Serve Africa

Scholarship information and University and Secondary School rankings

Australia Awards Scholarships

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  • Australia Awards are prestigious international scholarships and fellowships offering the next generation of global leaders a great opportunity to study, research as well as experience professional development in Australia.
  • Beneficiaries join a host of talented individuals who contribute to sustainable and lasting change within their home countries.

Scholarship Overview

  • The Australia Awards are long-term awards that are administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Australia.
  • This initiative aims to build a new generation of global leaders with strong links to Australia, as well as contribute to the development needs of Australian partner countries.
  • These awards offer long and short-term study and professional development opportunities to citizens from developing countries around the globe.
  • They aim to provide enhanced leadership, knowledge and technical skills to partner governments, tertiary institutions and strategic organizations that are driving sustainable development.
  • In Africa, the Australian Government offers scholarships and fellowships under Australia Awards for African professionals to undertake long-term studies leading to a postgraduate degree and short-term training leading to the acquisition of new skills and knowledge.
  • Beneficiaries of the Australia Awards Scholarship become part of a global community of talented individuals committed to changing the lives of people around the world.

Host School(s)

  • Study in Australia at any participating Australian higher education institution, including TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions.

Field(s) of Study

  • Any fields of study related to your country’s focus areas for development, including:
    • Agriculture
    • Extractives
    • Public Policy
  • Training opportunities are dependent on each country’s development priorities.

What does the scholarship cover?

For holders of Australia Awards Masters Scholarship, entitlements include:

  • The full costs of tuition fees for up to two years for a Master’s Award.
  • An economy class flight to and from Australia.
  • An approximate annual stipend of AUD 30,000 to cover living expenses whilst on award in Australia.
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to cover the Awardee’s basic medical costs.
  • A one-off Establishment Allowance of AUD 5,000 to assist with the costs of starting life in Australia and commencing your course (e.g. course books and materials, rental deposits, household items, etc.)
  • Awardees whose families remain in their home country may be entitled to a reunion airfare to allow them to travel home midway through the course, but this is only available to Awardees whose course is for two years or longer.
  • Awardees get to go through a compulsory 4-6-week course called the Introductory Academic Program (IAP) before the actual study begins, to prepare them for life and study in Australia.
  • Fees for Pre-Course English (PCE) where required.
  • Supplementary Academic Support is another benefit provided to the scholar, to ensure a fulfilling educational experience.
  • Return economy airfare for Awardees who need to conduct research as part of their coursework either in their home country or within Australia.
  • Payment of the Student Services Amenities Fee

How many scholarships are given?

  • Not stated

Which countries are targeted?

  • Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia
  • Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal
  • Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
  • Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands
  • Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands
  • Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futura
  • Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi
  • Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia
  • Palestinian Territories

Am I Eligible to Apply?

  • You must be at least 25 and not more than 50 years of age at the date of your application.
  • You must have at least three (3) years’ relevant work experience. This work experience must be in a role relevant to your proposed field of study and your employment organization type (e.g. public sector applicants should demonstrate public sector work experience, and so on). Preference will be given to candidates with greater periods of experience.
  • You must possess, as a minimum, a Bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent) from a recognized institution of at least four years in length with at least a 2.2 (2nd Class Lower Division). You must not already hold, or be studying for, a Master’s degree.
  • You must be willing to make a formal commitment to return to your current employment following completion of the award.
  • You must meet the general minimum eligibility criteria for Australia Awards Scholarships – refer to the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy handbook.
  • You must be a citizen of an Australia Awards participating country and be residing there at the time of application.
  • You should be able to meet the admission requirements of the educational institution where you plan to undertake your studies on receiving the Award.
  • You must not be in active military service
  • You must not be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or be in the process of applying for a permanent residency visa.
  • You should be also to satisfy all the requirements of the Department of Home Affairs to hold a student visa.

How to Apply – Next Steps

  • As you make your application, take note of the following points:
    • You must read the Scholarship Policy Handbook before you start the process.
    • First, confirm the opening and closing dates for your country. You must also confirm the priority areas for which the Australia Awards apply, and the eligibility criteria for each country.
    • Find out whether you are required to submit your application online, or as a hard copy, depending on the country you are applying from.
    • For online applications, go to the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) and register there. You will answer a few questions to confirm your eligibility, and then get a username, registration number and password. You can then set up your draft application and update it as well as attach supporting documents before submission.
    • For hard-copy applications, contact details on where to get the application forms and templates for supporting documents will be posted on your country’s profile page.
    • Applications and supporting documents must be submitted before the particular country deadline.

Closing Date

  • Opening and closing dates differ depending on the participating country.

How do I get more information?

 

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