The Australian government has doubled the number of educational scholarships available to students from the Asia Pacific region with more than 19,000 people expected to receive financial support over the next five years. The scholarships, which will cost AUS$1.4 billion, will help undergraduate and postgraduate students from the region undertake studies and research at Australian tertiary institutions. The new scheme will bring together existing programmes such as those managed by the Department of Education Science and Training and by the Australian Agency for International Development, and provide an extra AUS$442.5 million in funding, The Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong said the scholarships demonstrated the high value Australia placed on relationships with neighbouring countries. The programme also aims to build strong alumni networks to encourage students to maintain personal links throughout the region Hong Kong students are eligible to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships through the Endeavour Programme. Under the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Scholarship programme, the Australian government and Hong Kong's Cheung Kong Group donate matching funds to support Asian and Australian students on educational exchanges. Hong Kong undergraduate students can apply for scholarships to study in Australia for a maximum of two semesters. Scholarships are also available for postgraduate students to undertake short-term research in Australia, gain experience with leading Australian researchers or study for a higher degree. Separate scholarships are available for students to study a diploma or advanced diploma at a vocational or technical college. Further information is available at www.australianscholarships.gov.au
