Australia Awards aims to promote knowledge, education links and enduring ties between Australia and its neighbours through extensive scholarship programs. The initiative aims to build a new generation of global leaders with strong links to Australia.

Australia Awards is the flagship of the Australian development cooperation program and is an important component of Australia’s investment in education. Scholarships have been an important component of the Australian Government’s efforts to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development since the 1950s. It offers long- and short-term study and professional development opportunities to citizens from developing countries around the globe. It aims to provide enhanced leadership, knowledge and technical skills to partner governments, tertiary institutions and strategic organisations that are driving sustainable development.

The Scholarships aim to achieve the following:

  • Develop capacity and leadership skills so that recipients can contribute to development in their home countries
  • Build people-to-people linkages at the individual, institutional and country levels

In Africa, the Australian Government offers scholarships and fellowships under Australia Awards for African professionals to undertake long-term studies that lead to a postgraduate degree and short-term training that leads to the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. Long-term awards include Australia Awards Scholarships to undertake Masters studies at Australian universities. In addition, opportunities are available for short-term training through Short Courses and Post-Doctoral Fellowships.

More information about Australia Awards can also be viewed here.