JCU recruits students from PNG

First published 5 June 2012

Information sessions will be held in Port Moresby next month for people interested in learning about study at James Cook University.

JCU has campuses in Cairns and Townsville in northern Queensland and in Singapore.

The public information sessions will be held on Friday June 15 for shortlisted AusAid Scholarship recipients and the general public.

AusAID, or the Australian Agency for International Development is the Australian Government agency that manages Australia's overseas aid program.

AusAID focuses on the Asia Pacific region, particularly in PNG and the Pacific.

JCU’s International Relations and Recruitment Manager, and host of the information sessions, Matt Monkhouse said Australia – and JCU in particular - and PNG already had close ties.

“In recent years, JCU has consolidated its relationship with PNG through agreements with Divine Word University, Modilon General Hospital, Pacific Adventist University and the University of PNG,” Mr Monkhouse said.

“JCU staff regularly travel to PNG to collaborate with these institutions to undertake field placements and research activities, host regular alumni events and participate in higher education exhibitions.”

Mr Monkhouse said JCU was also a participant in the PNG AusAID Scholarship program.

“JCU receives many AusAID scholarship recipients and self funded students from PNG across a variety of study areas each year,” he said.

“Many JCU graduates have returned home to make significant contributions to PNG, using the skills and knowledge gained during their studies.

“JCU instils the necessary skills in graduates to enable capacity building across priority areas for PNG. This contributes to Papua New Guinea’s economic and social development, both national and provincial.”

Mr Monkhouse said JCU had received high rankings in international surveys of tertiary study and its research and teaching was relevant to PNG and the tropical region.

“We have a very close proximity to PNG, with direct flights to Cairns with immediate links to Townsville, unique study locations, strong alumni connection with large PNG student body and world-class teaching and research facilities.

JCU was one of the world’s leading research universities in the tropics, he said.

Details of information sessions:

Date: Friday 15th June

Location: Port Moresby Holiday Inn

Times: Presentations are scheduled for 11.00am and 2.00pm

For more information or interviews, contact Matt Monkhouse on +61 439 711 916, email matthew.monkhouse@jcu.edu.au, Skype: matthew.monkhouse or go to www.jcu.edu.au

JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175.