Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarship

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships are provided by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) with the aim of developing leadership and linkages within the Asia-Pacific region. The Scholarships are offered to high achievers from the region to undertake postgraduate study in Australia and a Leadership Development Program. Study programs must relate to AusAID’s priority areas of disability, economic growth, education, environment, food security, gender, governance, health, human rights, infrastructure, regional stability, rural development and water & sanitation.

ALA Scholarships seek to empower awardees to lead social and economic policy a19nd development in their own countries and in the region. To enhance leadership skills, AusAID has invested A$10.128 million over four years to deliver a comprehensive Leadership Development Program (LDP) to all ALA scholars. The LDP comprises of a three day conference in Canberra, regional workshops, leadership coaching and practice opportunities. The LDP aims to help scholars explore and harness their full leadership potential and enhance their understanding of development challenges at national, regional and global levels. The LDP also provides important networking and collaborative opportunities for participants.

Applications for the commencement of the 2010 academic year will open on 19 March 2009 and will close on 30 June 2009.

Mandatory requirements for ALA Scholarships application*:
1. A record of high-level undergraduate or post-graduate academic achievement;
2. Appropriate results in one of the following English language proficiency tests being achieved for no longer than two years prior to the opening date of the application period ie IELTS with an overall result of at least 6.5 and no individual band less than 6; or the equivalent level of TOEFL - see the AusAID website below for further details;
3. An Unconditional Letter of Offer from an Australian university;
4. Willingness to return to your country for at least two years immediately upon completion of the scholarship to help build capacity there.

*Information provided here is a summary, please refer to the ALA Scholarships Handbook for full details.

Information sessions will be held in the following cities:

HCMC: 9:30 – 11:00 am on Friday 17 April 2009
International Hall
SEAMEO RETRAC
35 Le Thanh Ton, Dist 1, HCMC

Hanoi: 9:30 – 11:00 am on Friday 24 April 2009
Ballroom
Press Club
59 A Ly Thai To, Hanoi

For detailed information on ALA Scholarships please visit : http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/default.cfm or contact:

Ms Nguyen Thi Lan Phuong
Senior Program Manager
Tel: (84-4) 3 831 7755 Ext 230
Email: phuong.nguyen@dfat.gov.au