The Victorian Government, in collaboration with RMIT University, has announced the availability of free scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in Greek interpreting.
This initiative is part of the 2024 RMIT Interpreter Scholarship Program, aimed at increasing the number of qualified Greek interpreters in Victoria. This move is expected to significantly enhance the language services accessible to Victoria’s Greek community.
The scholarships will cover both program and student fees for eligible candidates, providing an exceptional opportunity for those interested in the Advanced Diploma of Interpreting at RMIT University in 2024. The program is particularly suited for bilingual individuals keen on learning or refining professional interpreting skills.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must reside in Victoria, be fluent in both Greek and English, and be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency. The application deadline is set for 31 January 2024, or until all scholarship places are filled. Allocation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Successful completion of the course will enable scholars to sit the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) examination, paving the way to become a certified Greek interpreter. This qualification is increasingly essential in Victoria, especially for serving the Greek community in various sectors, with a particular emphasis on health settings.
Costa Vasili, CEO of Ethnolink and a Greek Cypriot born in Australia, highlights the critical need for this initiative: “Australia’s Greek population is ageing, and many have limited English proficiency. As their need for healthcare increases, our current Greek interpreters are facing overwhelming demand.”
“We urgently need new talent to support our Greek community, especially in health settings. This scholarship offers a golden opportunity for those passionate about community service to truly make a difference. I strongly encourage interested individuals to apply and seize this chance for a fulfilling career change,” Mr Vasili added.
This scholarship program is a step forward in addressing the linguistic needs of one of Victoria’s most vibrant communities. Applications are now open. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.vic.gov.au/interpreter-scholarships.
