October 25, 2023

UOW VC Launches Leadership Scholarship for students from Pakistan

Scholarship will provide opportunities for exceptional emerging leaders from Pakistan

University of Wollongong (UOW) Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson officially launched the Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship for students from Pakistan on Wednesday 25 October.

The scholarship announcement was attended by the High Commissioner for Pakistan His Excellency Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, UOW Global Brand Ambassador and cricketing legend Adam Gilchrist AM, students and members of the UOW community.

Mr Chaudhri said: “I would like to convey our deepest appreciation to Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson for launching the Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholarships for Pakistan.

“These scholarships will provide a tremendous opportunity for outstanding emerging leaders from Pakistan to study at one of Australia’s top universities and access world-class education. The initiative will not only enable our future leaders to develop academically and professionally, but also experience diverse Australian culture and build lasting positive relationships with Australia.

“Pakistan and Australia enjoy excellent bilateral relations with strong education sector collaboration. Over 22,000 Pakistani international students are currently enrolled in various Australian universities, of which around 1,000 are studying at the University of Wollongong.

“These students have consistently exhibited firm commitment to academic excellence and professional development. I extend my best wishes for their continued success and realisation of their dreams. I also would like to convey my very best wishes for this esteemed institution under the dynamic leadership of Professor Davidson.”

The Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship seeks to develop a new generation of passionate leaders, providing recipients with financial support, leadership training, professional development, academic mentorship and global mobility opportunities.

“The scholarship will open opportunities for outstanding students from Pakistan determined to make a positive impact on the world. It is a celebration of shared values, a commitment to excellence, and a vision for a brighter future,” Professor Davidson said.

“The program has been instrumental in identifying and supporting the leadership potential of students. It equips them with the right skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving challenges of the modern world.

“Beginning in 2024, the Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship – Pakistan will become a reality, opening doors for students from Pakistan to avail themselves of the same opportunities and experiences that have transformed lives in Australia. This initiative marks a new chapter in the UOW's commitment to providing quality education and leadership development to young talents globally.

_{UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson, UOW Global Brand Ambassador Adam Gilchrist, His Excellency Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri High Commissioner of Pakistan to Australia interacting with students at the launch event.}

UOW Global Brand Ambassador Adam Gilchrist expressed his delight at the launch of the Leadership Scholarship and said: “Australia and Pakistan share a strong bond that goes above borders and extends into the realms of both cricket and education.

“On the cricket pitch, these two nations have a rich history of competitive encounters, showcasing not only their sporting prowess but also the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect. Beyond the boundary ropes, the educational ties between Australia and Pakistan have blossomed over the years.

“UOW open heartedly welcomes exceptional Pakistani students and the launch of the Scholarship will further strengthen the bond between two nations through education and providing opportunities for them to excel in various fields.”

Elijah Hurley is a 2023 VC Leadership Scholarship recipient and is currently undertaking a double degree in Bachelor of Economics and Finance - Bachelor of Laws.

He said: “Personally, for me, this scholarship has not only allowed me to invest more time into my studies but broaden my horizons and set a clear goal for my purpose in life.

“As someone with a keen interest in Economics, I would love to develop the capacity to enable more people to have financial literacy on a large scale, and contribute to developing social structures that liberate individuals from poverty, not being held back by structures that restrict their opportunities. Surely, we can all agree that each person deserves this kind of freedom. In fact, it is an insight that has only come with this scholarship as I have enjoyed the freedom to study and focus on being the best student I can be.

“Through a UOW affiliate program, I have even had the opportunity to gain banking experience with one of the big four banks, developing a practical application of financial literacy, assisting those who need a hand with understanding a concept, or solving a problem. I am grateful for these opportunities that have enabled me to grow and understand that they build on the scholarship program. Many of our fellows will have had a similar experience and this is visionary on the part of UOW.”

About the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership scholarship- Pakistan

The Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholarship seeks to inspire a new generation of young, local, passionate leaders, and give them the knowledge, skills, and worldviews to be future leaders.

The scholarship will challenge recipients to develop leadership potential alongside a network of like-minded students striving to create positive change.

The scholarship will provide generous financial assistance, leadership training, dedicated academic support, community networking, and global mobility opportunities. Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholars will be selected based on their academic achievement and leadership potential.

More details about the scholarship program can be found here: https://www.uow.edu.au/study/scholarships/international/vc-leadership-scholarship-pakistan/