Eastern Indonesia Blog

Applications for the 2009 ALA intake open on 01 April 2008 and close 30 June
2008. The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships are a component of a
regional program that aims to develop leadership and build partnerships and
linkages within the Asia-Pacific. http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/ala.cfm

They are intended for those who are already leaders or have the potential to
assume leadership roles that can influence social and economic policy reform
and development outcomes, both in their own countries and in the
Asia-Pacific region. The ALA program comprises of Scholarships and
Fellowships.

ALA Scholarships are academically elite awards offered to high achievers
from the Asia-Pacific region each year to undertake postgraduate study
(Masters or Doctorate) and a Leadership Development Program in Australia.

Selection for ALA Scholarships is highly competitive, based on leadership
qualities and on academic excellence.

ALA Scholarships are an investment in the future of the Asia-Pacific region.
In this regard, ALA scholars are required to return to their home country or
the region for two years after they have completed their studies.

In future years, ALA scholars will belong to a unique group - the Australian
Scholarships Alumni Network (ASAN) - that will maintain strong and enduring
links to Australia. Managed by AusAID as part of Australia’s overseas aid
program, ALA Scholarships are open only to citizens of countries in the
Asia-Pacific region with which Australia has a significant aid program.

Objectives of ALA Scholarships
ALA Scholarships aim to:

  a.. develop a cadre of leaders advancing regional reform, development and
governance
  b.. increase exchange of knowledge and information within the region
  c.. build common purpose and understanding between Australia and the
region
  d.. build capacity to address priority regional issues
  e.. build effective networks between Australia and the region
  f.. demonstrate the benefits of Australian education through the provision
of high quality education.
Leadership Development Program (LDP)
Through the enhancement of leadership skills, ALA Scholarships seek to
empower awardees to participate in social and economic policy and
development outcomes in their own countries and in the region. Current and
future leaders in the Asia-Pacific region are provided a unique opportunity
to explore and harness their leadership potential.

AusAID has invested A$10.128 million over a four year period to deliver a
comprehensive Leadership Development Program (LDP) to all ALA scholars.

The LDP comprises a three day conference in Canberra, regional workshops and
leadership coaching and practice opportunities. The LDP increases skills in
leadership and enhances participantsâ?T understanding of the challenges at
national, regional and global levels. LDP aims to help scholars realise
their full leadership potential and provides important networking and
collaborative opportunities for ALA scholars.

The LDP component of the ALA Scholarship is a valuable opportunity that is
not offered through any other scholarship program in the Asia-Pacific
region.

Fields of study
Awards are open to all fields of study, however, study programs that relate
to the priority themes of international trade, pandemics, security and
climate change (including clean energy) are encouraged. Scholarships are not
available for military training, or training in areas related to nuclear
technology and flying aircraft.

Levels of study
An ALA Scholarship enables candidates to undertake studies leading to a
Masters or Doctorate degree in Australia. It does not include Graduate
Diplomas, with the exception of those Masters courses that require the
completion of a Graduate Diploma as part of the Masters degree.

Who should apply
Outstanding applicants with:

  a.. a very high level of academic achievement at undergraduate and/or
postgraduate level
  b.. a high level of English language proficiency
  c.. demonstrated leadership potential and good prospects to influence
social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in their home
country and in the Asia-Pacific region
  d.. a commitment to participate ASAN on their return home.
Links to specific eligibility requirements are found below.

Applicants seeking to migrate to Australia should NOT apply.

Scholarship benefits
An ALA Masters Scholarship, taken over two years can be valued up to
A$150,000.
An ALA Doctorate Scholarship, taken over four years can be valued up to
A$300,000.

The amounts above include the following benefits and support:

  a.. A Leadership Development Program worth approximately $17,000
  b.. Introductory Academic Program (IAP): approximately $2,000
  c.. Tuition fees for your approved course of study
  d.. Return air travel to and from Australia
  e.. Costs associated with health checks and visa applications prior to
departure for Australia
  f.. Establishment allowance on arrival: $5,000
  g.. Contribution to living expenses: $26,009 per year (commencing July 1,
2008)
  h.. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award
(for award holder only)
  i.. A study enrichment allowance (SEA) to contribute towards field
research, academic support, conference participation or the award holderâ?Ts
reunion travel costs: $2,000 per year (accumulative)
http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/ala.cfm