Coimbatore showing strong interest in international collaboration: Austrade official

COIMBATORE: Coimbatore is the ninth city in India where the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is expanding its flagship sectors, an Austrade official said on Thursday.

“Coimbatore is showing strong interest in international collaboration. It is especially so in the case of educational institutions,” Vik Singh, trade and investment commissioner for Austrade, South Asia, said during an interaction with TOI.

“Indian students are attracted to studies related to technology and business, but allied health and psychology have always topped the priorities. Also, there’s a good mix of other streams as well, like journalism and architecture,” he said.

He said the scope of AI-based studies was also on the rise. “The academic system of Australia focuses on the work-integrated learning method. The students will work while pursuing their studies. There are students who opt to stay back in Australia post work, and a few return to their home country.”

There is an exclusive offer for Indian students that based on their eligibility, one more year of stay is granted. “For instance, if they are eligible for two years, then it is upgraded to three years. Similarly, it could be 3+1 years, 4+1 years or 6+1 years.”

He specified that the work opportunities are very transparent. The skilled occupation list ranges in various fields, including plumbing, videography, surgery and others. Any eligible candidate can reach out to opt for employment on the list.

Earlier, while interacting students of the GRD Institutions, Vik said nearly 1.30 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in Australia. He spoke about opportunities in Australia. Students raised queries on post-work opportunities, visa processing, accommodation, fee structure and other opportunities in Australia, all of which were addressed.

As part of his two-day visit to Coimbatore, Vik will inaugurate the Festival of Australia at Residency Hotel on Friday. The festival brings together Australia’s top-quality institutions, and nearly 20 universities will put up stalls where parents, along with students, can drop by for enquiries on admissions.

Further, retail and other trade partners will come together to showcase Australia’s premium food and beverage products to Indian consumers. “The festival will feature an exclusive supermarket that introduces the Indian market to various Australian products. The festival includes a master class,” he said.