the necessary skills to contribute to the development of their country.

The objective of the Australian Development Scholarship programme is to enhance Pakistan’s human resource capability in key areas affecting the country’s march towards poverty reduction and sustainable development.

— Our Reporter