Australia Awards Scholarships

The Australia Awards are prominent international scholarships supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They seek to inspire leadership, establish long-term people-to-people relationships, and contribute to the development requirements of Australia's partner countries, including Pakistan. These scholarships are primarily designed for Pakistani residents to pursue Master's degrees in subjects that coincide with Pakistan's sustainable development goals.
The initiative focuses on women's and girls' empowerment, water security, agriculture, energy, inclusive economic development, climate change mitigation, and governance. Recipients are expected to return to Pakistan after finishing their studies and use their newly acquired knowledge and abilities to effect positive change in their native country.

Programs Offered

Australia Awards Scholarships for Pakistani citizens mainly cover Master's degrees in areas important for Pakistan's growth. The focus can change, but some consistent fields include:

• Key Development Areas: Climate Change, Gender Equality, Water Security, Agriculture, Governance, and Economic Growth.
• Specialized Fields: Natural Resource Management, Social Sciences, Business, Education, Health, Law, and IT.

Applicants should pick a program that fits these fields and explain how it will help Pakistan when they come back.

Benefits

The Australia Awards Scholarships fully fund students so they can focus on their studies and personal growth without worrying about money. Here’s what you get:

• Full tuition fees: The total cost of your Master's degree at a participating Australian university.
• Return flight travel: A single return economy class ticket to and from Australia using the most direct route.
• Establishment allowance: A one-time payment to cover initial living expenses, textbooks, and study supplies upon arrival.
• Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE): A fortnightly stipend for basic living expenses.
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP): A mandatory program that prepares students for formal academic courses by introducing them to Australian life and study.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides health insurance for the term of the scholarship.
• Pre-course English (PCE) fees: If judged required, assistance with English language instruction in-country and/or in Australia may be provided.
• Supplemental academic support: Assistance in ensuring a scholar's academic achievement or improving their educational experience.
• Fieldwork allowance: For qualifying research students or Master's by coursework students with a mandatory fieldwork component, a return economy class flight to their home country or inside Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

Pakistani citizens must meet certain requirements to be eligible for an Australia Awards Scholarship, general requirements include:

• Citizenship and Residency: Applicant must be a Pakistani citizen who has lived in Pakistan for at least 24 months before applying for the scholarship.
• Age Limit: Applicants should not be over 45 years old at the time of application submission.
• Academic Qualification: Have finished 16 years of schooling (Bachelor's degree).
• Work Experience: Have at least five years of relevant experience in Pakistan. (Internships and household occupations do not normally count as work experience).
• English Language Proficiency: Meet the requisite English language proficiency criteria by submitting valid test results as of January 1st of the beginning year. The minimum prerequisites are usually:
  • IELTS (Academic): Overall score of at least 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
  • TOEFL internet-based test (iBT): A score of at least 84, with a minimum of 21 on all subtests.
  • PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with no communicative skill score below 50.
  • Note: People with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria may be considered with an IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.0, but must attain the standard score if chosen.
• Visa & Residency Status: Not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently. Not be married or engaged to someone who has or is eligible for Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
• Previous Scholarships: Have not held another Australia Awards Scholarship or received a foreign scholarship during the last two years (measured from the date of return to Pakistan to the application deadline).
• New Course of Study: You must apply to begin a new course of study and not seek support for a course that has already begun in Australia.
• Commitment to Return: Be able to commit to returning to Pakistan after completing their studies for at least two years.

How to Apply

Applying for an Australia Awards Scholarship requires a detailed process:

• Check Eligibility: Please confirm your eligibility on the Australia Awards Pakistan website.
• Review Documents: For more information, see the "Scholarships Policy Handbook" and the "Pakistan Country Profile".
• Prepare documents: Collect all relevant documents, including degrees, transcripts, English test scores, a CV, referee reports, a Development Impact and Linkages Plan (DILP), and, for the public sector, a NOC. In addition, research applicants must submit a proposal and obtain supervisor approval.
• Apply online (OASIS): Register and submit your application via the OASIS site well before the April 30 deadline. (Applications are open annually on February 1st).
• Selection Process: Eligible candidates are evaluated based on their merit and potential; shortlisted applicants will be called to interviews. Only the successful candidates are notified.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for a PhD through Australia Awards Scholarships? 

If you're from Pakistan, Australia Awards Scholarships mainly cover Master's degrees. PhD scholarships aren’t usually available through this program for you.

2. Do I need to apply for university admission separately? 

Nope. You just need to pick your preferred schools on the Application Form. If you get the scholarship, DFAT will handle the admission for you.

3. Is work experience mandatory? 

Yes, you need at least five years of relevant work experience. Internships or house jobs don’t count for this.

4. Can I submit my English language test results after the application deadline? 

No. Your English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic) must be valid and sent with your application by the deadline.

5. What if I get a provisional degree before the application deadline? 

Provisional degrees are usually not accepted. DFAT wants final transcripts and degrees from recognized institutions.

6. What are the obligations after completing the scholarship? 

If you receive the scholarship, you need to go back to Pakistan for at least two years after your studies. If you don’t, you’ll have to pay back the scholarship costs.

7. Can I defer my scholarship if selected? 

Generally, deferrals aren’t allowed. But in special cases (like pregnancy or visa delays), DFAT might consider it for up to 6 months, if you provide the right documents.

8. Where can I find more information and help? 

Check out the official Australia Awards Pakistan website (australiaawardspakistan.org). You can also email info@australiaawardspakistan.org if you have questions.