The Minister for Education and Skills, Nick McKim today extended a warm welcome to nearly 50 Brazilian students who will be studying for the next two terms in Tasmanian Government colleges.

Mr McKim was at the Hobart Airport this morning to personally welcome a contingent of 28 students who will be studying around Hobart between February and July.

In total, nearly 50 students aged 16-18 from Pernambuco in the North East of Brazil, will study in six of the state's senior secondary colleges for term 1 and term 2 this year under the Pernambuco State Government's Ganhe o Mundo (Win the World) program.

"This is a tremendous honour, with Tasmania selected as one of only two states in Australia to host these students," Mr McKim said.

"The Pernambuco State Government scholarship program rewards academic excellence in students from disadvantaged backgrounds and aims to improve English language proficiency for students aiming to enter university.

"We're proud to take part in such an exciting program that will no doubt help to enhance our social and economic ties with Brazil, as well as giving our local students the chance to study alongside people from another culture.

Mr McKim said that students would be enrolled in Rosny, Elizabeth and Hobart Colleges in the south; Launceston and Newstead Colleges in the north; and Don College in the North-West.

"Our focus is to welcome the students from the state of Pernambuco with open arms and provide them an innovative and authentic experience, so that we might encourage more groups from the region in future," he said.

The students arrive on Saturday 2^nd February and depart Tasmania on Saturday 6^th July.

For more information, contact Anne Ripper, Executive Manager Government Education and Training International on 6233 3020