Telstra Announces Scholarships for Heinz School Australia Students

During a visit to South Australia today, Chief Executive Officer, Sol Trujillo, announced funding of approximately $1.7 million to support Information Technology (IT) research and skills development over the next six years. This landmark agreement follows discussions with the South Australian Government and Carnegie Mellon Australia, Heinz School Australia campus in Adelaide.

Mr Trujillo said IT knowledge was important in driving innovation across a wide spectrum of businesses and industries, especially within the telecommunications industry. Telstra is funding a Telstra Media Communications and Technology Scholarship Program at Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz School Australia for 15 post-graduate IT students. Each post graduate scholarship is valued at $90,000 for the completion of a Master of Science in Information Technology at Carnegie Mellon Australia, Adelaide (one year, full-time).  Mr Trujillo said Telstra was also in final discussions with Carnegie Mellon Australia for funding of $360,000 to support information technology research and development projects, approved by Telstra, from 2009 to 2012.  “Telstra’s decision to support these two programs reflects its commitment to Australia’s future information technology skills and capability and it provides an exciting opportunity for post-graduate IT students in South Australia,” he said.  “The most successful technology leaders are those with deep expertise in technology and business strategy. Carnegie Mellon’s Master of Science in Information Technology is an elite degree that equips students with both information technology and business management skills.”

Scholarships will be awarded, starting next year, to high-achieving students through to 2012. Post-graduate students who are granted one of the 15 scholarships will receive financial support and they may also have the opportunity to secure a job and training placement with Telstra.   Mr Trujillo said the South Australian Government’s strong commitment to higher education and the state’s success in attracting high-achieving students and leading educational institutions from around the world made this an appealing investment for Telstra.   “It also promotes long term excellence and innovation in Australia’s telecommunications industry,” he said.

Adelaide is home to campuses of all three of South Australia’s universities (The University of Adelaide, The University of South Australia and Flinders University) and these institutions attract students from across Australia and around the world, earning Adelaide’s international recognition as a ‘City of Education’.

In 2006, leading US private university, Carnegie Mellon established two campuses in Adelaide, including their Heinz School which specializes in IT and government management.  For information about the Heinz School Australia campus, visit http://www.heinz.cmu.edu/australia.