News Archive

On July 22 and 23 I had the pleasure of welcoming 800 new undergraduate and 200 new postgraduate students to our University.

I hope they're settling in well to their studies and becoming part of the campus community.

Among the postgraduate students are 191 international students from 44 different countries around the world. They continue a long tradition at UWA where, since the Colombo Plan of the 1950s, we have welcomed students from all over the world.

One of the most notable alumni of the Colombo Plan is the Vice-President of Indonesia, Professor Dr Boediono, who graduated more than 40 years ago. In 2011, we acknowledged his contribution to global affairs by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate in Economics. When he received the award, Professor Dr Boediono said he was proud and humbled by the honour, observing that his time at UWA had made a ‘profound mark' on his thinking.

He said: "What impressed me most (at UWA) was the ambience of intellectual inquiry. With my UWA experience and credentials new doors of opportunity suddenly opened up to me."

His comments reflect the enormous impact that a good education can have on the direction of a student's life and future career.

We hope that new doors will open for all of our students, whether they come from WA or from overseas. And we know that by ensuring that our campus is multicultural, our students - and our staff - reap the benefits.

As an international university based in Perth, UWA shares many of the attributes of the world's top universities, among them a strong focus on the student experience. We know the value of ensuring that students receive the highest standard of education and are exposed to globally significant research. At the same time, we recognise the importance of broader personal growth, and encourage our students to become involved in the varied social and cultural offerings of campus life.

The internationalisation of universities is in the nation's interest because educating international students produces geopolitical, cultural and economic benefits for Australia and broadens the experience of local students.

And, in being part of an international university, UWA students and staff are also enriched by the many partnerships we have with carefully selected universities overseas. These partnerships enable, for example, student exchanges and intellectual property alliances.

I hope our new students will make the most of the unique UWA experience, and that those who have settled into our new University Hall will enjoy living on campus.

UWA staff, including teachers, researchers and everyone who deals with our students - and of course our 100-year-old UWA Student Guild - help ensure that our students are supported in every way as they work towards their undergraduate and higher degrees.

Paul Johnson
Vice-Chancellor