AUSTRALIA-PAKISTAN SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM (APSP)
FOR MASTER-LEVEL STUDY ONLY
As part of the Government of Australia’s ongoing commitment to the human resource development of Pakistan, the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is pleased to announce the APSP scholarships for the July 2007 semester.
These scholarships are available to all citizens of Pakistan (who currently reside in-country the year round) for Master-level study in Australia. Fifty per cent of the scholarships are reserved for female candidates; high priority will be given to those who have not studied overseas at the post-graduate level.
Up to 31 Masters scholarships are available for immediate placement. The scholarships are generous and include a stipend as well as full tuition fee at an Australian university as per standard Australian Scholarships conditions.
Priority Areas
• Natural Resources Management (Agriculture, Animal husbandry, Animal studies, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Forestry, Horticulture, Rural Management, Environmental Studies)
• Social Sciences (Criminology, Trans-national Crime Prevention, Development Studies, International Affairs, Public Policy, Social Policy, Women’s Studies, Human Rights)
• Business, Administration and Economics (Administration and Management, Public Sector Financial Management, Economics, Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, International Trade and Customs, Public Administration, Social Administration, Taxation Studies)
• Education (Education and Teacher Training, Educational Administration, Educational Management, Health Educators Education)
• Health (Health Service Management, Public Health, Mother and Child Health)
• Law and Legal Studies (Justice, Law Enforcement, Legal Studies)
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must:
• 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;
• satisfy Australian Government requirements for international student 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, i.e. 5 February 2007);
• 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 (deferrals are not available); and
• satisfy the admission requirements of the Australian tertiary institution in which the course is to be undertaken.
Candidates must also:
• be applying for courses that fall within the priority areas identified above;
• have at least First Division (60% or higher)/B-Grade in their highest degree;
• not have a Third Division ( less than 50 % marks )/D Grade in their academic career;
• have an English language proficiency of at least 6.5 in IELTS with no band less than 6.0. The IELTS result must be current (a test result obtained anytime after May 2005 will be considered current);
• have at least 16 years of education;
• have at least 4 years work experience in the field in which they are applying; and
• not be older than 42 years at the closing date for applications (i.e. 05 February 2007).
How to apply
Applicants fulfilling these basic eligibility criteria should submit an application which can be downloaded from the Australian High Commission, Islamabad website: http://www.pakistan.embassy.gov.au after 10 January 2007. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the scholarships program are also available on the High Commission website.
Applicants should submit the following additional documents in support of the application:
• Three application forms in original (photocopied forms will not be accepted);
• One copy of the self assessment form for eligibility to be attached on top of the three application forms;
• Three recent passport size photographs affixed to the forms;
• Attested copies of educational certificates and detailed mark sheets (transcripts) for all examinations from matriculation/O levels to the highest degree obtained;
• Copy of National Identity Card and/or Passport;
• Employment letters specifying years of service and job description (for all years of employment);
• IELTS score sheet (mandatory-a test result obtained anytime after May 2005 will be considered current, expired scores will not be accepted);
• All Master applicants whose study program will include at least 50 per cent research MUST attach an outline of the proposed research project (up to 1,000 words) to each application form. Details are provided on page 7 of the ADS form.
Please note that all documents sent to AusAID should be on A-4 size paper and should be attested by a First Class Government Gazetted officer or any person of an equal status. Candidates should also ensure that the “Employer and Nominating Authority statement” on page 9 or 10 of the form is fully completed.
Scholarship holders should note that they are required to return to Pakistan and take up a position that makes use of the study for a minimum period of two years. Scholarship awards must be taken up in 2007 and cannot be transferred to the next academic year.
Information on courses offered by Australian universities may be obtained by visiting the Australian Education International website: http://www.studyinaustralia.au.
Information on IELTS examination schedule (test dates and centres) and how to register for an exam can be obtained from the Australian Education Office (AEO) Pakistan website: http://www.aeo.com.pk/indexnew.php or the British Council Pakistan website: http://www.britishcouncil.org/pakistan-exams-ielts-calendar.htm. Please note that AusAID will not be arranging or paying for the IELTS examination for candidates. Please also note that an IELTS result becomes available two weeks after sitting for the examination. IELTS results can also be sent to us directly by the AEO or British Council at the address given below. TOEFL scores cannot be submitted in place of IELTS scores as TOEFL results are not accepted for student visa purposes under the Australian law. Applicants who have a foreign degree are not exempt from submitting a current IELTS result with their application.
Applications together with the requisite documents should be sent to the Program Officer, AusAID, Australian High Commission (AHC), Diplomatic Enclave 1, Sector G-5/4, P.O. Box 1046, Islamabad.
The deadline for receipt of applications at the AHC is 05 February 2007. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be advised of the outcome of the selection process (by the end of April). All decisions of AusAID are final. No calls or correspondence will be accepted the regarding status of the application.