Australia has recently emerged as one of the most popular study abroad destinations. Liberalised immigration policies, world class education, and a diverse community, are all added draws for the student looking to study abroad. Additionally, Australia has stepped up its efforts to expand its presence in the international markets, coming up with interesting initiatives such as the International Schools Video Competition.

The competition was organised by Cambridge English Language Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge and supported by the Australian Trade Commission. It was open to students of grades 10 and 11 from more than 400 international schools across India.

The students were asked to produce 3-minute video films around the themes of astronomy and digital business. For each category there was to be a winner and two runner ups. The first prize in the astronomy theme was awarded to Vibgyor High School (Pune). The team, Serena Susan Abraham and Yogita Tahilram, came up with a fascinating time-lapse narration of stellar evolution. In the digital business theme, the first prize went to Step by Step (Noida). The students, Dhruv Sachdev and Gauri Ahuja, presented an interesting business proposition in which digital technology can transform the humblest of businesses.

Both the deserving winners won generous prizes. The teams received return tickets to Australia for a study visit. Students from Vibgyor High School will travel to Curtin University. The university is well known for its radio astronomy institute. Students from Step by Step will visit Bond University, which is one of Australia’s highest rated universities.

The prizes were awarded by Australian High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling.