Australia Awards

Development awards have been an important component of the Australian Government’s overseas aid program since the 1950s, supporting its aim to help developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.

The overarching goals of AusAID-funded development awards are:

• achieving country and regional program development outcomes through strengthened individual and institutional skills and knowledge, and by supporting leadership
• supporting Australia’s broader foreign policy agenda through long-term linkages and partnerships.

The awards are implemented through the following programs:

• Australian Development Scholarships (ADS)
• Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships (ALA Scholarships)
• Australian Leadership Awards Fellowships (ALA Fellowships)

ADS, ALA Scholarships and ALA Fellowships provide opportunities for study or work experience in Australia.

Funded by individual country programs, the ADS program is intended to support the aims of the Australian aid program in these partner countries.

ALA Scholarships and Fellowships are funded on a regional basis and, while aligned to country program priorities, also support AusAID’s development agenda within the region by developing leadership and building partnerships and linkages.

Through being exposed to and influenced by Australian education and ideas, and experiencing functioning institutions, AusAID’s awardees have the potential as like-minded individuals to drive forward development and change through leadership and networking.

Importantly, all AusAID scholars are expected to return to their home country or region to contribute to social and economic development.

More Information

General information on award benefits and living in Australia is set out in the Scholarships Overview [PDF 125k]