18 March 2003

The number of new international students at UQ Gatton has risen for the second year in a row.

Campus Manager Stephen Weller said he believed the increase of more than 30 percent resulted from a concerted international marketing effort by the campus.

He said that while most students were from South East Asian countries like Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Malaysia, the campus had also attracted students from Africa, America and the Pacific.

The news of the increase coincides with Diversity Day celebrations on campus.

“Diversity Day here at UQ Gatton is part of the University’s inaugural Diversity Week,” Mr Weller said.

“The aim is to demonstrate our commitment to diversity in our role as a leading higher education institution, an employer and a responsible global citizen.

“Diversity Day is a perfect opportunity to welcome these new international students as valued individuals and acknowledge the intellectual and cultural richness they bring to the University.”

The new students are studying the full spectrum of UQ Gatton programs in agribusiness, agriculture and horticulture, animal studies and environmental management. These range from undergraduate programs to postgraduate coursework and research degrees.

Media: For more information, contact Mr Stephen Weller (telephone 07 5460 1512) or Anthony Smith (telephone 0409 265 587).