By EDDIE OSIFELO
The Chinese Government Scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year will open for application shortly.
The Chinese Embassy will make public announcement at a later stage.
About 78 students are heading to China on March 21 to study in different universities.
Forty-three of the students are male while 35 are females.
The PRC Embassy in Honiara said in 2020 and 2021, together with Ministry of Education of Solomon Islands, China provided additional Government Scholarships and enrolled a good number of Solomon Islands students.
“The enrollment was strictly based on academic performance of applicants through strict procedures of Chinese universities,” PRC Embassy said.
“Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Solomon Islands students had to postpone their travels to China. They are very interested in China and eager to go for studies.
“These students will acquire knowledge and skills in Chinese universities, and become bridge of friendship between our two peoples,” PRC Embassy said.
Education is one of the priority areas of cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.
Since establishment of diplomatic relations in 2019, our two countries, through friendly consultations, have discussed arrangements for Solomon Islands students to study in mainland Chinese universities.
Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers confirmed during the Talk Back show on Sunday that the students will be flown on a special charter flight by Solomon Airlines to China.
He did not indicate the actual number but stated that almost 90 students will be on the flight to China.
