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Australia Awards scholarships in Africa

Australia Awards scholarships in Africa

Australia’s international development assistance in Africa is focused on enhancing skills in the areas of agriculture and food security, climate change and adaptation, renewable energy, mining governance and countering terrorism and violent extremism.

Australia Awards scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders in developing countries. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia. 

Applicants are assessed on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their potential to impact on development challenges in eligible countries. Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disabilities and other marginalized groups.

Priority fields of study The priority areas of study for eligible African countries in this application round are: 

  • Climate change 
  • Agriculture and food security 
  • Mining and energy 
  • Foreign policy and international security

Level of study Australia Awards scholarships provide citizens of eligible African countries with the opportunity to obtain a Masters degree at an Australian tertiary institution. Awards will be offered for commencement in 2024.
Australia Awards benefits Australia Awards scholarships are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian education institution, including any preparatory training. Scholarship recipients will receive the following:

  • a one-off establishment allowance on arrival 
  • full tuition fees 
  • contribution to living expenses 
  • introductory academic program 
  • overseas student health cover for the duration of the scholarship
  • supplementary academic support, 
  • fieldwork allowance for research students and masters by coursework which has a compulsory fieldwork component.

Eligibility criteria Australia Awards applicants must meet all eligibility requirements detailed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook, available at: dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Pages/australia-awards-scholarships-policy-handbook.aspx Country-specific conditions

In addition to the eligibility requirements, candidates from Africa must also meet the following conditions:

  • Be a citizen of Algeria, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe. • Already hold an undergraduate degree. 
  • An English language proficiency of at least 6.5 in IELTS with no band less than 6.0 (or 575 in paper based TOEFL or 90 in internet based TOEFL or 61 in PTE Academic). Scores must be valid on 1 January 2024. No other English language test (including TOEFL prediction test) results will be accepted. IELTS testing result is not a requirement for applicants if: 
  • English was the language of instruction for your undergraduate degree, or 
  • you studied in Australia within the last two-years, or 
  • you completed over five years of study in one of the following English-speaking countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland 
  • Answer all relevant questions on the application form. Application dates For study commencing in Australia in 2024: Opening date: 1 February 2023 Closing date: 1 May 2023 (11:59PM AEST) Applications and/or supporting documents received after the closing date will not be considered. The application process Online applications All applications must be lodged online through OASIS. Supporting documents Applicants must submit all the relevant supporting documents listed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook. 

Australia Awards scholarships information for study commencing in 2024 The selection process 

  • Applications will be shortlisted after eligibility checking. 
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted 
  • The selection process includes an interview. Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria: 
  • academic competence 
  • potential outcome, specifically the contribution to development outcomes in eligible countries of Africa 
  • professional and personal leadership attributes including relevant work experience. 
  • Successful candidates will be notified in late 2023. 
  • Awardee travel will be subject to meeting the requirements imposed by the Australian Government, as determined by the federal Department of Education and by the relevant Australian State or Territory governments. Preparatory training Successful applicants will be required to attend: 
  • course counseling 
  • pre-departure briefing 
  • university’s Introductory Academic Program 
  • other required preparatory study on arrival in Australia. Further information More general information about the Australia Awards, Australia’s aid program, and studying in Australia can be found at the following links: 

Dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/pages/australia-awards-scholarships

  • studyinaustralia.gov.au Information about visas and Australia Awards scholarship entitlements and conditions can be found in the Scholarships Policy Handbook:dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Pages/australia-awards-scholarships-policy-handbook.aspx Contact details Australia Awards Africa Email: enquiries.canberra@australiaawards.org