The University of Newcastle will tomorrow say goodbye to more than 100 students from 24 countries, following the completion of their studies.

The farewell ceremony provides an opportunity for international students to have their achievements recognised, as many are not able to return to Australia for the official graduation ceremonies during the University year.

The students have completed a wide range of programs, from undergraduate degrees to Masters and PhDs.

Those participating in tomorrow's ceremony come from Bhutan, Botswana, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Malawi, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Director of Newcastle International, Tracy McCabe, said the farewell was important recognition of the international students' achievements.

"The University is proud of its cultural diversity and the ceremony is an ideal way to acknowledge the significant contribution of our international students to the community," Ms McCabe said.

Students will be presented with certificates of participation, recognising the completion of their studies and welcoming them into a network of close to 100,000 alumni living in 95 countries across the globe.

Interview opportunities:
Among the students participating in tomorrow's ceremony is Seeseei Molimau. She will return home to Western Samoa to work in a leading research institute after completing a Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) at the University.

Fellow student Larry Tara hopes to work in the financial sector in a multinational company supporting developing countries. He will return home to the Solomon Islands after completing a Bachelor of Commerce.

Photo opportunity:
The farewell ceremony will take place at 10.30am on Wednesday 5 November 2008 in Edwards Hall, Newcastle campus (at Callaghan).