Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships (ALAS) for Developing countries

Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships (ALAS)

Course(s) Offered: Fields relating to AusAID’s priority areas
Course Level: Postgraduate (masters, PhD)
Provider: AusAid, Australian Government
Country to Study in: Australia, Home country

Scholarship Description
The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) aim to develop leadership and build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific, while addressing priority development issues of the region.

An ALA Scholarship enables candidates to undertake studies leading to a Masters or Doctorate degree in Australia. It does not include Graduate Diplomas, with the exception of those Masters courses that require the completion of a Graduate Diploma as part of the Masters degree. ALA scholars also undertake a Leadership Development Program in Australia.

Eligibility
Yo be eligible:

• You must be a citizen of one of these countries mentioned below, and not hold or be married/engaged to someone who holds Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency (except for nationals of Niue, Tokelau and Cook Islands who also have NZ citizenship)
• You must be residing in a country other than Australia and applying from outside Australia
• You must not have held a scholarship to study outside your home country in the 24 months preceding the application closing date.
• You must have acceptable results from one of these English language proficiency tests, gained no longer than 24 months prior to the opening date of the Scholarship application period.
  
  • an IELTS Academic Test with a score of at least 6.5 (with no band less than 6), or
  • a TOEFL paper-based test score of at least 580, or
  • a TOEFL computer-based test score of at least 237, or
  • a TOEFL internet-based score of at least 92.
• You must have an unconditional offer for a postgraduate course (either Masters or Doctorate) starting in the year for which you are applying for a scholarship, to be undertaken full-time at an Australian campus of one of the participating institutions. Study programs in Australia (including distance education) that have already commenced will not be supported.

Eligible groups
Citizens of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kiribati, Laos, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Wallis & Futuna

Participating Institution(s)
See the list of Participating institutions in Australia

Fields of study
Study programs must relate to AusAID’s priority areas of disability, economic growth, education, environment, food security, gender, governance, health, human rights, infrastructure, regional stability, rural development and water & sanitation.

NOTE: ALA Scholarships are not available for military training, or training in areas related to nuclear technology and flying aircrafts.

Number of Awards
Not specified.

Scholarship benefits
Scholarship values:

• Once an Awardee is issued with a valid AusAID Student visa for the duration of the Scholarship, a mobilisation allowance of $2500 is available.
• Upon arrival in Australia, the Institution pays A$5000 to the Scholar as a contribution towards expenses such as rental bonds, text books, study materials, additional medical insurance, home contents insurance, etc.
• Full academic fees and other compulsory fees that apply to international students undertaking the same course are paid by AusAID (Canberra) directly to the Institution.
• Institutions provide Scholars with a 4-6 week Introductory Academic Program prior to them commencing studies.
• The Institution pays the Scholar a fortnightly Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) at a rate determined by AusAID (Canberra). For 2009-2010, the CLE is $26,800 pa. AusAID reviews the CLE annually.
• The Institution pays the OSHC on behalf of the Scholar, for the duration of the Scholarship, covering the Scholar’s basic medical costs only. Scholars may purchase, at their own expense, additional medical insurance to cover ancillary services such as dentist, orthodontist, optometrist, etc.
• SEA provides financial assistance of up to A$2000 each year to Scholars to enhance their formal studies.
• Costs associated with participating in the Leadership Development Program are covered by AusAID (Canberra).
• The Institution pays for a single economy class airfare to the Scholar’s home country, via the most direct route, at end of studies.

Method of Application
You must read the Australia Awards Scholarships Handbook [PDF 844kb] carefully before filling in an application. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and that you have all the required supporting documentation. AusAID will not consider ineligible or incomplete applications.

See the Addresses for applying by mail of Australian Embassies, High Commissions or their Managing Contractors. Also see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

DEADLINES:
You do not need to submit your application immediately. You can update your draft application form and supporting documentation until 30 April 2012, (or an earlier date specified on the relevant participating country profile).

PLEASE NOTE:
Once submitted, your application cannot be changed.

Application Deadline: May-June 2012 (bi-annually)
Open to International Applicants: Yes

More Scholarship Information and Application

Related: Scholarships in Australia for International Students