Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Applying for an Australia Awards scholarship

Australia Awards scholarships in Africa Australia’s international development assistance in Africa helps promote prosperity, reduce poverty, and enhance political stability.

Australia Awards scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders in developing countries. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.

Applicants are assessed on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their potential to impact on development challenges in eligible countries.

Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability and other marginalised groups.

Priority fields of study

The priority areas of study for eligible African countries in this application round are:

• Climate change
• Agriculture and food security
• Mining and energy
• Foreign policy and international security
• Gender, disability, and social inclusion.

Level of study

Australia Awards scholarships provide citizens of eligible African countries with the opportunity to obtain a Master’s qualification at an Australian tertiary institution. Awards will be offered for commencement in 2025.

Australia Awards benefits

Australia Awards scholarships are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian education institution, including any preparatory training.

Scholarship recipients will receive the following:

• return air travel
• a one-off establishment allowance on arrival
• full tuition fees
• contribution to living expenses
• introductory academic program
• overseas student health cover for the duration of the scholarship
• supplementary academic support
• fieldwork allowance for research students and master by coursework which has a compulsory fieldwork component.

Eligibility criteria

Australia Awards applicants must meet all eligibility requirements detailed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook, available at: dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Pages/australia-awards-scholarships-policy-handbook.aspx

Country-specific conditions

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, candidates from eligible African countries must also meet the following conditions:

• Be a minimum of 25 years of age on 1 February 2025.
• At minimum, have 5 years of post-graduate work experience, working in a field relative to their field of study.
• Be a citizen of Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe and be residing in and applying for the scholarship from their country of citizenship, unless working for an African Regional Organisation or working on diplomatic mission for their home country.
• Not already hold or be undertaking a Master’s degree or equivalent (equivalent to a Master’s degree in home country).
• Already hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree).
• Not have previously received a long-term Australia Award.
• Meet the minimum English language proficiency of at least 6.5 in IELTS with no band less than 6.0 (an internet based TOEFL score of at least 84, with a minimum of 21 in all subtests, or PTE Academic overall score of 58 with no communicative skill score less than 50). Scores must be valid on 1 January 2025. (Excluding candidates if their first language is English and they have undertaken their education in English).

Application dates

For study commencing in Australia in 2025:

Opening date: 1 February 2024

Closing date: 30 April 2024 (11:59PM AEST)

Applications and/or supporting documents received after the closing date will not be considered.

The application process

Online applications

All applications must be lodged online through OASIS at https://oasis.dfat.gov.au/

Supporting documents Applicants must submit all the relevant supporting documents listed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.

Applicants must also provide the following documents to meet the specific requirements for the Africa program:

Required document

1. Passport: Proof of Citizenship
2. Undergraduate Degree Certificate: Degree Certificate
3. Undergraduate Academic Transcript :Academic Transcript
4. Curriculum Vitae: Curriculum Vitae
5. Employer Referee Report: Referee Report
6. Academic Referee Report: Referee Report
7. IELTS/TOEFL/Pearson Test Certificate (Excluding candidates if their first language is English and they have undertaken their education in English): Proof of English Language Proficiency

Note: successful candidates will be required to produce original documents for certification.

The selection process

• Applications will be shortlisted for a selection interview after eligibility checking.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• The selection process includes an interview. Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:
  1. academic competence
  2. potential outcome, specifically the contribution to development outcomes in Africa
  3. professional and personal leadership attributes including relevant work experience.
• Successful candidates will be notified in late 2024.
• Awardee travel is subject to meeting the requirements of the Australian Government, as determined by the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Education and by the relevant Australian State or Territory governments.

Preparatory training Successful applicants will be required to attend:

• course counselling
• pre-departure briefing
• university’s Introductory Academic Program
• other required preparatory study on arrival in Australia.

Further information

More general information about the Australia Awards, Australia’s aid program, and studying in Australia can be found at the following links:

1. https://australiaawardsafrica.org/
2. dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/pages/australia-awards-scholarships
3. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/

Information about visas and Australia Awards scholarship entitlements and conditions can be found in the Scholarships Policy Handbook:dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Pages/australia-awards-scholarships-policy-handbook.aspx

Contact details:

Australia Awards Africa

Address: Boardwalk Office Park, 107 Haymeadow Road, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa

Telephone: +27 67 421 6340 (South Africa) and +254 708 608 580 (Kenya)

Email: enquiries@australiaawardsafrica.org

Read Official Announcement Here!