About Australian Development Scholarships
Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) are long term development awards administered by AusAID. ADS aim to contribute to the long term development needs of Australia's partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements. They provide opportunities for people from developing countries to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.The study and research opportunities provided by ADS develop skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to the development outcomes of their own country.
Awards 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 January 2013, CLE payable to Scholars studying under an ADS 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 one return economy class airfare via the most direct route to their country of citizenship or within Australia.
Award conditions
Applicants who want to accept an AusAID Scholarship will need to sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia declaring that they will comply with the conditions of the Scholarship.Awardees are required to leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing their Scholarship. Failure to do so will result in the awardee incurring a debt for the total accrued cost of their Scholarship.
How to apply for an Australian Development Scholarship
Before you apply
- Check the open and close dates for your country, and select your country of citizenship/residency from the list of participating countries for specific information on eligibility, priority areas and how to apply. See the Participating country page for opening and closing dates.
- If you intend to apply, you must read the Scholarships handbook. The handbook provides information including general eligibility requirements, selection processes, entitlements and awardee responsibilities. Note that AusAID may revise and update the handbook at any time without notice.
- Some countries encourage and allow you to apply online (only open until 30 April 2013) while others require hard-copy applications. See Participating country page for more information.
- Once you have checked the opening and closing dates for your country, and have referred to the Participating Country Profile to see which method of application they will accept, see the below options on how to apply.
How to apply
Applying online
Go to the Online Australian Scholarships Information System (OASIS) website. When you register online, you will be required to answer some questions to establish your eligibility. You will then be given a unique registration number, username and password.Deadline
You do not need to submit your application immediately. You can update your draft application form and supporting documentation until 30 April 2013, (or an earlier date specified on the relevant participating country profile). Once submitted, your application cannot be changed.
Refer to the Applicant's Online User Manual if you need help: OASIS Applicant User Guide.
Applying by mail
If you are unable to submit your application online, you can apply by mail. Please check your participating country profile for contact details to obtain a hardcopy application form and any other templates such as referee reports (if applicable).Completed hard copy application forms and supporting documentation must be submitted by the deadline specified by your country. See the opening and closing dates for each country.
Supporting documentation
Check your participating country profile to see if your country requires additional supporting documents, such as referee reports (template below).Referee report template [PDF 118kb]
Referee report template [Word 163kb]
Verified true copies
To verify a document as a true copy, you should present the original document and the copy to a Commissioner of Oaths, Public Notary or other formally recognised authority in your home country. This official should sight both documents and verify with a stamp and/or a signature that the copy is a true copy of the original document. You will have to pay any fees charged by officials for verifying documents.If you are submitting an online application, you should scan the verified true copies of your supporting documents (not the originals) and attach them as PDF files with your application.