PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS P. M. 36/ 63
CCMI'. ON-AI TH PO STGRADUJATE SCHOLARSHIP S
Statement by the Prime Minister,
The Rt, Hon. Sir Robert Menzies.
The Commonwealth in 1959 began a scheme of
postgraduate awards designed to encourage the training of
research workers in Australian universities. The scheme is
administered by the Commonwealth Scholarships Board in
co-operation with the universities. In each of the first
three years 100 awards were available. In 1962 the
Comonwealth Scholarships Board advised that the quality
of applicants was such that an increase in the number was
warranted. As a result 125 awards were made in 1962.
Following a further review by the Commonwealth
Scholarships Board, the Government has authorised the Board.
to offer additional awards this year and in future years.
It is expected that by 19,64 the quality of candidates will
justify more than 200 awards yearly,
The availability of so many qualified young graduates
is an indication of th.-level of work of our Australian
universities as well as of the quality of the students. The
fact that universities are able to provide post-graduate
training for those incixeasitig rnumbers of Commwonwealth
Scholarship award holders, as well as for Australian and
overseas students holding other awards, is evidence of the
development in the past few years of advanced studies in
this country,
This is gratifying because it is from pcrsons under-taking
this advanced training that we will recruit not only the
future research workers of the Commonwealth, but also many
members of the larger teaching staffs in our universities,
technical colleges, teachers colleges and other institutions
of higher education,
The Government has also examined a report of the
Scholarships Board on the operation of the Commonwealth
Scholarship Scheme. Under this scheme, since 1961 some
! 4,000 open entrance awards have been available annually and
in addition the Board is authorised to offer later years
awards to students who have successfully started university
studies. The rising standard of applicants for Commonwealth
scholarships was noted, as wel~ l as the success of the Scheme
in encouraging able students to undertake university studies.
No immediate changes in this Scheme ave proposed, but another
review will be made later this year.
CANBERRA
May 8, 1963