Frequently Asked Questions

What can I study?

An ALA Scholarship enables candidates to undertake studies leading to a Masters or Doctorate degree in Australia. It does not include Graduate Diplomas, with the exception of those Masters courses that require the completion of a Graduate Diploma as part of the Masters degree.

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 are not available for military training, or training in areas related to nuclear technology and flying aircrafts.

Can I apply if I'm still an undergraduate?

To be eligible for an ALA Scholarship, you must already have completed a Bachelor degree and have obtained an offer of admission to a postgraduate course in an Australian higher education institution, therefore undergraduates are not eligible.

Can I apply for both an ALA Scholarship and an Endeavour scholarship?

An applicant is eligible to apply for other scholarships, even if they have applied for an ALA Scholarship. However, award holders are not permitted to hold any other Australian Government sponsored scholarship for the duration of the ALA Scholarship. For example, though an applicant may apply for both the ALA Scholarships and an Endeavour scholarship they may only accept one.

Can I apply if I'm an intending migrant or have permanent residency?

AusAID scholarships are not available to intending migrants or those who have Australian Permanent Residence. They are intended for people who will return to their home countries in the Asia-Pacific region on completion of their studies in Australia and contribute to the development of their country. Intending migrants should not apply.

Is it compulsory to have undertaken an IELTS/TOEFL exam?

Yes. All ALA Scholarships applicants must include the results of their English language proficiency test with their application. You must have an overall IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no band below 6, or equivalent. There are no exceptions or exemptions. Test results must be no more than two years old when the ALA Scholarship round opens on 19 March 2009. (ie. Test results dated from 19 March 2007 onwards will be considered).

March 2009