Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships are a component of a regional program that aims to develop leadership and build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific.
They are intended for those who are already leaders or have the potential to assume leadership roles that can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes, both in their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. The ALA program comprises of Scholarships and Fellowships.
ALA Scholarships are academically elite awards offered to high achievers from the Asia-Pacific region each year to undertake postgraduate study (Masters or Doctorate) and a Leadership Development Program in Australia.
Selection for ALA Scholarships is highly competitive, based on leadership qualities and on academic excellence.
ALA Scholarships are an investment in the future of the Asia-Pacific region. In this regard, ALA scholars are required to return to their home country or the region for two years after they have completed their studies.
In future years, ALA scholars will belong to a unique group - the Australian Scholarships Alumni Network (ASAN) - that will maintain strong and enduring links to Australia. Managed by AusAID as part of Australia’s overseas aid program, ALA Scholarships are open only to citizens of countries in the Asia-Pacific region with which Australia has a significant aid program.
Objectives of ALA Scholarships
ALA Scholarships aim to:
· develop a cadre of leaders advancing regional reform, development and governance
· increase exchange of knowledge and information within the region
· build common purpose and understanding between Australia and the region
· build capacity to address priority regional issues
· build effective networks between Australia and the region
· demonstrate the benefits of Australian education through the provision of high quality education.
Leadership Development Program (LDP)
Through the enhancement of leadership skills, ALA Scholarships seek to empower awardees to participate in social and economic policy and development outcomes in their own countries and in the region. Current and future leaders in the Asia-Pacific region are provided a unique opportunity to explore and harness their leadership potential.
AusAID has invested A$10.128 million over a four year period to deliver a comprehensive Leadership Development Program (LDP) to all ALA scholars.
The LDP comprises a three day conference in Canberra, regional workshops and leadership coaching and practice opportunities. The LDP increases skills in leadership and enhances participants’ understanding of the challenges at national, regional and global levels. LDP aims to help scholars realise their full leadership potential and provides important networking and collaborative opportunities for ALA scholars.
The LDP component of the ALA Scholarship is a valuable opportunity that is not offered through any other scholarship program in the Asia-Pacific region.
Fields of study
Awards are open to all fields of study, however, study programs that relate to the priority themes of international trade, pandemics, security and climate change (including clean energy) are encouraged. Scholarships are not available for military training, or training in areas related to nuclear technology and flying aircraft.
Levels of study
An ALA Scholarship enables candidates to undertake studies leading to a Masters or Doctorate degree in Australia. It does not include Graduate Diplomas, with the exception of those Masters courses that require the completion of a Graduate Diploma as part of the Masters degree.
Who should apply
Outstanding applicants with:
· a very high level of academic achievement at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level
· a high level of English language proficiency
· demonstrated leadership potential and good prospects to influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in their home country and in the Asia-Pacific region
· a commitment to participate ASAN on their return home.
Links to specific eligibility requirements are found below.
Applicants seeking to migrate to Australia should NOT apply.
Scholarship benefits
An ALA Masters Scholarship, taken over two years can be valued up to A$150,000.
An ALA Doctorate Scholarship, taken over four years can be valued up to A$300,000.
The amounts above include the following benefits and support:
· A Leadership Development Program worth approximately $17,000
· Introductory Academic Program (IAP): approximately $2,000
· Tuition fees for your approved course of study
· Return air travel to and from Australia
· Costs associated with health checks and visa applications prior to departure for Australia
· Establishment allowance on arrival: $5,000
· Contribution to living expenses: $26,009 per year (commencing July 1, 2008)
· Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only)
· A study enrichment allowance (SEA) to contribute towards field research, academic support, conference participation or the award holder’s reunion travel costs: $2,000 per year (accumulative)

Timeline for applicants
As soon as possible
Undertake all preliminary requirements in preparation for submission of a complete application for 2008, including:
· develop and discuss your Australian study plans with your employer, referees and family
· prepare for and complete an English Language Proficiency test
· collect all required supporting documents (eg passport, birth certificate, university transcripts, referee reports etc)
· arrange certification of true copies and translation of documents into English as required
· conduct research on available Australian courses, attend Australian higher education institutions’ exhibitions where available and request offer of enrolment letter(s) from your preferred institution(s).
1 April 2008
2009 ALA applications opening date.
30 June 2008
Closing date for all applications including online, hard copy and supporting documentation if applicable.
October 2008
Successful applicants advised of outcome of selection process.
October - December 2008
Preparation for commencement of study in Australia, including visa application, travel and housing arrangements, family and employment arrangements.
2009 Australian academic year
Study must commence in Australia (Semester 1 intake in January 2009 and Semester 2 intake in July 2009). Awards cannot be deferred to the following year.

Eligibility
To be eligible for an Australian Leadership Award (ALA) Scholarship, applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements outlined below.
Citizenship and visa status
Applicants must be a citizen of one of the participating countries listed below.
· Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kiribati, Laos, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Wallis & Futuna
Applicants must not have Australian or New Zealand citizenship or 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.
Note that nationals from the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau with New Zealand citizenship are eligible to apply.
Successful applicants must meet visa requirements of the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Citizens from non-participating countries are ineligible for the ALA Scholarships program but may be eligible for an award under the Endeavour program. For details see www.endeavour.dest.gov.au
Residency status
Applicants must be residing in a country other than Australia and apply from outside Australia.
Academic background
Applicants must have completed a university level qualification which is at least equivalent in standard to an Australian Bachelors degree. Candidates with high level academic results in one or more university level degrees are encouraged to apply.
If you are unsure whether your previous university qualification(s) is equivalent in standard to an Australian Bachelors degree, you should seek advice from the Australian Education Centre located in your home country or in your region. International admissions staff in Australian higher education institutions may also provide applicants with guidance on the equivalence of their previous qualifications to an Australian Bachelors degree.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants are expected to have strong written and spoken English language skills. Applicants must:
· meet the minimum English language requirements to gain direct admission to their nominated higher education course(s) and
· have undertaken one of the following English language proficiency tests no longer than two years prior to the date of application:
o an IELTS Academic Test with an overall score of at least 6.5 and no band less than 6, or
o a TOEFL paper-based test score of at least 580, or
o a TOEFL computer-based test score of at least 237, or
o a TOEFL Internet-based score of at least 92.
Please note: Test results must be attached to your application for an ALA Scholarship. For information about the IELTS and TOEFL tests and for details of the nearest location for you to attend a test, see www.ielts.org [external website] and www.ets.org/toefl/ [external website].
Note also that there is no provision for ALA Scholarship awardees to undertake or receive financial support for any pre-course English training.
Prospective applicants wishing to apply for an ALAScholarship for 2009 but who do not currently meet the required English level for the ALA Scholarships program should take immediate steps to prepare for and undertake an appropriate English test. The cost of any test fees charged by test providers must be borne by the applicant.