[Master and PhD Degree] Australia Awards Scholarships John Allwright Fellowship 2020, Australia (Fully Funded)

The Australia Awards John Allwright Fellowship is a scholarship offered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and co-funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. John Allwright Fellowships are awarded to partner-country scientists involved in ACIAR- supported collaborative research projects to undertake postgraduate training at Australian universities.

The primary aim of the John Allwright Fellowship is to enhance research capacity in ACIAR’s partner country institutions. Whilst individual awardees will benefit from the Scheme, it is important to note that partner country institutions are the key targets.

The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards Scholarships develop skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to the development outcomes of their own country.

Benefit:

The Awards 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 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 the department. From 1 January 2013, CLE payable to Scholars studying under an Australia Awards John Allwright Fellowship is A$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) fees—if 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 up to two return economy class airfares for a Masters student or up to three for a PhD student, via the most direct route to their country of citizenship.
• - Entry into ACIAR’s John llwright Fellowship Executive Leadership Program – a 15 month complementary studies program 

Eligibility criteria
Although applications are welcome from participants in both bilateral and multilateral (IARC) projects, applicants must be working with ACIAR projects in a current partner developing country.
Applicants must be citizens of the country in which they are working.
To be eligible for selection, a candidate must:

• at the time of applying, hold qualifications that would be assessed to be equivalent to at least an Australian bachelor’s degree in a discipline that is relevant to the proposed area of postgraduate study;
• be a scientist or economist from the developing country partner, who is actively involved in a research project supported by ACIAR at the time of application (in some cases, ACIAR will consider supporting researchers from “advanced pipeline” projects, i.e. in cases where a full project proposal has been approved by ACIAR);
• be jointly supported in the application by the Australian and partner country Project Leaders;
• obtain approval from the employing institution who must agree to the absence of the candidate should he/she receive a scholarship for the period involved in obtaining the postgraduate qualification; and
• demonstrate that he/she is employed on a permanent rather than short-term contract basis.

Within the Fellowship Scheme, ACIAR strives to meet the Australian government policy on gender equity, and reflect ACIAR’s training policies and strategies. 

How to apply:
There is one call for nominations per year. Candidates must submit their applications online by 30  April.
All Applications MUST be submitted Online via the OASIS portal (http://oasis.dfat.gov.au) It is important that project leaders check the eligibility of proposed candidates before application. Any queries may be directed to the appropriate Research Program Manager or the Manager, Capacity Building (Geoffrey.okeefe@aciar.gov.au)

Applying online
Go to the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) at http://oasis.dfat.gov.au. The first step is to register in OASIS as this will enable you to logon, create and complete an application. For instructions on how to register and create an application in OASIS please see the OASIS Applicant User guide <http://aciar.gov.au/content/australia-awards-john-allwright-eligibility-and-online-user-guide>.

Supporting documentation:
The following supporting documents are mandatory and must be provided with your application:

• Employer approval letter
• Research proposal (for research students)
• Certified copies of degree certificates
• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate)
• Identity document (passport)
• Referee report from collaborating country project leader

In addition, you may provide documents that might assist the application:

• Certified copy of evidence of prizes and awards. Where they are not in English, please provide an English translation
• IELTS or TOEFL results
• Statement of university that English is the language of instruction
• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Any other relevant documents in support of your application.

*A certified copy is a statement that the document is a true copy, signed by a Commissioner of Oaths, Public Notary or other formally recognised authority. If you are unsure about who is the appropriate person to certify your documents, you should contact a DFAT scholarships officer or ACIAR Country Manager at the Australian Diplomatic Mission for your country of citizenship.

Referee Reports
The referee report from collaborating country project leader in the supporting documentation should address the following:

• 1. Describe the role of the applicant in the ACIAR project. When did the applicant start working on the project and what percentage of their time is spent on the project?
• 2. Provide an explanation of the object of the training course being requested, together with an indication of how the skills of the applicant will be used and be of advantage to the future needs of the partner country.
• 3. Provide a clear evaluation of the ability of the applicant to undertake postgraduate research/studies in Australia. How does his/her research/academic skills and potential compare with other scientists of the same age in his/her discipline? For example, would they be in the top 5, 10, 20 or 50%?
• 4. Has the applicant done any research before? If so, comment on his/her performance.
• 5. Provide an overall impression of the candidate and their ability to enhance the research capacity of the partner country institution on their return from studies.

Please note, following your application ACIAR will seek an independent referee report from the  Commissioned Organisation project leader, which will be included in the assessment process.

Deadline:
30 June 2020

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