The Queensland Government and The University of Queensland have forged a new Smart State link with Russia by establishing the State’s first scholarship for a university student of the Russian language.
The scholarship is worth $22,500 for a three-year undergraduate program at UQ, and will be available for the first time to a student beginning studies in 2007.
Premier Peter Beattie said the Queensland Government and the UQ Russian Language Scholarship emerged from discussions he had with UQ during a recent trade and investment mission, which included Russia.
“In the post-Soviet world, the prospects for closer trade and cultural ties between Queensland and Russia have never been better,” Mr Beattie said.
“In order to maximise the benefits for Queensland, we need more graduates who not only speak Russian, but who also understand Russian culture and society.
“UQ is the only university in Queensland that teaches the Russian language, and one of only three in Australia that offers a full honours program in the subject.
“UQ is a natural ally for the Government when it comes to strengthening Queenslanders’ ability to benefit from the burgeoning opportunities in Russia,” Mr Beattie said.
UQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hay, AC, said the scholarship would be open to a talented first-year student majoring in the Russian language as part of a UQ Arts degree, including a dual degree.
“The scholarship will be awarded to a domestic student with a high-school record of academic achievement, including a sound performance in a foreign language,” Professor Hay said.
“The successful scholar will also be interested in the Russian language and have strong personal qualities such as a flair for leadership.
“UQ is delighted to join the Government in this scholarship. Our students of Russian are part of a unique tradition in Queensland, and UQ is a recognised centre of teaching and research in Russian Studies in Australia.
“Since the 1960s our graduates have been conspicuous among those who – in diplomacy, scholarship, industry or business – have furthered the bilateral relationship,” Professor Hay said.
UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development), Professor Trevor Grigg, welcomed the Government’s majority contribution to the $7,500 per annum scholarship.
The Government will provide $5,000 per year and UQ $2,500.
“I am very pleased that the Queensland Government has seen the importance of providing this scholarship as a way of helping to recognise and potentially strengthen Queensland’s links with Russia,” Professor Grigg said.
“There is now the potential to develop much closer education and research ties with Russia, with additional support from Queensland Industry,” Professor Grigg said.
More information for students is available at: www.uq.edu.au/study/scholarships or by phoning (07) 3365 1984.
Media contact: Premier’s office – 3224 4500
UQ – Fiona Kennedy 3365 1088 / 0413 380 012
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