Students from schools across India will have the opportunity to win a study trip to a leading Australian university by participating in the India Schools Video Competition 2015.

The competition involves production of a short films by students around the themes of social entrepreneurship; creative animation; mechatronics and marine sciences .

Organised by The Australian Trade Commission, Australian Government and The Cambridge English Language Assessment, part of The University of Cambridge, the competition is open to Indian students in the age group of 13 to 17 years.

The competition is sponsored by Bond University, Curtin University, Charles Darwin University, James Cook University, National Australian Bank and Credila. SAE Institute is participating as the knowledge partner for the competition.

The  students will be provided background information  on  the  themes  by  the participating Australian universities. Schools can nominate  a maximum  of  four  teams, and  each team can have minimum of two students and one teacher.

The winning teams for all the four themes will have the opportunity to participate in a study programme in Bond University, Curtin University, Charles Darwin University and James Cook University. This would also include return flight tickets from India to Australia, for two students and an accompanying teacher, accommodation, and other travel and living expenses in Australia for the study programme.

Registration for the competition commenced on 7 October 2015 and the submission of competition video entries is between 15 December 2015 to 15 January 2016. All competition video entries will be published on Cambridge English’s YouTube channel.

Technical sessions on video production will conducted for schools and students across India participating at the competition from 26 October, 2015 to 5 November, 2015. The sessions conducted in partnership with the SAE Institute will feature Australian experts that will train the participants on film making and production.

Speaking about the competition, Tom Calder, Trade Commissioner, Australian Trade Commission said, “The Australian Trade Commission is delighted to be a part of this India schools video competition 2015. It is a wonderful opportunity for Indian students to exhibit their creative talent. We wish all the students the best of luck and looking forward to have the winner in Australia soon.”

“Australia is the 3rd most popular international student destination in the world and has 40 universities, a number of specialist tertiary institutions, and more than a hundred education centres to deliver specific courses. Australia is also a significant international education destination for emerging careers in areas ranging from technology, digital, robotics, media & entertainment, scientific research, health, future materials, etc. Australian qualifications are recognised across the globe by leading professional associations and employers”.

Angela French, Director of Operations - South Asia, Cambridge English Language Assessment said, “The A2Oz competition is a fabulous way for learners to put their English into practical use and to communicate something they are passionate about. Young people want to know the relevance of learning and this competition gives them a meaningful focus. It puts them in the driving seat: they choose the topic that appeals to them most; they plan the storyline and develop the script. It may be funny. It may be serious. But it’ll be their story. Along the way, they’ll learn a whole lot about film-making, and they may even get the chance to show off their talents in Australia."

The 1st  edition of the competition held in 2015 featured winners from Step by Step school, Noida & Vibgyor High International School, Pune; the winning schools travelled to Bond & Curtin University, to experience life in Australian Universities

For more information on participation at the contest please visit  (www.a2oz.org and / or Mr Vijay Subramanian, Business Development Manager, Australian Trade Commission, Tel: +91 44 43913218 | E-Mail: vijay.subramanian@austrade.gov.au