One student each year from India will get the chance to study at the University of Wollongong, thanks to Sir Don Bradman.
The university has joined forces with the Bradman Foundation to start up an annual scholarship for undergraduate study at Wollongong.
The scholarship was launched in Mumbai today by cricketer Adam Gilchrist, UOW vice-chancellor Paul Wellings and Bradman Foundation vice-chair Dr Peta Seaton.
The scholarship will be awarded to a male or female Indian student who has completed secondary schools and has a combination of academic, sporting and social skills - and, of course, a strong partipation in cricket.
The recipient will get a 50 per cent reduction in their tuition fees for the duration of their degree.
Professor Wellings said the scholarship represented the university’s growing ties with India.
‘‘This is an extremely important initiaitive from the university’s point of view,’’ Prof Wellings said.
‘‘It gives us a chance to help fulfill Sir Donald’s vision for the advancement of youth and cricket while also offering a great opportunity for an Indian student to come to Australia to study at our university and become involved in the Bradman Foundation.’’
Gilchrist, UOW’s ambassador to India, is in the country talking to Indian corporations about setting up shop at Innovation Campus.
‘‘Sir Donald Bradman left an enduring legacy to the game of cricket with his incredible achievements, and Indian cricket fans understand that as well as anyone,’’ Gilchrist said.
‘‘Sir Donald, through the establishment of the Foundation that bears his name, also had a vision that through education and the advancement of youth, cricket could be strengthened and advanced.
‘‘The University of Wollongong Bradman Foundation Scholarship has been established to provide that opportunity for educational advancement of a young Indian person.’’