AUSTRALIAN DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
INFORMATION FOR 2011 INTAKE
FOR MASTER-LEVEL STUDY ONLY
The Australian Development Scholarships program contributes to strengthening Pakistan’s human resource capacities by providing Masters-level scholarships in areas aligned with Pakistan’s development priorities. These include:
• Maternal, neonatal and child health services;
• Basic education services;
• Rural development & food security; and
• Governance.
The program also targets public sector reform and improved standards of governance in both public and private sectors.
The aim is to improve technical and leadership capacity of men and women working in federal and provincial governments, non-profit civil society, and the private sector.
Priority will be given to applicants from Baluchistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
These scholarships are available to all citizens of Pakistan (who currently reside in-country the year round) for Masters-level study in Australia commencing in semester 1, January 2011. The scholarships are generous and include a stipend as well as full tuition fees at well respected and internationally recognized Australian universities.
Type, Level, and Number of Scholarships:
The Australian Government will offer up to 45 awards for Masters-level study in the January 2011 intake under the following categories:
Public Category: applicants working in and nominated by key public institutions through a competitive selection process. Applicants are required to return to the public service at the completion of their award to strengthen public service capacities.
Open/Equity Category: applicants who meet the eligibility criteria may apply under this category. Scholarship holders are required to return to Pakistan upon completion of the award to contribute to the development of the identified priority sector in their country.
In all cases, the application process is based on the principles of transparency and merit.
Achieving gender balance is a priority for the Australian Development Scholarships program and female candidates are encouraged to apply. Fifty percent of the total numbers of awards are reserved for women. Five percent of awards are reserved for people living with disabilities. High priority will be given to those who have not had the opportunity to study overseas at the post-graduate level.
Scholarships are offered for the minimum period in which an individual could be expected to complete the academic program.
The Application Process
Specific information on the application process is available on the Australian Development Scholarships program website (given below).
Closing Dates for Applications
Completed application forms are to be submitted by 7 May 2010 at the following address:
Australian Development Scholarships
Serena Office Complex
Level 4, Central Wing, Khayaban-e-Suharwardy
Opposite Convention Centre
ISLAMABAD
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the AusAID’s selection criteria. These include:
• be Pakistani citizens (dual nationals are not eligible) and not have permanent residence in Australia or New Zealand;
• not be married or engaged to a person who is eligible to hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residence;
• not have applied for permanent residency in Australia or New Zealand;
• satisfy Australian Government requirements for international student visas for entry to Australia (health, character etc.);
• not hold another scholarship;
• not have held a foreign scholarship in the 24 months preceding the application (24 months are calculated from the date of arrival back in Pakistan to the closing date for receipt of applications);
• be residing in Pakistan;
• be applying to commence a new course of study and not be seeking support for a course already commenced in Australia (on-going study programs will not be supported);
• be able to take up the scholarship in the year for which it is offered;
• have outlined a case that is clear about their objectives and motivation to make a contribution to development in Pakistan;
• apply for courses that fall within the priority areas identified above;
• be able to demonstrate the ability to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements for the Scholarship;
• satisfy the admission requirements of the Australian tertiary institution and the course to be undertaken;
• have a relevant academic background to proposed study in Australia;
• be applying for a Masters level course;
• have completed 16 years of education;
• have at least 2 years work experience in the field in which they are applying; and
• at the time of application be not more than 45 years of age.
All applicants have to ensure they fall under one of the four Scholar Profiles and meet Profile specific eligibility criteria along with the general criteria. For details on profiles visit the website below.
It is a pre-condition of accepting an Australian Development Scholarship that awardees return to their home country to take up a position that utilises their study for a minimum period of two years.
English Language Proficiency & Degree Courses
A minimum score of 6.5 IELTS is required for admission to Australian Universities. Some degree courses may have higher IELTS requirements.
Information on courses offered by Australian universities may be obtained by visiting the Australian Education International website: http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.
Awardees’ Profiles
Detailed awardee profiles for the 2011 Australian Development Scholarships are available on the websites listed below.
Contact Information
ADS Scholarship Inquiries
Serena Office Complex
Level 4, Central Wing
Khayaban-e-Suharwardy,
ISLAMABAD
Telephone: +92 51 2600186 Ext 106
Fax: +92 51 2600191
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.adspakistan.com.pk