Searching for some lucrative studying options overseas, students from the Indian subcontinent are increasingly testing International waters.

This is evident from the facts available with the Central Queensland University (CQU). Of the total strength of 25,000 students in all its campuses, around 10,000 students are International students. “Out of these 10,000 students about 45% come from the

Indian subcontinent including India, Pakistan , Bangladesh and Nepal . These students take up undergraduate and graduate courses,” informed Prof Ken Bruce, state director?Victoria, CQU.

Here to attract more students, Ken added further, “Since the students have become more informed and aware about what they want, we get bright students pursuing various courses. The students are more focused now and we help sharpen their skills. In the year 2005-06 the number of students coming from the Indian subcontinent had seen a steep growth. But it dropped a bit after that. We are trying to create awareness amongst the students about the opportunities at their disposal at CQU. We have a learning skills unit and a Training Employment and Counseling Cell as well. This helps the students in getting good job placements.”

The delegation from CQU is visiting various towns and cities in India. The University is also exploring the possibility of tying up with educational institutions here. “We have made presentations in schools and colleges and things might work out in the future. We might consider setting up a campus in India since the influx of students from this part of the globe is quite high. We are trying to meet the skill shortage in professional and vocational areas in Australia. The cases of students enrolling for courses in accounting, IT, business management etc are on the rise,” said Ken.

With the main campus in Rockhampton, CQU has four international campuses at Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. It also has another four campus sites located in Gladstone, Mackay, Bundaberg and Emerald.

CQU also offers programs at delivery sites on the Sunshine Coast . “Our International campuses in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne do get more number of Indian students. And after completing two years of education, one can become the Permanent Resident of Australia,” added Ken.