ADS are a highly valued form of development cooperation and aim to contribute to the long term development needs of Australia's partner countries to promote growth and stability. They provide opportunities for people from developing countries to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia.
ADS equip scholars with the skills and knowledge to drive change and influence the development outcomes of their own country through obtaining tertiary qualifications at participating Australian higher education institutions and technical colleges.
ADS are available for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study, from Certificate level to PhD at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
Fields of study are targeted to address agreed priority human resource and development needs of recipient countries, in line with Australia's bilateral aid program, and regional objectives.
The number of scholarships and fields of study are determined annually by each ADS participating country and in accordance with the Australian Government's bilateral development assistance program. Some countries may limit the level of study (technical, undergraduate or postgraduate) and give priority to certain fields of study to better meet development needs and Australia's specific aid objectives for each country.
Award recipients are required to return to their country of citizenship for two years after they have completed their studies to contribute to the development of their country.
Scholarship benefits
ADS are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian higher education Institution, including any preparatory training. The following benefits generally apply:
- full tuition fees
- return air travel—payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route
- establishment allowance—a once only payment of A$5,000 as a contribution towards as accommodation expenses, text books, study materials
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) is a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by AusAID. From 1 July 2009, CLE payable to students studying under the Australian Development Scholarship (ADS) is A$25,000
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP)—a compulsory 4-6 week program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on life and study in Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only)—provided to cover the student's basic medical costs (with the exception of pre existing conditions)
- Pre-course English (PCE) fees—if deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training
- Supplementary Academic Support (Tutorial Assistance)—may be available when essential to improve the student's performance to ensure their academic success
- fieldwork (for research students only)—may be available for eligible research students for one return economy class airfare via the most direct route to their country of citizenship or within Australia.
ADS conditions
Applicants who are offered an Australian Development Scholarship will be required to sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia declaring that they will comply with the conditions of the scholarship and the ADS Handbook before the ADS comes into effect. Partner governments may also apply their own separate conditions to the scholarship.
The most significant condition relating to the award is that students are required to return to their country of citizenship for at least two years after completing their scholarship, to contribute to the economic and social development of their country. Failure to do so will incur a debt to the Commonwealth of Australia for the total value of the scholarship.
More info: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/studyin.cfm
