US colleges and universities are in Sydney this week to meet NSW HSC students and parents.

They are here to participate in the 3^rd US College and University Fair that will be held at Redlands School, Cremorne on 16 February to provide students and parents with information on US scholarships, courses and how to apply.

The colleges and universities met with Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli and Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) President Tom Alegounarias to discuss the international standing of the NSW HSC.

Mr Piccoli said whether HSC students go straight into the workforce, to TAFE, to an Australian university or university overseas they can be confident that the credential has a great reputation.

“The courses and their exams provide all levels of students with the opportunity to achieve, and for our best students to excel and compete internationally.

“I welcome this visit by the US colleges and universities and their interest in talking to NSW HSC students.

“Also, I was impressed to see a former student from Hornsby Girls High School appearing on a Harvard promotional video.

Mr Alegounarias said “Every year there are HSC students heading off to some of the leading tertiary institutions overseas. There are also students who mix their academic studies, with elite sport.

“When we develop the NSW syllabuses and the HSC exams our aim is to support the dreams and aspirations of the state’s one million school students.

“And if that dream is studying in the US, the HSC can make that reality.

US Consulate General Public Affairs Officer David McGuire said around 4,300 Australians are studying in the US.

“The standards, depth and rigour of the NSW education system are highly regarded in America.

“With over 4000 colleges and universities, the US has the world’s most extensive range of tertiary institutions for students to consider.”

MEDIA: Michael Charlton 0477 362 546