Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships / Free Education at Australia

Applications for the 2009 ALA intake open on 01 April 2008 and close 30 June 2008. See Application Information below.

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.

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)
Participating Higher Education Institutions
ALA Scholarships students commencing in 2009 may attend any of the participating Australian higher education institutions.

http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/ala.cfm