AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR FILIPINO LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith today announced the opening of applications for the 2012 Australia Award scholarships. At least 120 post-graduate scholarships will be provided to high-achieving Filipinos to study in leading Australian universities in 2012.
"The Australia Awards aim to promote knowledge exchanges, education links and enduring ties between Australia and its neighbours through Australia’s extensive scholarship programs,” Ambassador Smith said.
“Australian Government scholarships provide a valuable opportunity for current and future Filipino leaders to further their education, enhance leadership skills, and build their professional and personal networks. We encourage women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, people from rural areas, and members of socio-economically disadvantaged groups to apply.”
The Australia Awards include two streams: Development Awards and Endeavour Awards.
Development Awards include the Australian Development Scholarships and the Australian Leadership Awards administered by AusAID. These awards aim to develop capacity and leadership skills so that individuals can contribute to development in their home country. In the Philippines, the Development Awards are part of the Australia-Philippines development cooperation program and are targeted at priority development needs in basic education, social protection/welfare, peace and development, public financial management, disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, organisational development, trade, foreign relations, and pandemics. The Australian Leadership Award Scholarships are offered to candidates with potential to assume leadership roles in their respective sectors. Applications are open until 31 May 2011.
The Endeavour Awards are Australia’s internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program, providing opportunities for citizens of the Philippines to undertake post-graduate study and research and professional development activities in any academic field in Australia. Applications are open until 30 June 2011.
“The Australian Government’s substantial investment in scholarships for Filipinos reflects Australia’s commitment to making a lasting contribution to Philippine development through education, a key area of strength and excellence for Australia”, Ambassador Smith said. Australia boasts cutting edge capabilities in the education sector and is home to eight of the world’s 100 top universities.
Australia Awards cover travel, study and living expenses for study at Australia’s world-class universities. Awardees will also join the 1000-strong member Philippines-Australia Alumni Association. For detailed information and application procedures, visit www.pahrodf.org.ph for Development Awards and http://www.deewr.gov.au/International/EndeavourAwards for the Endeavour Awards.