• Nov 25, 2023
• kawaljeet kaur

According to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland, there is an inclination among Indian students to pursue STEM and Business fields.

Australian universities have recently made headlines for opening campuses in India and addressing the job and accommodation challenges faced by international students. In light of this, Deborah Terry AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland, discusses the reasons why Indian students should consider Australia as their preferred study destination.
Here are a few answers of the questions by Deborah Terry  asked in the interview..

Why should an Indian student choose to enroll at the University of Queensland amidst reports of accommodation and job issues in Australia?

Deborah Terry: Indian students at the University of Queensland have a range of support services, student clubs, and postgraduate study opportunities, including PhD programs. The university also offers accommodation options that cater to their preferences and budgets, such as on-campus residential colleges and self-catered housing. Private providers also work with the university to provide various accommodation choices for international students.

What career opportunities are there for international students graduating from the University of Queensland, and how does the university support structured learning, global mobility, and access to career opportunities, including a dedicated placement cell?
Deborah Terry: Graduates of the University of Queensland have excellent career prospects due to its global recognition and accredited courses, resulting in high employment rates. The university has a vast network of over 311,000 engaged alumni from 184 countries, including 17,000 PhDs. According to the 2022 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching Graduate Outcomes Survey, 81% of UQ Australian bachelor’s degree graduates secured full-time employment within four months of completing their programs, surpassing the national average of 78.5%.

The university emphasizes structured learning, which is crucial in various professional fields, and offers opportunities for global experiences through initiatives like the New Colombo Plan, providing valuable international exposure.

Moreover, the University of Queensland provides dedicated career and graduate education services through the Office of Graduate Education. They also facilitate skill development and networking opportunities through programs, clubs, and societies, benefiting over 30,000 students in the past 23 years.

Do the mentioned programmes and opportunities, including the recent initiative of inviting foreign universities to India, apply to both domestic and international students at the University of Queensland? What advice does the university have for Indian students considering higher education in Australia?

Deborah Terry: The University of Queensland offers programs and opportunities to both domestic and international students. While the university does not typically have campuses abroad, they have partnerships with institutions like IIT Delhi to provide opportunities for Indian students to study at their university. Indian students interested in studying at the University of Queensland should meet standard admission requirements, including prerequisites and English language proficiency. The university places importance on experiential learning, soft skill development, active engagement with course material, teamwork, and vibrant discussions. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles, participate in global experiences, conduct research, and undertake innovative projects to enhance their soft skills.

What guidance does the University of Queensland provide to Indian students looking to improve their soft skills before starting their studies in Australia?

Deborah Terry: The University of Queensland encourages students to improve their soft skills through leadership roles, global experiences, research projects, and innovative endeavors like startups. This approach emphasizes the significance of a well-rounded education that combines expertise in their chosen field with a diverse skill set. It aims to equip students with adaptability and lifelong learning skills essential for meeting future job market demands.

Which courses at the University of Queensland are popular among Indian students?

Deborah Terry: The Science and Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (EAIT) faculties at UQ have the highest number of Indian student enrolments. STEM programs such as Master of Business, Master of Food Science and Technology, Master of Biotechnology, and Bachelor of Engineering are particularly popular among Indian students from 2018 to 2023.

Similarly, the most popular research areas for UQ-India co-publications are also in STEM subjects. Astronomy and Astrophysics have 127 co-publications, followed by Plant Sciences (99), Agronomy (70), Materials Science (70), Environmental Sciences (65), Chemistry (57), and Energy and Fuels (57) from 2018 to 2023.

Can you give information on the Queensland High Achievers scholarship and how it benefits international students?

Deborah Terry: The Queensland High Achievers scholarship is designed for high-achieving international students and covers 20% of the total tuition fees for most full-time programs at the University of Queensland. To be eligible, applicants must meet the university's admission requirements. The university also offers other scholarships through institutional partnerships and philanthropic programs. International scholarships are also available for PhD students, but eligibility criteria may differ for these programs.

What support services and measures does the University of Queensland provide to help international students adjust to the local culture, handle mental health issues, and find part-time employment to support themselves while studying?

Deborah Terry: The University of Queensland offers extensive support to international students, including counselling programs and encouraging participation in clubs and societies. This creates an inclusive environment for interaction, learning, and relationship-building between international and domestic students. The university is also dedicated to addressing mental health challenges and providing assistance. Additionally, UQ provides a wide range of services to support international students both before and after they start at UQ. New students are encouraged to visit the International Arrival Lounge and attend events and sessions specifically for international students, which is a great opportunity to make friends and share experiences.

The university helps international students find part-time jobs, as they are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on their visas. The university also offers student employment opportunities and is working to expand these programs. However, students must balance work and studies to maintain their academic performance, and the university supports them in achieving this balance.