The Australia Awards Scholarships program is a highly competitive scholarship program that provides opportunities for Bangladeshi students to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies at participating Australian universities. The program aims to develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for students to contribute to the development of their home country.
What is Australia Awards Scholarship?
Australia Awards Scholarships are international scholarships offered by the Australian government to citizens of eligible countries in the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean regions. They provide full tuition fees, living expenses, and overseas student health cover for the duration of the course, as well as travel and establishment allowances. Applications open in April and close in June each year.
Value of Australia Awards
The Australia Awards Scholarships provide numerous benefits to international students, including:
- Full tuition fees: The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of the courses.
- Living expenses: The scholarship also provides a living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and other daily expenses.
- Overseas student health cover: Recipients of the scholarship are provided with health insurance coverage during their stay in Australia.
- Travel and establishment allowances: The scholarship provides travel and establishment allowances to help students settle into their new life in Australia.
- Networking opportunities: The scholarship program provides opportunities for recipients to network with professionals in their field of study, as well as with other scholars from around the world.
- Academic support: Recipients are provided with academic support to help them succeed in their studies.
The Australia Awards Scholarships offer Bangladeshi students the opportunity to gain a world-class education, develop skills for driving economic and social development in Bangladesh, and build strong ties between Australia and Bangladesh. This valuable investment in the future fosters cultural exchange and provides recipients with academic and professional development opportunities.
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarships pay for a variety of costs, such as:
- Tuition Air travel in both directions
- Establishment allowances: a contribution to the cost of books, study supplies, and lodging
- Student Health Insurance Abroad (OSHC)
- Contribution to living expenses: A biweekly payment made at a rate decided by the department toward the cost of basic living.
Also, students will have access to a variety of support services, including, if necessary, academic and language assistance.
Award Scholarship for Different Fields
Here are some scholarships you as an international student from Bangladesh can apply for
Undergraduate Scholarships
The undergraduate scholarships program provides funding for up to four years of full-time undergraduate studies in Australia. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, a living allowance, and health coverage for the recipient.
Postgraduate Scholarships
The postgraduate scholarships program provides funding for up to two years of full-time postgraduate studies in Australia. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, a living allowance, and health coverage for the recipient.
PhD Scholarships
The PhD scholarships program provides funding for up to four years of full-time doctoral studies in Australia. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, a living allowance, and health coverage for the recipient.
Eligibility Requirements for Australia Awards
To be eligible for the Australia Awards Scholarships program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of Bangladesh and not hold dual citizenship of Australia.
- Have a minimum of two years of work experience in a relevant field after completing their undergraduate studies.
- Must not have received a scholarship for a long-term award (18 months or more) from the Australian government in the last five years.
- Meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements of the participating institution.
- Be able to obtain a valid Australian visa.
- Meet any other eligibility requirements specified by the Australian government.
You will get more details in the Australia Awards Policy Handbook.
Australia Awards Scholarship Process
- Check eligibility: Review the eligibility requirements for the scholarship, including academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and professional experience.
- Choose a course of study: Research the available undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs to find one that aligns with your academic and career goals.
- Register online: Create an account on the official Australia Awards website to begin the application process.
- Complete the application form: Fill out the online application form with your personal information, academic qualifications, and professional experience. Write a personal statement explaining your reasons for applying.
- Submit supporting documents: Upload required documents such as academic transcripts, English language test scores, and letters of recommendation.
- Wait for notification: After submitting your application, wait to hear if you have been shortlisted for an interview or further information.
- Accept the scholarship: If offered a scholarship, sign the scholarship contract and accept the offer within the specified timeframe.
- Obtain a visa: Apply for a student visa to study in Australia, following guidance provided by the Australia Awards team.
- Attend pre-departure briefing: Attend a briefing to receive important information about studying and living in Australia.
- Start your studies: Begin your studies at the university of your choice in Australia and take advantage of support services provided by the Australia Awards team and the university.
Application Process
The application process for the Australia Awards Scholarships program generally begins in April and closes in June of each year. The following are the steps involved in the application process:
- Check eligibility: Applicants must check their eligibility for the program before applying.
- Apply online: Applicants must complete and submit an online application form through the Australia Awards website.
- Document submission: Applicants must upload supporting documents, including academic transcripts, work experience certificates, and English language proficiency test scores.
- Shortlisting: Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be shortlisted for an interview.
- Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by a selection panel.
- Notification of results: Applicants will be notified of the results of their application in November.
Opening & Closing Dates
These were the dates for the Australia Awards Scholarship for the study year commencing in 2024.
Opening date: 1 February 2023
Closing date: 1 May 2023
Australia Awards occur once a year. To stay updated about the new dates and for the study commencing in 2024, click here.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Australia Awards Scholarships program is highly competitive and based on the following criteria:
- Academic and professional merit
- Relevance of proposed field of study to the development needs of Bangladesh
- Potential to contribute to the development of Bangladesh
- Leadership qualities
- English language proficiency
Important Details & Conditions
Recipients of the Australia Awards Scholarships program are required to comply with the following conditions:
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout the course of their studies.
- Abide by the laws of Australia and return to Bangladesh upon completion of their studies.
- Participate in any pre-departure training or orientation programs.
- Maintain a valid Australian visa and appropriate health insurance coverage.
- Fulfill any other requirements as specified by the Australian government.
Australia Awards Alumni Network
Recipients of the Australia Awards Scholarships program become part of the Australia Awards Alumni Network, which provides networking opportunities, professional development, and ongoing support for alumni. The network offers opportunities for alumni to connect with other scholars from around the world and participate in leadership and skills development programs.
Endnote
The Australia Awards Scholarships program provides valuable opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Australia and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of their home country. With a highly competitive selection process, applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and submit a strong application to be considered for the scholarship.
