Ms Joshila Lal, who won the Raman Nair Award at the 2011 UniFiji’s Graduation for being the best student graduating in the Post Graduate International Relations Program, has secured The Australian National University’s (ANU) Pacific Scholarship Award for 2011.  She is now a Masters Student in the International Relations Programme offered by the Centre for International and Regional Affairs (CIRA). This is a great recognition from a prestigious Australian university of CIRA’s Programme.

The Honorary Director of CIRA, Mr. Robin Nair said that real recognition of a University comes only when its courses are recognized and accredited by top overseas universities.

 “CIRA’s International Relations Programme is only two years old and we have not only secured recognition of our Programme by the Australian National University but one of our students has been able to secure a prestigious scholarship in recognition of the coursework  and research done by Ms Lal at CIRA”. 

The Pacific Scholarship Award is offered by  The State Society and Governance in Melanesia Program (SSGM), situated in ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, to graduate students and scholars from Universities, research institutions and professional bodies in the Pacific Islands to attend its Developing Pacific Scholarship Program for two weeks from 30 January to 10 February 2012.  Full travel costs to and from Canberra, plus accommodation, will be paid.  This Programme is envisaged as a training opportunity for younger Pacific Islands researchers.

During the first week of the Programme, a selection of ANU Pacific Studies staff will offer brief summaries of their current research, there will be opportunities for comments and feedback on the visiting participants’ writing and research, and guided introduction to research resources.

The second week will feature 15-20 minute presentations from each of the visitors on any aspect of their research.  Trips around Canberra and social events will also be offered.

Ms Joshila Lal’s research topic under CIRA’s Masters Programme is:   “Economic Partnership Agreements between the Pacific Island States and the European Union (EU): What’s in it for the people of the Pacific?” Her abstract for this research has now been accepted by SSGM Program at the ANU.

Mr. Nair also added that they were recently advised by LaTrobe University in Melbourne that CIRA’s Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas in International Relations were recognized qualifications for entry into their Masters in International Relations Programme.