BY DESMOND RAHE
The third and largest Study Australia Education Roadshow is being held today at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, hosted by the Australian High Commission.
The Study Australia Mission was attended by students, parents, and education professionals. Austrade is implementing an education initiative aimed at providing direct Australian university opportunities to Pacific students.
Representatives from 15 Australian universities are present, giving Solomon Islanders direct access to information about study options, scholarships, and student life in Australia. Attendees spoke face-to-face with university staff about courses and application processes. Education in Australia is a crucial initial step for many young people in the Solomon Islands, as it fosters growth, strengthens connections, and opens doors for career advancement.
“This is all about people-to-people connections,” said Patrick Ani, Senior Business Development Manager at the Australia Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). “We’re not just talking about study — we’re talking about sharing knowledge and building futures.”
Now in its second year, the Study Australia Roadshow has already doubled in scale. Last year, just six universities joined. This year, 15 Australian universities made the journey to the Solomon Islands, including James Cook University, Curtin University, Flinders University, and the University of Queensland.
“It’s exciting to see the interest from both sides. From eight universities in 2023 to 15 today — that’s a 100% increase,” Ani said.
For many Solomon Islands students, this event is more than just an education fair — it’s a lifeline to international study and a future career.
“Normally, we Google or ask AI to learn about studying overseas,” one student attendee said. “But today I got to speak directly with university reps and ask about student life, accommodation, and even visas.”
The event, hosted by Austrade in collaboration with Australia Awards and DFAT Solomon Islands, drew over 200 attendees across its two stops in Port Moresby and Honiara. With both private students and Australia Award recipients in attendance, the programme emphasized personal engagement and on-the-ground insights that online searches simply can’t provide.
“It’s about giving students more options,” Ani explained. “Not just the top eight institutions in Australia — we’re talking about variety, access, and real dialogue.”
The mission has a long-term goal: to help fill the region’s skills gap by investing in education. Returning graduates will bring much-needed expertise to both public and private sectors in the Solomon Islands and across the Pacific.
“This helps build our human capital,” Ani said. “It’s not just education for individuals, it’s a stepping stone for national development.”
The momentum is strong — and judging by the packed booths and enthusiastic discussions, the Study Australia Mission is quickly becoming a cornerstone of Pacific-Australia education ties.
As Ani put it, “It’s a great initiative. And we’re only just getting started.”
