‘Destination Australia’: Insightful event on Australia as a study destination hosted by Deakin University
View(s):On 20th August 2024, Deakin University Australia hosted the Destination Australia event, at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, to provide prospective students and parents with valuable insights into studying in Australia. The event featured distinguished speakers, including Ms. Sandi Seneviratne from the Australian High Commission (Austrade), Dr. Harinda Fernando, Deakin University alumnus, currently an academic at Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), and International Manager Ms. Bri Gunn, from Deakin University, who shared their knowledge and personal experiences.
The event attracted a large audience of prospective and pathway students as well as parents. Ms. Seneviratne highlighted Australia’s top ranking as an international study destination for Sri Lankan students in 2024, emphasising the country’s supportive environment, including world-class facilities, infrastructure, employability, and a welcoming community. “In 2024, Australia has been named as a top international study destination for Sri Lankan students. Australian universities support international students in every aspect,” she stated, underscoring the advantages of studying in Australia.
(From L to R - Dr Harinda Fernando (Alumnus), Ms Bri Gunn (Moderator from Deakin University), Ms Sandi Seneviratne (Director – Trade and Investment – Education. Australian Trade and Investment Commission - Austrade)
Dr. Harinda Fernando, who studied at Deakin University, shared his personal journey, recalling that his time there was among the best years of his life. He noted the strong international presence at Deakin, enabling him to make friends from all over the world. “Australia being one of the largest multicultural populations, there is a huge population of Sri Lankans, therefore the transition is easy,” he remarked. Dr. Fernando also highlighted the flexibility of choosing campuses in different regions and praised Australia’s strong and well-regulated education system, noting the strong global rankings of Australian universities. He particularly commended the robust research and practical learning focus of Australian universities, which contributes to producing world-class graduates.
The speakers also highlighted the extensive student support services available in Australian universities, designed to help international students adjust both academically and socially.
A dynamic panel discussion was then held, where speakers addressed questions about the application process, scholarships, engaging in part-time work while studying, and graduate outcomes.
Following the panel discussion, attendees enjoyed a networking session over refreshments, engaging in one-on-one discussions with the speakers to clarify doubts and receive personalised advice, which was much appreciated.
“Overall, it is a great chance for Sri Lankan students to connect with the officials from Deakin University and country representatives. The questions that were raised were some of which even I had in mind. As somebody who is still in the process, this event helped so much,” shared a prospective student who attended the event.
“It was a great event. Deakin is one of the top universities, and having the alumni and the government also involved, our questions were answered fully. To have got the chance to speak individually to the representative was a great opportunity,” remarked a parent who attended.
The strong engagement in the event highlighted the increasing demand of
Sri Lankan students in choosing Australia as a study destination.
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