Australian Leadership Awards
2007 Scholarships
The Australian Leadership Awards – 2007 Scholarships
ALA scholarships will be offered for in-Australia postgraduate degrees to potential leaders and
“opinion-makers” capable of influencing development outcomes whether they come from the
public, private or community sectors. There will be up to 60 doctoral and 230 masters degree
scholarships offered for study commencing in Australian universities in 2007.
General fields of study relevant to leaders in the region may include but are not limited to, for
example, management, economics, business, political science, philosophy, history, law and public
policy. In 2007, study programs that relate to priority fields of study will also be targeted in
international trade, disease pandemics, security and clean energy.
In line with AusAID’s policy on gender equity, half the scholarships will be for women and half
for men.
The selection process will be competitive across the region. Gender equity and appropriate
regional representation will be taken into account in the selection process. AusAID will centrally
manage the 2007 intake selection process in Canberra.
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications open 1 May 2006
Applications close 31 July 2006
Successful Applicants notified by 1 October 2006
Study must commence in Australia in calendar year 2007
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
The scholarship offers the following benefits:
• Full tuition fees paid.
• Residential Leadership training course and travel allowance towards the end of your first year
of study.
• Contribution of A$2000 towards air fare at the start of the scholarship, plus an air fare to
home country on the completion of the scholarship.
• Contribution towards attendance at a pre-departure function/ briefing at the Australian
Diplomatic Mission and to assist with costs associated with medical and character checks for
Australian Visa purposes.
• A “reunion” air fare at the completion of each year of study, except the final year. (Only
available to students whose immediate families do not accompany them to Australia.)
• Fieldwork return air fare (Only available to eligible research students.)
• Establishment allowance of A$5,000.
• Yearly stipend of A$19,231 (not taxed). (2006 rate, CPI-indexed annually each July).
• Tutorial assistance of up to A$1,000 per year.
• Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of the award.
• Provision of an AusAID Student Visa.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
• Outstanding applicants who have attained a very high level of undergraduate or post graduate
academic achievement and who have a high level of English, who can demonstrate their
potential as leaders, capable of influencing social and economic policy reform and
development outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Outstanding applicants who can make an on-going commitment to alumni programs on their
return home, so that they can enhance the friendships and networks they have made in Australia.
• Eligible female candidates demonstrating leadership potential are especially encouraged to apply
• People seeking to migrate to Australia should not apply.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Australian Leadership Awards will be offered to citizens of selected countries in the Asia
Pacific region. As awards will be determined by a competitive process, there are no country
quotas. Citizens from the following countries in the Asia Pacific may apply:
Afghanistan Indonesia Nauru Sri Lanka
Bangladesh Iraq Nepal Thailand
Bhutan Kiribati Niue Timor-Leste
Cambodia Laos Pakistan Tokelau
China Maldives Palau Tonga
Cook Islands Papua New Guinea Tuvalu
Federated States of Micronesia Philippines Vanuatu
Fiji Marshall Islands Samoa Viet Nam
India Mongolia Solomon Islands Wallis & Futuna
To be eligible for an ALA Scholarship, an applicant must:
• Be a citizen of an ALA eligible country
• Be residing in a country other than Australia and apply from outside Australia
• Be under 42 years of age in the year of application
• Have a conditional offer letter from an Australian university for entry into full time study for
masters or doctoral studies in Australia;
• Meet English language requirements:
o an IELTS Academic Test with a score of at least 6.5, with no band under 6.0; or
o a TOEFL test score of at least 580, including a score of at least 4.5 in the Test of
Written English; or
o have a degree from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of
America, or Canada
The test score must have been achieved no longer than six months prior to the time of application.
NOTE: Some universities require IELTS scores higher than 6.5 for entry into certain courses, and
others will accept lower scores. The applicant must ensure that he/she has sufficient English for
the course applied for. There is no provision for ALA awardees to undertake pre-course English.
CONDITIONS RELATING TO VISAS
• Applicants must not have Australian citizenship, permanent residence status, nor be in the
process of applying;
• Applicants must not be married or engaged to be married to a person who holds or who is
eligible to hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residence status;
• Applicants must satisfy Australian Government requirements for international student entry to
Australia (which includes health and character checks conducted by the Department of
Immigration and Multicultural Affairs);
• Applicants resident in Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau with New Zealand citizenship are
eligible as their countries do not issue passports.
SELECTION CRITERIA
To be awarded an ALA Scholarship, applicants must be able to demonstrate the following:
• Leadership qualities and experience as demonstrated by professional, educational, community
and other relevant achievements
• Very high level academic results achieved in a degree(s) from an internationally recognised
university and the likelihood of succeeding in further study.
• A well developed and feasible study plan demonstrating relevance to the applicant’s future
career development
• Genuine prospect of holding positions of influence in their country as demonstrated by referee
reports and other documented evidence
• A clear vision of how the proposed studies will benefit the applicant, his/her career and his/her
home country on return and why exposure to Australia and Australian study is of benefit
• Extra weighting may be accorded by the selection panel for applicants nominating study in the
priority fields and/or for relevant work experience. Gender equity and appropriate regional
representation are also taken into account in the final selection decisions for the award of ALA
scholarships.
A. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE ALA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
(Citizens of Pakistan should contact the Australian High Commission in Islamabad for
information on how to apply.)
For all other applicants
1. Download, print and carefully read the application form and instructions. The ALA
Scholarship Application Form can be downloaded from www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar from
1 May 2006.
2. Complete all preparatory steps:
a. Identify appropriate postgraduate courses offered by Australian universities
http://cricos.dest.gov.au.
b. Apply directly to Australian universities for a conditional offer of a place in your
preferred course(s). (Note: Some Australian universities require applicants to pay an
application fee. ALA applicants are required to pay such fees if requested by the
university in which they wish to study. The ALA program does not provide funding
assistance to applicants for universities’ application fees. Applicants’ willingness to selffund
the payment of these fees is regarded as an indication of their commitment to the
ALA Program.)
c. Arrange attendance at an IELTS test or TOEFL test if previous degrees have not been
completed at a university in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States if
America or Canada. Applicants must ensure that results of English tests are submitted
with their timely application by the ALA deadline. ALA applicants are required to pay
any test fees charged by the test provider. The ALA Program does not provide funding
assistance to applicants for English language testing fees.
d. Prepare all other supporting documentation to include with a timely application, as
outlined below.
3. Complete the ALA Scholarship Application Form. The form must be completed by the
applicant without assistance from any other person. All information is to be provided in
English. Applicants must sign the form, declaring that all information provided is true,
complete and accurate. Please use BLOCK LETTERS and black ink, complete in the
boxes only and for “yes” or “no” questions indicate the response with an “X” in the
appropriate box.
4. Submit all required documentation to AusAID in Canberra, Australia ensuring that
it is received by the specified application deadline (31 July 2006)
B. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must ensure that the following documentation is received by AusAID by the ALA
Scholarship deadline (31 July 2006.) Incomplete applications and applications omitting any
required documentation will be regarded as ineligible.
1. Completed ALA Scholarship Application Form, signed and dated by the applicant.
2. Other properly certified documents:
a. Certified copies of applicant’s birth certificate or the personal data page from the
applicant’s passport (in original language and translated into English)
b. Certified copy of the Graduation Certificate, Degree or Diploma of the most relevant
academic qualifications completed by the applicant (in original language and translated
into English)
c. Certified copies of full academic transcripts, showing all grades for all subjects/units
attempted by the applicant (in original language and translated into English)
d. Curriculum vitae/resume providing details of education and employment/work
experience, relevant publications (if any) and unpublished theses (if any), membership of
any professional associations, details of any honours or awards received and any relevant
voluntary positions held, especially those demonstrating evidence of community or
professional leadership.
e. Referee Questionnaires: Referee Questionnaires from 3 referees submitted as originals or
certified copies in English if possible, or provided as a certified translation of the original
reference if written in a language other than English. The references should describe first
hand knowledge of the applicant’s potential as a leader. Applicants should seek references
from:
Academic or department head (or equivalent) or employer.
A person outside the applicant’s university or employing organization who is
personally familiar with the applicant's work (not a family member).
f. IELTS or TOEFL Certificate demonstrating results of a test completed since 1 February
2006. (Not required for applicants who have a degree from a university in Australia, New
Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, or Canada)
g. Applicants for Doctoral studies, Masters by research and Masters by combined
coursework and research (proposing a study program comprising fifty per cent or more of
Research) must include an outline of the proposed research project (up to 200 words) and
include details of any proposed fieldwork outside Australia required as part of the
research.
h. Letter of offer or conditional offer from an Australian university confirming admission
into an appropriate Masters degree or Doctoral (PhD) program in 2007.
(Preference will be given to complete applications, but AusAID may allow applicants to
submit a conditional letter of offer after the closing date if evidence of a delay in response
to a timely request for an offer can be demonstrated. Failure to provide a letter of
conditional offer from an Australian university by the application closing date, or credible
evidence of a forthcoming conditional offer by this time, will result in the application
being deemed ineligible for ALA Scholarship.)
i. If available: Graduate Record Exam, Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) or
Graduate Skills Aptitude (GSA) results. (Note: submission of these documents is not
compulsory and may be photocopies rather than certified.)
C. APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND PROCESSING DETAILS
1. Send the original and three photocopies of the completed form and all required
supporting documents in ONE PACKAGE to:
2. It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit the application along with ALL
supporting documentation in ONE PACKAGE by the application deadline of
31 July, 2006. Applications received by AusAID after this date will not be considered.
3. All information provided in support of your application for an ALA must be true and
correct. AusAID reserves the right to verify the contents of academic transcripts and CVs.
Applicants found to be submitting false, incorrect or misleading information will be
disqualified from the ALA program.
4. Applications must be legible, written in black or blue ink or typed. Illegible applications
will be disregarded and deemed to be ineligible.
5. Any additional correspondence related to the application will not be considered.
6. Incomplete applications will be deemed as ineligible and will not be processed.
7. Applications must be submitted as “hard copy” by the method described above.
Applications sent by fax or email or any other method will not be accepted, acknowledged
or read.
Australian Leadership Awards: 2007 Scholarships
AusAID (Australian Agency for International Development)
62 Northbourne Ave GPO Box 887
Canberra ACT 2601 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Australia Australia
8. Complete applications will be acknowledged via email or via mail of email is not
avaialbe. Applicants requiring acknowledgement of receipt by mail must complete the last
page of the Application Form providing correct contact details.
9. Documents cannot be returned. Only certified copies of supporting documentation and
not originals should be submitted.
10. Applications submitted for 2007 will not be held over for 2008 or future years.
11. Scholars will be selected by the ALA scholarship selection panel. Decisions of the
Selection Committee are final and confidential and no correspondence regarding
outcomes of the selection process will be entered into. Successful applicants will be
notified of results by 1 October 2006.
12. AusAID will write to successful applicants about the next steps. A letter offering an award
will be sent to the address supplied. If an applicant accepts the award there will be a
process of confirmation which includes checking original documents, applying for a visa,
and confirmation from the university that they have offered a place.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if I am eligible for a scholarship?
Eligibility criteria are on page 3.
2. May I hold dual Citizenship?
You may have dual citizenship but not from Australia or New Zealand with the following
exception: residents of the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, (countries which do not issue their
own passports) may hold New Zealand citizenship and still be eligible.
3. Do I have to be living in an eligible country to apply?
You must be a citizen of one of the countries listed on page 3 and may be residing in any country
other than Australia at the time of your application. You must submit your application from
outside Australia, but you do not have to be living in your own country. For example, you may be
a citizen of an eligible country currently studying in the USA or UK. You are eligible to apply
from the USA or UK.
4. Do I have to have a degree already?
Yes. ALA Scholarships are offered for masters and doctoral level only. Therefore an applicant
must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
To be competitive, the applicant should have achieved very high academic results from an
internationally recognized university.
5. Can I apply if I already have a masters or doctorate degree?
You may hold either or both of these degrees to be eligible. Scholars who already have a
doctorate or masters and wish to study for another degree of regional or trans-regional
significance may apply.
6. May I receive extra English tuition?
The scholarship will pay up to A$1000 a year for extra tuition of any sort deemed necessary by
the university.
The scholarship will not pay for any pre-course English training. A Minimum English proficiency
level of 6.5 is required for ALA Scholarship holders.
Some universities require higher standards for entry into certain courses. You should ensure that
you have sufficient English for the course you wish to take.
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7. What fields of study does the scholarship cover?
The scholarships are open to general fields of study relevant to leaders in the region that can
include management, economics, business, political science, philosophy, history, health,
education, law and public policy, for example. In 2007, priority fields of study that will be
targeted include: trade policy and regional integration, cross-boundary challenges such as
pandemics, security and clean energy.
8. Must my ALA studies be in the field in which I studied previously?
No. Future leaders may be seeking to expand their knowledge and skills through additional study.
For example someone who has studied up to PhD level in Zoology may seek to undertake a
masters in epidemiology to apply that knowledge to regional issues.
However, the university to which you apply will assess whether you have sufficient knowledge to
study at postgraduate level in the field for which you are applying. Acceptance by the university
is an eligibility requirement.
9. May I apply for more than one Australian scholarship (Endeavour, ADS or ALAs)?
Yes. But you may accept only one Australian Government scholarship.
10. May I hold more than one scholarship?
You may not hold two Australian Government scholarships at the same time, but you may have
another scholarship from another provider such as your employer or a UN organisation.
11. When must the scholarship be used?
Studies under the ALA 2007 scholarship program must be commenced in Australia during the
2007 calendar year. Universities usually require students to be in Australia for the beginning of
the academic year although in some cases it is appropriate to delay entry until Semester Two
(July). Research-based studies often have more flexible commencement dates.
12. What are the relevant dates in the Australian academic year?
The academic year is normally conducted across two semesters of study. The first semester
usually begins in March. Awardees are normally required to attend a short orientation program
and may choose to attend a longer introductory academic preparation courses commencing as
early as the first week in January. Semester two usually begins in July with orientation in June.
The academic year normally ends in November. Studies over a summer semester (December –
February) are also available in some courses and these are popular among students seeking to
accelerate their studies.
13. How is the scholarship funded?
The ALA Scholarship is funded by AusAID, the Australian International Development Agency of
the Australian Government.
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14. What are the benefits and conditions of the scholarship?
For all benefits and conditions of the scholarship please refer to the Benefits and Conditions
section. It is the scholar' responsibility to understand and adhere to the guidelines set forth by
AusAID.
15. Does the scholarship cover the full degree course?
Yes. The scholarship conditions and benefits are for the standard length of the degree set out in
the letter of offer from the university.
16. What is the Leadership course?
In the first year of study, students will attend a prestigious 7 day residential course in leadership
training at an internationally recognised Australian leadership training centre. Entitlements will
include return travel from the Australian institution of study to the leadership training provider,
training fees, accommodation and per diem.
17. How are funds distributed to the scholar?
Travel funds are provided once the offer of the award has been confirmed.
The scholarship contribution to living allowance is paid to the scholar by the university once
every two weeks, directly into their Australian bank account. Funds are only released once the
scholar has arrived at the university.
18. May I bring my family?
Dependants are entirely the responsibility of the student. The scholarship does not offer financial
benefits to any dependant, but students’ dependants may apply for visas. They are subject to
health and character checks and other Australian Department of Immigration Multicultural
Affairs requirements, and the student must arrange and pay for these.
You should keep in mind that full time study in Australia often requires long hours of additional
self-directed studies outside lecture times.
19. Can I work to earn extra money while I am in Australia?
In certain circumstances you may apply for a work visa, but you must study full time and may
only work on holidays. You should keep in mind that full time study in Australia requires long
hours of additional work outside lecture times. There is one required residential course during
semester break and opportunities to work are limited. Your dependants may apply for a work
visa, but note that there are limitations on the maximum permissible hours. The Australian
Department of Immigration Multicultural Affairs can provide further information on the current
regulations relating to AusAID visas.
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20. Can I change from an Australian Development Scholarship or an Endeavour
scholarship to an ALA?
No.
21. I am currently doing pre-course English in my country before taking up an Australian
Development Scholarship in Australia. May I switch to an ALA?
No.
22. How do I get an application form?
Download the application form from www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar.
23. When is the deadline?
All applications must be received by the AusAID office in Australia by 31 July 2006. The
application must include all supporting documentation, including references and a conditional letter
of offer from an Australian university, or the application will not be considered for the scholarship.
24. Where can I study?
It is expected that you will be able to study at the institutions which offers masters or doctorate
courses listed on the AusAID website www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar. Please note, Carnegie Mellon
University is not an eligible institution for ALA.
25. How do I get a conditional letter of offer from an Australian university?
You must apply directly to the Australian university for the course of your choice as soon as
possible. This process can take up to 7 weeks. Information about how to apply and about courses
of study is available through individual university websites or through http://cricos.dest.gov.au.
26. What is a certified copy?
See “Certified Copies”, page 15.
27. What should I do if one of my references does not send in his/her letter of
recommendation?
It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow up with references. The reference letters should
be certified and included with the application.
28. What if I don’t have all my documents together on time? Can I have an extension of time?
It is the responsibility of the applicant to send AusAID a full application set. AusAID will not accept late or incomplete applications and will not extend the deadline. Under exceptional circumstances
AusAID may agree to accept late submission of a conditional letter of offer if applicants can
demonstrate evidence of delays beyond their control in procuring these supporting documents.
29. Who will review my application?
Scholars will be selected by the ALA scholarship selection panel in Australia.
30. When will I find out if I am awarded a scholarship?
Successful applicants will be notified by 1 October 2006.
31. Can I get feedback about why my application was not selected for a scholarship?
Non-selection will normally relate to one of the following:
• Application is non-compliant (i.e., documentation missing)
• Applicant does not meet all eligibility criteria or eligibility has not been adequately
demonstrated by supporting documentation
• Applicant’s academic background or leadership potential is not competitive in relation
to the other applicants
Given the large number of applicants expected, AusAID will not provide feedback to
unsuccessful applicants.
Benefits and Conditions
Benefits
• Full tuition fees paid.
• Residential Leadership training course and travel allowance towards the end of your first year
of study.
• Contribution of A$2000 towards air fare at the start and end of the scholarship.
• Contribution of A$500 to attend a pre-departure function and briefing and to assist with cost
of visa checks.
• A reunion air fare at the completion of each year of study, except the final year. (Only
available to students whose immediate families do not accompany them.)
• Fieldwork return air fare (Only available to eligible research students.)
• Establishment allowance of A$5,000.
• Yearly stipend of A$19,231 (not taxed) (Based on 2006, CPI-indexed annually each July.)
• Tutorial assistance of up to A$1,000 per year.
• Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of the award. No additional health benefits
provided. As with other international students, ALA students may purchase additional “gap”
cover.
• Provision of an AusAID Student Visa.
Conditions of award
• Award holders must pass at least 80% of their first year units. No extensions for academic
failure will be granted where students have failed 20% or more in their first year. Extensions
of up to 6 months may be granted in the second and subsequent years for legitimate reasons
with the agreement of AusAID.
• Suspensions may be approved for a total period of up to 12 months in a scholarship. Award
holders are required to return to their home country during periods of suspension. Stipends
are not payable during suspension, including suspension due to illness.
• Award holders are required to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their
families while in Australia to satisfy requirements for the issue of a visa for entry into
Australia.
• Award holders are required to depart Australia as soon as practicable and not later than two
weeks after the end of the award. The stipend will continue to be paid for 5 days after
completion of their award. (The award end date will be clearly indicated in the ALA offer
letter.)
• In certain circumstances, exceptional students may be permitted to undertake an externally
funded Doctoral Scholarship or Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Australia on completion of an
ALA funded course of study.
CERTIFIED COPIES
What are certified copies?
Translation of documents into English.
What if you don’t have all of the required documents?
Will the documents be returned to me?
Forged, altered or falsified documents.
Documents you should include
To support your application, you will need to provide certified copies of all the documents listed
below. Please do not send the original of these documents or copies of certified copies.
1. Your degree, diploma or certificate in the original language;
2. Transcripts of the educational courses you completed (or student book or mark sheets) in
the original language, including any information on the back of the transcript such as
grading systems or course codes;
3. Evidence of your change of name (only applicable if your name on the documents for
your educational qualifications is different from the name you currently use). Evidence
would include, for example, a marriage certificate or deed poll; and
4. Translations of all documents into English.
What are certified copies?
All copies of documents (including English translations where applicable) which you send to
AusAID must be certified or notarised by an authorised person.
A certified copy of an original document is a copy of an original document which is verified as a
true copy by an authorised person.
In countries outside Australia, persons who certify or notarise documents are approved by the
authorities in the country concerned. If you are uncertain, the nearest Australian Embassy, High
Commission or Consulate can advise you.
To have your documents certified, you will need to give both the original and the copy to the
person certifying the documents. Each page of the document must be certified separately, and
must show clearly:
• the words “certified true copy of the original”,
• the signature of the certifying officer,
• the name and address or provider/registration number of the certifying officer or notary
printed legibly below the signature. AusAID must be able to contact the certifying officer
or notary directly if necessary.
If a Notarial Certificate is provided as a separate document (for example from a notary office in
China), you must send both the notarial certificate and a certified copy of the original certificate
of graduation, degree or diploma. AusAID does not accept applications on the basis of
Notarial Certificates only.
Translation of documents into English
All documents you send to AusAID must be translated into English. If the documents are
translated in a country outside Australia, the translator must be approved by the authorities in
the country where the translation is made. Ask the Australian Embassy, High Commission or
Consulate for advice if you are unsure.
‘Extract translations’ of degrees, diplomas, certificates and transcripts are normally unacceptable
and AusAID will not accept your application.
If your original degree, diploma or certificate is in a script other than the Latin alphabet, eg
Arabic or Chinese, a transliteration of the title of your award should be included in the
translations.
Note: Keep the original English translation for your future use. Send only certified copies of the
English translations.
What if you don’t have all of the required documents in your possession?
You should obtain the required documents from the relevant awarding institution or authority.
AusAID will not accept your application without these documents.
Will the documents be returned to me?
AusAID will not return your documents to you. All documents submitted with an application
become the property of AusAID.
Forged, altered or falsified documents
Advances in technology have made it easier to alter or generate fraudulent documents. To ensure
that documents are authentic, AusAID will require all finalists to undergo an authenticity test.
Providing false or misleading information is a serious offence. Persons providing false or
misleading information may be liable to prosecution under the Criminal Code Act 1995.
If forged, altered or falsified documents are sent to AusAID with this application, your offer of an
award will not be confirmed and we will report the matter to the police in your country or the
country in which you are living.
