The Australian Embassy will launch an association for Saudi graduates of Australian universities, at an event here, today. Representatives from over 20 Australian universities and prominent members of the Australian business community in Saudi Arabia will be present. Australian Ambassador Neil Hawkins said: “This event is a chance to showcase Australia's world-class higher education institutions, and honor the impressive achievements of Saudi graduates of Australian universities.” There are currently over 11,000 Saudi students studying at Australian universities, accompanied by a further 7,000 family members. Australia has 21 of the top 400 universities in the world, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Australian universities offer quality English-medium education in a safe, tolerant environment that respects the needs of Muslim students. Student visas are generally granted within days, a press release from the Australian Embassy said. “Australia appreciates the trust placed in us by the King Abdullah Scholarship Program to look after its sons and daughters studying in Australia. We also recognize the important role played by the Saudi Embassy in Australia under the leadership of Ambassador Hassan Nazer,” Hawkins said. Over a dozen Australian universities have signed agreements with Saudi universities in the fields of research, teaching and curriculum, with more agreements underway, the statement said.
