Australia Americas Awards

Media release

Santiago, Chile

18 December 2010

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd today launched the Australia Americas Awards scholarship program.

Over the next four years this program will see Australia offer an additional 200 scholarships to primarily post-graduate students in the region. It forms part of Australia’s $100 million investment in development assistance to Latin America over the next four years.

There will also be an additional 110 scholarships for students from the Caribbean.

Speaking at Alberto Hurtado University in Santiago, Chile, Mr Rudd said such a scholarship program will generate strong people to people links to drive Australia’s engagement with Latin America.

"The Awards aim to foster a new generation of regional leaders who develop a strong understanding of Australia while studying at our universities," Mr Rudd said.

“With over half a billion people and rapidly rising living standards, Latin America represents a substantial potential market for Australia.

"Education is a very important element of the Australian Government’s increased engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean."

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