Australia Awards scholarships

 The Australian government has announced 3,500 Australia Awards Scholarships and Fellowships for 2017. These awards will enable the next generation of global leaders to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia and the Pacific. The contribution of $330 million towards the Australia Awards for 2017 covers 1,980 Fellowships and short course programs for professionals from developing countries. They provide opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The Australia Awards cover Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The cultural and ideas exchange that are part of the educational experience create ties between Australia and the world that build a better future for the world.

Benefits of the Australia Awards Scholarships:

These are the benefits of the Australia Awards Scholarships:

• Full tuition fees
• Return air travel – payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route
• Establishment allowance – a once only payment of A $5,000 as a contribution towards accommodation expenses, text books, study materials
• Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) – is a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid to awardees is A $30,000 per year
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP) – a compulsory 4-6 week program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on life and study in Australia
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only) – provided to cover the student’s basic medical costs
• Pre-course English (PCE) fees – if deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training
• Supplementary Academic Support may be available to ensure a Scholar’s academic success or enhance their academic experience

Required Eligibility and Conditions for Applying Australia Awards Scholarships:

1. The applicant should be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of commencing the Scholarship
2. Be a citizen of a participating country and be residing in and applying for the scholarship from their country of citizenship. To know the list of  participating countries visit: http://dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/Pages/participating-countries.aspx
3. Applicant is not be married, engaged to a person who holds, or is eligible to hold, Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, at any time during the application, selection or mobilization phases
4. Applicant is not to be a citizen of Australia, hold permanent residency in Australia or be applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently
5. Applicant have satisfied any specific criteria established by the Program Area or the government of the applicant’s country of citizenship
6. Be able to satisfy the admission requirements of the institution at which the award is to be undertaken
7. Be able to satisfy all requirements of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to hold a Student Visa

Documents Required for Australia Awards Scholarships:

1. Proof of citizenship i.e. birth certificate /passport
2. Certified copies of academic records
3. Official secondary school results
4. Official post-secondary and tertiary certificates/degrees
5. Reports from two academic referees
6. IELTS, TOEFL and Pearson Academic results
7. Curriculum Vitae
8. Any documents as specified on country/regional profile
9. Any other relevant documents in support of your application

Application Procedure:                            

1. Go to the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) http://oasis.dfat.gov.au
2. When you register online, you will be required to answer some questions to establish your eligibility.
3. You will then be given a unique registration number, username, and password.
4. Login with that username and Password and the fill the application form carefully
5. You do not need to submit your application immediately. You can update your draft application form and supporting documentation until the last date
6. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed.
7. Australian government strongly advise applicants applying online to do so well before the closing date as they experiences peak usage in the days leading up to the closing date and applicants may experience delays

Contact Details:     

24-Hour Consular Emergency Helpline

1. Within Australia: 1300 555 135
2. Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
3. SMS: +61 421 269 080

References & Details:

1. For more information regarding Australia Awards scholarships visit: http://dfat.gov.au/
2. https://oasis.dfat.gov.au/