2005 Media Releases
3 February, 2005
LA TROBE UNIVERSITY TO PLAY ROLE IN TSUNAMI DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION
La Trobe University today announced that it will commit up to $1M to aid in the reconstruction of countries affected by the tsunami in the Indian Ocean.
“The University believes that the greatest contribution it can make is to focus on assisting in the long-term reconstruction of the region,” the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Osborne, said.
“To this end La Trobe University will offer five full scholarships for students from affected countries to undertake postgraduate studies at the University.”
The University will offer:
- one scholarship in health sciences to a student from south-east India;
- one scholarship in regional redevelopment to a student from eastern Sri Lanka;
- one scholarship in tourism and hospitality to a student from the Phuket region in Thailand and two scholarships to students from Aceh;
- one scholarship in education;
- and one scholarship in environmental management.
The scholarships will cover tuition and living costs and each be up to 4 years’ duration. Each research thesis will address a field-based problem from the students’ home region.
“This targeted approach will enable the scholarship program to have some positive impacts in the affected regions in a relatively short time period but should also provide a substantial contribution to longer-term reconstruction,” Professor Osborne said.
In addition, the University has announced that it will waive current course tuition fees for its international students seriously affected by the tsunami disaster.
For further information:
Bob Goddard, Pro Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University, Tel: +61 3 9479 2002 or Public Affairs Office, Tel: +61 9479 2316.