Indian student who topped global competition commences university program in Australia

Australian Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb today welcomed outstanding Indian student Uttam Kumar back to Australia to commence his career-changing postgraduate studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Uttam was the winner of Australian Government's global 'Win your future unlimited' competition in 2013.

On 28 July this year he will commence a one year Master of Science and Technology (Engineering Materials) program at UNSW, recognised as one of the top-100 engineering and technology schools in the world.

"International education contributes so much to Australia, to our economy and our community. Students come here because they know that a world class Australian education will set them up for a great future in work and life," Robb said.

"The Australian Government is determined to encourage the development of a strong international education sector. So I'm pleased the 'Win your future unlimited' competition carried the Australian education story to the world," he said.

In 2013, The Australian Trade Commission organised a global competition for students from around the world to compete for a year of free study in Australia by designing a postcard describing how an Australian education would help their careers.

Almost 37,000 entries were received from 190 countries, and seven weekly finalists visited Australia for a two week study tour before Uttam was declared the final winner.

Uttam grew up in a village in Haryana and went on to study at the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. Uttam's interests are in developing materials to alleviate pollution and enhance environmental sustainability.

Uttam will blog about his experiences of studying and living in Australia on the Study in Australia website at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/uttams-blog.

Robb said, "I encourage current and prospective international students to follow Uttam's journey by regularly visiting his blog or by liking the Study in Australia Facebook page (www.facebook.com/studyinaustralia) for regular alerts".

The competition received support from major sponsors - Educational Testing Services (ETS), the National Australia Bank, Qantas, Telstra and the University of New South Wales - as well as 21 of Australia's tertiary education and training providers.

Uttam won a package of benefits to support his stay in Australia, including one year's study; a year's accommodation; a NAB bank account of (AUD) $15,000 for fortnightly payments; and return flights to Australia, among other benefits.