IEAA Sponsored Students Forum 2016 was held from 07th to 08th April, at the Australian National University, Canberra. SACM registered its participation through the contribution of Dr. Fahad Al-Qurashi (Academic Director for Victoria) as a discussion panelist.
As a follow up to the Forum, the Saudi Cultural Attaché, Dr. Abdulaziz BinTaleb, held a meeting with IEAA Executive Director, Mr. Phil Honeywood on Friday 15/4/2016. During the meeting, Dr. BinTaleb highlighted that the Saudi Ministry of Education considers Australia as one of the top preferred destinations for Saudi students. This positive outlook is a reflection of the great achievements of the Saudi graduates from Australian institutions, and the high rate of program-completion for Saudi students at the Australian universities.
Dr. Taleb added that SACM was pleased to convey through its communication channels the recent accomplishments of Australian universities in the world rankings, and the gains that the young Australian universities achieved in The Times Higher Education Under 50 Rankings. Earlier this year, SACM published an Arabic version of the ERA 2015 report to provide Saudi students, researchers and stakeholders with a key resource about excellence in research for Australia. Mr. Honeywood welcomed the positive views about the Australian education system held by SACM, and committed to share them with the Australian education providers.