What are the Australia Awards?

The Australia Awards are Australian Government sponsored scholarships. The initiative brings together awards from three Australian Government implementing agencies:
The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) The Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE) and The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR1)

In the Caribbean, there are four kinds of awards available:

The Australian Development Scholarship (ADS), The supplementary Australian Leadership Award (ALA), The Australian Leadership Award Fellowship (ALAF) Endeavour Awards (EA)

Endeavour Awards are administered by Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE) and are available to all Caribbean nationals. ADS, ALA and ALAF are funded and implemented through AusAID the Australian Government agency that manages Australias overseas aid program. In the Caribbean, they are available to nationals of the following countries only2: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname. Australias international development assistance in the Caribbean aims to assist in building Caribbean countries own capacity to progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by helping to reduce their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, natural disasters and economic challenges. Simultaneously, it works to build people-to-people linkages at the individual, institutional and country levels between the Caribbean and Australia. AusAIDs Australia Awards are aligned with Australias development assistance in the Caribbean, targeting human resource gaps in identied priority sectors. They aim to provide awardees with the skills and knowledge to drive change and inuence economic and social development. AusAID will assess applicants on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their potential to impact on development challenges in the Caribbean. The Australia Awards are oered on the basis of merit, transparency and equal access. We strongly encourage applications from men and women, people with disability, indigenous persons and other marginalised groups.

1 Scholarships administered by The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) are not available to Caribbean nationals. 2 These countries are eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and The Bahamas are not eligible for ODA. 2 Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

Program Aims
Australia Awards, Caribbean is designed to:
Promote knowledge, education links and enduring ties between Australia and the Caribbean community; Oer a range of opportunities for study and professional development of Caribbean citizens; Showcase Australias cutting-edge capabilities in the education sector; and Demonstrate Australias ongoing commitment to building closer and enduring ties with the Caribbean region.

The Australia Awards, Caribbean initiative seeks to aid the development of:
The capacity and leadership skills of Caribbean nationals so that they can contribute to the development of their home country and region; Caribbean countries own capacity to progress towards the Millennium Development Goals; and People-to-people linkages at the individual, institutional and country levels between the Caribbean and Australia.

The Australian Development Award (ADS) & Australian Leadership Award (ALA)
What is the difference between the ADS & the ALA?
The Australian Development Scholarship is a long-term development scholarship providing eligible citizens with opportunities to obtain postgraduate qualications at Australian tertiary institutions. The study and research opportunities provided by ADS help to develop the skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to the development outcomes of their own country. The Australian Leadership Award is a supplementary award to high performing ADS awardees. Up to 200 outstanding Australian Development Scholarship awardees across the globe will be oered a place in the Leadership for Development Program in addition to their ADS. There is no separate application process. Recipients will be brought together with other Australian Leadership awardees from around the world for leadership training, development discussions and the chance to build valuable networks. As with ADS, selection will be based on the applicants professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their potential impact on development challenges in their country or region.

Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

What are the benefits of the ADS/ALA?

The entitlements cover the duration of the individuals scholarship and include:
Full tuition fees. Return air travelpayment of a single return economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route. Establishment allowancea once only payment of AUD$5,000 as a contribution towards accommodation expenses, text books, study materials. Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE)a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by AusAID. From 1 January 2013, CLE payable to Scholars studying under ADS is AUD $30,000 per year. 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) feesif deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training. Supplementary Academic Support may be available to ensure a Scholar's academic success or enhance their academic experience. 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. Eligibility for membership in the Australia Awards Alumni Network (Caribbean & global chapters) upon completion of scholarship.

Further information on scholarship entitlements may be found in the Scholarships Policy Handbook available at http://ausaid.gov.au/australia-awards/Pages/how-to-apply.aspx

Who can apply for the ADS/ALA?

In order to be eligible to apply for an Australia Development Scholarship (ADS) and the supplementary Australian Leadership Award (ALA) applicants:
Must be a citizen of the following ODA Caribbean countries ONLY and be residing in the region at the time of application: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname. Must be willing to return to the region to work for 2 years after the completion of their studies. Should not have obtained an academic qualication outside their home country in the 24 months preceding the application closing date, calculated from the date of return to the home country. Must be willing to comply with the regulations set forth by their home government for citizens accessing international scholarships. Potential applicants should ensure that they are familiar with the requirements of their country. Must be pursuing studies at the Masters (up to 2 yrs) or PhD (up to 4yrs) levels only. Scholarships are not oered for Bachelors studies, distance or online courses. Must apply for areas of study within the designated priority areas.
4 Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

Special conditions
Applicants must also meet the following Caribbean-specific conditions:
If a citizen of Haiti, Cuba, Suriname or the Dominican Republic the applicant will be required to do the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If an individuals Bachelors or Masters was completed in a language other than English (e.g. French, Spanish, Chinese and Dutch) or was pursued in a non-English speaking country the applicant will be required to do an IELTS or TOEFL test. Applicants who fall into the two categories above are required to know whether IELTS or TOEFL testing is available in their home country and the schedule available for these tests. If it is not available in your country, please contact caribeanscholarships@ausaid.gov.au Applicants must fully research their chosen university to ascertain the English requirements of their institution as this may vary from university to university.

What are the Priority Areas for Study?

The priority areas of study for AusAIDs Australia Awards in the Caribbean are: Climate change/natural resource management | eg: marine science, environmental management, coastal resource management, forestry management, extractive industries, renewable energy, and water resource management; Regional integration/economic resilience | eg: trade facilitation, public policy and administration, tourism management including eco-tourism, disaster management including structural design; Education | eg: science, technology, distance education management, special needs education, and sport administration/management; Food security | eg: agriculture science & management, plant sciences, sheries management, environmentally sustainable food production. Please note: The examples provided are to demonstrate the range of areas that are covered under each priority area and does not reect the sum total of all areas that are available under the priority areas. A list of suggested (not mandatory) areas of study under the designated priority areas is available at http://www.trinidadandtobago.embassy.gov.au/ptsp/study.html

Target Groups
The Australia Awards, Caribbean initiative is designed to target: Public sector employees, Academic staff of public universities and Employees of relevant regional development organisations. Preference will be given to applicants from these three sectors. Desired applicant proles are available in PDF format at www.trinidadandtobago. embassy.gov.au/ptsp/study.html

Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

Application process for ADS/ALA

What do I need to do before I apply?
1. Before you apply for the ADS/ALA, applicants MUST research thoroughly their Australian university of choice. a. Applicants should visit the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). This is the ocial Australian Government website that lists all Australian education providers authorised to oer courses to people studying in Australia on student visas and the courses oered. The Australian institutions found on this website are accredited institutions and your university of choice must be CRICOS approved with a designated CRICOS Code. The CRICOS website is http://cricos.deewr.gov.au. b. Applicants should also review carefully the information found at studyinaustralia.gov.au for information on participating Australian institutions, the benets of studying in Australia and what you can expect from an Australian education. 2. Applicants must ensure that ALL required documentation is provided and submitted with their application. a. A list of the required supporting documentation can be found in the Scholarship Policy Handbook (http://ausaid.gov.au/australia-awards/Pages/how-to-apply.aspx). b. You must provide at least 2 to 3 Referees Reports. A referee template is available at (http://ausaid.gov.au/australia-awards/Pages/how-to-apply.aspx) under the Supporting Documents section. c. In completing the online application, the candidate must upload all necessary documents in the Documentary Evidence section of the online application form. d. Documents must be appropriately labelled and uploaded as complete documents and not as individual pages. Documents should be labelled as follows: First Name Surname (comma) Country abbreviation (dash) Name of the document e.g. John Doe, GUY UWI BA Transcript e. All supporting documents must be certified as copies of the original document by an authorised body e.g. Justice of the Peace, police, relevant ministry etc. The certication must include the organisations stamp, date, full name, position title and signature of the certier. f. Applicants must scan the verified true copies of your supporting documents (not the originals) and attach them as PDF les with your application. You will have to pay any fees charged by ocials for verifying documents. g. A Police Certicate of Good Character (no older than 3 months) must also be submitted at the time of application. h. Research Masters and PhD candidates must provide evidence that they have communicated with a potential supervisor at their chosen university.

How do I apply?
1. Online applications are preferred and the website is open to the public from February 1st to April 30th 2013 Australian Time Applications or supporting documents received after this date will not be considered. 2. Application is made online via the the Online Australian Scholarships Information System (OASIS) website http://oasis.ausaid.gov.au.

Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

3.

Applicants will be required to answer questions to establish their eligibility. You will then be given a unique registration number, username and password.

4. Applicants do not need to submit their application immediately. You can use your username and password to enter the system multiple times and update your draft application form and supporting documentation until 30th April 2013. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed. 5. 6. Applicants can refer to the Applicant's Online User Manual if you need help: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/Publications/Pages/2303_50_633_9711_3818.aspx Online applications are preferred. Hardcopy application forms can also be obtained from caribbeanscholarships@ausaid.gov.au. The requirement for full provision of the required certied documentation still applies. The Australian university assessment process is lengthy. In order to avoid delays provide all required documentation in the online application form.

7.

Queries may be sent to caribbeanscholarships@ausaid.gov.au.

What is the selection criteria?

The selection process is based on merit and applicants will be assessed against the following criteria: 1 Academic Competence
Level of results achieved in a degree/s from a recognised university Relevant prizes and awards (including prestige and inuence of awarding body) Publications (quality rather than quantity) Link between past studies and proposed eld of study

More information
Further information about AusAIDs Australia Awards can be found at: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/australiaawards Information about Visas and award entitlements and conditions can be found in the Scholarships Policy Handbook, available at: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/Publicatio ns/Pages/scholar-handbook.aspx More general information about the Australia Awards, AusAID and studying in Australia can be found at: www.australiaawards.gov.au www.ausaid.gov.au http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/ Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Australian High Commission P.O. Box 4640, St. James Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies Further information is available at: Phone: +1 868 822 5450/ 5482 Fax: +1 868 822 5490 Email: caribbeanscholarships@ausaid.gov.au Website: www.trinidadandtobago.embassy.gov.au
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Professional and personal leadership attributes

Relevant work experience in eld related to the candidates proposed course of study Career progression evident, including promotions Membership of professional bodies Community work (e.g. church, university communities, union organisations, other voluntary work) Community awards and acceptance Achievements beyond academia and personal barriers overcome Leadership attributes pertinent to a development practitioner (e.g. strategic thinking and an inspirational approach)

Potential outcomes
How well the candidates background ts the preferred prole(s) dened for AusAIDs country/regional program objectives (or closest equivalent) How well the candidates proposed course of study and initial reintegration plan match relevant AusAID country/regional program objectives

Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

The Endeavor Awards

What is the Endeavor Award?
The Endeavour Award is the Australian Governments internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program providing opportunities for citizens of the Asia Pacic, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia. Awards are also available for Australians to undertake study, research and professional development abroad. The Endeavour Awards aim to:
Develop on-going educational, research and professional linkages between individuals, organisations and countries. Provide opportunities for high achieving individuals from Australia and overseas to increase their skills and enhance their global awareness Contribute to Australias position as a high quality education and training provider, and a leader in research and innovation Increase the productivity of Australians through an international study, research or professional development experience.

The Endeavour Awards (EA) is administered by Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE).

Who can apply for the Endeavor Awards?

1 Caribbean nationals of non-ODA eligible countries are invited to apply for the Endeavour Award: Bahamas Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago The Endeavour Award is also available to ALL other Caribbean countries and territories.

Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

How to submit an application?

Applications for the Endeavour Awards:
Opens 1st April 2013 and closes 30th June 2013 at 11.59pm Australian Time. Applications must be submitted using the Endeavour Online Application system. Please refer to Apply Now link http://www.innovation.gov.au/InternationalEducation/EndeavourAwards/Pages/ ApplyNow.aspx for further information. The Endeavour Online Application system will not allow you to submit your application unless your application is complete, with all required supporting documents uploaded. Once you have provided all the required documentation and information in your application through the Endeavour Online Application system a Submit button will appear. Once you click on the submit button you will receive a system generated email advising you that your application has successfully been submitted through the Endeavour Online Application system. Applicants should keep a copy of this email for their records. If you have submitted but did not receive a notication email, you may contact the Endeavour Awards Team at endeavour.awards@innovation.gov.au. Further information on the application process, visas, conditions of the awards, educational qualications, nancial matters, language prociency, nomination, admission and aliation and referee reports applicants should visit http://www.innovation.gov.au/InternationalEducation/EndeavourAwards/ Pages/default.aspx

Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

Frequently asked questions about australia awards

1. Is the Australian academic year similar to that of the Caribbean? No, the Australian academic year runs from January to December. If a candidate applies in 2013 and is selected they will commence study in Australia in January 2014. 7. Where can I find more information about Australian visas? Information on Australian Visas for Caribbean nationals can be found on the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website www.immi.gov.au There is an information service hotline and email address for questions about Australian Visas: Tel: 1 613 216 7603 Email enquiries: www.immi.gov.au/contracts/forms/americas An online Visa Wizard for visa options: www.immi.gov.au/visawizard is also available to help persons chose the most appropriate visa. Please note: Visas for Caribbean nationals are not processed at the High Commission in Port of Spain, Trinidad. All visas for Caribbean nationals are processed online through DIAC in Ottawa, Canada. 8. Can my family join me for the duration of my scholarship? Yes, your family can join you for the duration of your scholarship but AusAID will NOT be responsible for ANY COST incurred in relocating family members to Australia. AusAID strongly encourages applicants not to bring their family members to Australia in the rst six months of study. It is advised that applicants wait until they are completely settled before bringing family members. Visa applications for dependents of Caribbean nationals are made online through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in Ottawa, Canada. Some important family visa entry requirements of DIAC to consider are: As family members are NOT funded by AusAID, you must provide evidence that you have sucient funds to cover your family members for the rst 12 months of your stay in Australia for: living costs school costs for any school-age children health insurance for your dependents Applicants must provide evidence that they have purchased health insurance for their family members at the time of their visa application. This can be done online.

2. How long after my application will I know whether or not I am successful? Candidates will be alerted as to whether or not they have been successful by September 2013. 3. What areas of study are not available for funding under Australia Awards, Caribbean? Scholarships are not available for: undergraduate medical and veterinary science programs, training in areas related to nuclear technology or ying aircraft, legal workshops, double degrees unless these are included in the original oer and can be completed within the normal time limit for the level of qualication (i.e. two years for Masters, four years for PhD) - courses at the undergraduate level, military training, training of police in counter-subversion method and the suppression of political dissent or intelligence procurement. 4. Can I apply for a scholarship for a university outside Australia? No, you must apply for study at a CRICOS approved Australian institution in Australia. AusAID will also not fund distance or online courses. 5. Can I apply for a second Masters or PhD? No, applicants cannot apply for a second Masters or PhD. 6. Do I apply directly to the Australian university? No, you must apply online http://oasis.ausaid.gov.au stating your choice of university and your area of study in the designated elds. Applicants must carefully research their university choices and provide no less than two (2) university preferences on the online application form.

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Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

There are many providers to choose from so applicants are advised to carefully review the options available. If your dependents have turned 5 years of age, but have not yet turned 18, and are remaining with you in Australia, you will need to provide evidence of enrolment in an Australian school, including payment of any required fees. If you are living in a de facto (common law) relationship, you must provide independent evidence that you have been in the relationship for at least 12 months. Eg: joint bank account statements or billing accounts in joint names Applicants must provide evidence of the relationship between you and your family. Eg: certied copies or notarised copies of birth certicates (including those who are not joining you in Australia) or marriage certicate If any dependent child included in the application is adopted, you must provide certied copies of the adoption papers. Applicants will also need to provide certied copies of documents to verify custody and access arrangements for children under 18 years of age. This will not be required if either parents or legal custodians are included in the application.

10. Is English Language proficiency a requirement for this scholarship? Yes, AusAID will not award a Scholarship unless the applicant has reached, or can reach, the minimum standard of English language required for their chosen course, as determined by their university of choice. English language requirements vary from university to university thus it is important that candidates are aware of the language requirements of their institution. Non-English speaking Caribbean applicants are required to provide current (no older than 6 months) results of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These results must be uploaded to your online application. If an individuals BA or MSc. was completed in a language other than English (e.g. including but not limited to French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch) the applicant will also be required to do an IELTS or TOEFL test. 11. Where can I find more information about Australia in general? Additional information on living in Australia is available at: www.immi.gov.au (the website of the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship see also the Beginning a Life in Australia booklets) www.abs.gov.au (Australian Bureau of Statistics) www.gov.au www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

More information on visa requirements can be found at www.immi.gov.au, send email enquiries to www.immi.gov.au/contracts/forms/americas or call Tel: 1 613 216 7603. 9. Can I get an extension on my visa if I want to continue studies in Australia after the completion of my scholarship? No, visa extensions will not be granted. The Australia Awards scholarships are development focused and individuals must return to the region for 2 years as stipulated in the contract. Candidates must also be willing to comply with the regulations set forth by their home government for citizens accessing international scholarships.

Caribbean: Australia Awards Information Pack

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Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Australian High Commission P.O. Box 4640, St. James Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies Further information is available at: Phone: +1 868 822 5450/ 5482 Fax: +1 868 822 5490 Email: caribbeanscholarships@ausaid.gov.au Website: www.trinidadandtobago.embassy.gov.au

www.australiaawards.gov.au