Fed: Aust gives leg-up to Iraqi scholars

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2003
Fed: Aust gives leg-up to Iraqi scholars

The federal government has announced a program for Iraqi scholars to travel to Australia
to carry out short-term research at universities.

Federal Education Minister BRENDAN NELSON says six fellowships will be offered to Iraqi
academics with the possibility of additional places over the next two years.

The cost of the fellowships is $96,000.

The initiative falls under the government's $7.9 million Endeavour Program of scholarships
which attracts high-performing students from around the world to Australia.

Dr NELSON says Iraqis will benefit from the experience after a period of working in
isolation from current research.

He says the Iraqi university sector needs significant international support, with university
libraries stocked with out-dated texts.

He says the Iraqi scholars will be able to return to their country and share their knowledge.

AAP RTV dep/sb/rcg/rt

KEYWORD: IRAQ SCHOLARS (CANBERRA)

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