Australian institutions educate over 400,000 international students per year and since 2010, more than 550 Cambodians have chosen to study in Australia. For many, the most powerful lure is the quality and the diversity of Australia’s education system.

Seang Sophana studied a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University, Adelaide in 2009. Reflecting on his time studying in Australia, he said, “The experience of living overseas had a significant impact on me. It gave me the confidence and motivation that enabled me to pioneer and build a successful business and to have the confidence to travel and work throughout the region.”

Studying in Australia encourages creative, innovative and independent thinking. Students learn the essential skills required for effective teamwork including communicating with others and developing abilities to become global citizens.

Kieng Rotana completed a Master of Health Professions Education at the University of New South Wales in Sydney and returned to Cambodia in July 1999. “Before 2000 there were no private universities in Cambodia. It was as a direct result of meetings I had with other Australian alumni that the idea was born to start private universities based on the Australian University model and in this way contribute and give back to Cambodia.”