How to Apply
There are two (2) options for submitting an application - online and by mail.
Applications for the 2009 intake open on 01 April 2008 and close on 30 June 2008.
Please be aware that:
- Before submitting an application, you should ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and that you have provided all the required supporting documentation. Ineligible or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- All information provided in support of your application for an ALA Scholarship must be true and correct. AusAID reserves the right to verify the contents of academic transcripts and other claims made by applicants. Applicants found to be submitting false, incorrect or misleading information will be disqualified from the ALA Scholarships program
- Applications sent by fax or email will not be considered
- Only one application per person. If more than one is submitted, the applicant will be considered ineligible
Option 1 Apply online
The preferred application method is online, using the ALA Scholarship online application form which can be accessed at https://oasis.ausaid.gov.au
When you register on this website, you will be required to answer some questions to establish your eligibility. You will then be given a unique ALA Registration Number, Username and Password.
You do not need to submit your application immediately but can update your application form as well as attach and update additional supporting documentation as it becomes available, as long as you submit the completed application by 30 June 2008.
If you prefer, you may submit some of your supporting documentation by mail, as long as your university offer letter and your English language proficiency test are uploaded with your online application (see below).
Option 2: Apply by mail
If you have difficulty gaining access to the internet, you may apply by mail. You should prepare a hard copy application and submit it with all your supporting documentation to the appropriate Australian High Commission, Embassy or the Managing Contractor that has been nominated to review applications from your country of citizenship (see contact list below).
Hard copy application forms can be:
- downloaded from the online application form after you have completed the eligibility screen; or
- obtained from the appropriate Australian High Commission, Embassy or their Managing Contractor if you do not have access to the Internet.
Supporting documentation
Appropriate supporting documentation must accompany all applications. All supporting documentation must be certified true copies. Do not send original documents as these will not be returned to you.
The following two items of documentation are essential to establish your eligibility:
- An unconditional letter of offer for enrolment from an Australian tertiary institution for a Masters or PhD course commencing in 2009; it is recommended that you apply to your preferred institution as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for processing. To facilitate processing by the institution, please include a copy of the AusAID letter of introduction with your application to the institution. The letter can be downloaded from the website.
- English proficiency test results obtained no earlier than two years prior to the date of your ALAS application; please note the minimum scores for eligibility:
- IELTS Academic module test: overall score 6.5 with no individual band score below 6; OR
- TOEFL paper-based test: 580 with TWE 4.5; OR
- TOEFL computer-based test: 237; OR
- TOEFL internet-based test: 92
Failure to submit either of the above documents with your online application will render it invalid.
Other supporting documentation, as follows, may be uploaded and submitted online with your application, or may be mailed in hard copy as one complete set. Applicants who are submitting their application by mail only should include all supporting documentation in the same envelope. Contact addresses for the appropriate Australian High Commission, Embassy or the Managing Contractor that has been nominated to review applications from your country of citizenship can be found below.
Other supporting documentation:
- birth certificate or passport: Certified true copies of your birth certificate or the personal data page from your passport providing official evidence of your full name, date of birth, gender and country of citizenship is required. If the original document is in a language other than English you should also provide an English translation. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
- passport or driver's licence: Certified true copies of your passport or driver's licence as official evidence of proof of your identity. If the original document is in a language other than English you should also provide an English translation. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
- graduation certificate, degree or diploma: Certified true copies of the Graduation Certificate(s), Degree(s) or Diploma(s) of all university-level academic qualifications completed by the applicant (in original language and translated into English). Secondary school certificates are not required. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
- full academic transcripts: Certified true copies of full academic transcript(s), showing grades for all university-level subjects/units attempted by the applicant (in original language and translated into English). Secondary school transcripts are not required. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
- referee reports: Three original referee reports preferably completed in English. If the referee report has been completed in a language other than English a translation of the original reference is required. The referee reports should describe first hand knowledge of the applicant's potential as a leader. Applicants should seek references from an academic or department head familiar with their recent academic performance. Referee reports from applicants' employers or senior colleagues familiar with their professional skills and achievements are also welcomed. Referee reports from family members or spouses are not acceptable.
- awards and prizes: Where relevant, certified true copies of documents providing evidence of awards or prizes should be included in your application. Note that awards or prizes of interest relate to recent (mature age) activities or achievements only. Awards from secondary school or childhood activities or achievements are not required. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
Note on Certified true copies
To certify a document as a true copy, applicants should present the original document and a copy to a Commissioner of Oaths, Public Notary or other formally recognized authority in their home country. This official should sight both documents and certify with a stamp or a signature or both that the copy presented is a true copy of the original document. Note that the cost of any fees charged by notaries for certification of documents must be borne by the applicant.
Applicants submitting an on-line application should scan the certified true copies of their supporting documents (not the originals) and attach them as PDF files with their application, or submit one set of certified true copies of their supporting documentation by mail.
Application requirements
- A complete application consists of:
- One (1) completed application form; and
- One (1) set of supporting documentation (certified true copies, not originals).
- Hard copy applications should be typewritten and signed.
- Ineligible or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Supporting documentation will only be received in one (1) set with the application form.
- Follow up supporting documentation will not be considered.
- Supporting documentation sent by email or fax will not be considered.
- Applications or supporting documentation received after 30 June 2008 will not be considered.
Addresses for submission of applications by mail
Below are the contact details for the appropriate Australian High Commissions, Embassies or their Managing Contractors that have been nominated to review applications.
February 2008
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