Special article from ABCC Member - Carnegie Mellon Australia

Carnegie Mellon Australia plans for merit scholarships for Brazilian students

Carnegie Mellon University is forging closer ties with some of Brazil’s most famous universities with the aim of providing merit based scholarships for graduate students.

Earlier this year the Executive Director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Australia campus, Tim Zak and the Admissions Manager, Monica Ruston, met Brazilian university officials and agents from Foundation Armando Alvares, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Institute of Education and Research, Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing and Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie.

The South Australian Government was sent agreements for merit based scholarships to these universities and hopes to conclude negotiations soon.

The scholarships are for the ‘best and brightest’ graduate students to study in Carnegie Mellon’s Asia Pacific campus in South Australia. Once the scholarships are finalised prospective students may consider applying for the Master of Science in Public Policy and Management or the Master of Science in Information Technology at the H. John Heinz III Collegeof Carnegie Mellon University in Adelaide, South Australia.

The Heinz College’s mission is to improve the ability of public, not-for-profit and private organisations to address the most difficult challenges facing society. It prepares students for leadership positions in global institutions.
Both the SA Government and Carnegie Mellon Australia recognises Brazils’ growing economy (10th largest in the world: Source IMF). Brazil and Australia are similar countries in many aspects including:
· Same academic calendar
· Climate
· Coastal life
· Similar industries and research interests
· Both are young, multicultural countries

The College’s education integrates studies in policy, management and information technology and, unlike many post-graduate college’s, is not organised along academic departments. Students collaborate with faculty representing a variety of disciplines in instructions and research – an operating model that leads to innovation and a rewarding educational experience. Students and faculty also participate in extensive outreach programs that provide real life experiences and allow them to address immediate needs in communities throughout the world.

Up to 50 scholarships may become available for Latin American students from Brazil and other countries following the successful signing of agreements with government agencies, scholarship funding bodies and universities.

Brazil is the largest market for Australian education in Latin America, simply because Brazil holds Australia’s education system in high regard––in 2007, more than 12,000 Brazilian students were enrolled at Australian institutions––an increase of 22% in 2008.

The Executive Director of CMU’s Australia campus, Mr Tim Zak said before leaving to sign more scholarship agreements and Memos of Understanding in Latin America, that the pending global recession would not hit these nations as hard as Europe.

"We entered into discussions with a number of Latin American nations long before the economic crisis hit. Our contacts throughout the region continue to be upbeat about the prospects for world-class educational institutions to forge long-term partnerships,” Mr Zak said.
Mr Zak said that it was possible that as many as 50 scholarships could be awarded to Carnegie Mellon applicants from Latin America but much depended on the quality of the applications and the ability of the candidates to meet high English language proficiency standards.

"We know that employers throughout Latin America need experienced IT specialists with management skills. IT infrastructure projects are ramping up throughout the region to take advantage of the global business opportunities that come with a world best information technology and communication (ICT) network. In addition, governments and businesses in a variety of industries are developing innovative policies and strategies to manage in a rapidly changing global environment," Mr Zak said.

Ms Monica Ruston said the fall in the Australian dollar and the great opportunities that students find in Australia as a destination made South Australia an inviting study base for Latin American students.

Carnegie Mellon’s Australia campus already has agreements with governments and industries around the world including India, Indonesia,China and Vietnam, and the campus has continued to be a magnet for high calibre graduate students in Public Policy and IT since its launch in 2006.

The Australian campus has attracted some of the best faculty from around the world, known for their excellence in such areas as the study of crime and criminal justice, urban policy, health care policy and management, arts and entertainment management, information security policy and information systems management.

The campus has access to Carnegie Mellon University’s world-wide network of teaching staff through its visiting professor and exchange programs.

Students may be able to take advantage of the formal exchange program between the US and the Australian campus and to benefit from a US degree that is accredited in both countries and is recognised internationally as representing the highest academic standards.

http://www.heinz.cmu.edu.au/

Source: Carnegie Mellon Australia