In the open, friendly and enthusiastic air, Mr Dao Tran Phong, Human Resource Development Manager and representatives of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has introduced and presented the mode treatment as well as favorable policy for the candidate to receive the Australian Government scholarship to study the Master or PhD program at any University of Australia today. Also staffs, faculties and students of the PPA have the opportunity to exchange, capture and share useful information related to the selection process of the Council for assessment different types of scholarships.

Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are the long-term Australia Awards administered by the AusAID. AAS is a key component of Australia’s bilateral aid program for Vietnam and have been awarded each year to meet Vietnam’s priority human resource and development needs and improve linkages between Australia and Vietnam.

Since 1974 some 4,000 Vietnamese students have studied in Australian schools basing on Australian Government scholarships. Each year up to 250 Australia Awards consisting of Australia Awards Scholarships are available to Vietnamese for post-graduate studies in Australia. For more information on the Australia Awards see http://www.australiaawards.gov.au.  Australia Awards Scholarships awards target priority human resource and development needs of Vietnam.

Up to 200 outstanding Australia Awards Scholarship recipients across the globe will be offered a place in the Leadership Program in addition to their scholarship. The Leadership Program will bring awardees together in Australia for leadership training, development discussions and the chance to build valuable networks.  On-line applications for the Australia Awards Scholarships in the year of 2013 and 2014 intake opens on 1st February 2013 and closes on 31st March 2013. Men and women, especially ethnic minorities, from provincial and rural areas who meet eligibility and selection criteria are strongly encouraged to apply. Disadvantaged applicants, persons with disability and persons from designated poor areas, are given special consideration.

The Australia Awards Scholarships are administered on behalf of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) by the Australian Scholarships for Development in Vietnam (ASDiV) Office. The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) is the partner organization representing the Government of Vietnam in the AusAID's Australia Awards program.

What are the scholarship entitlements and benefits?

1. Scholarship Entitlements

Your scholarship will cover tuition fees, living expenses, return air travel, an establishment allowance, health insurance, an introductory academic program, supplementary academic support and pre-course English if required. For further details of entitlements visit http://www.ausaid.gov.au/australia-awards/Pages/studyin.aspx

2. Additional Leadership Training for Recipient of Australia Awards Scholarships

Up to 200 outstanding Australia Awards Scholarship recipients across the globe will be offered a place in the Leadership Program in addition to their scholarship. There is no separate application process. The Leadership Program will bring awardees together in Australia for leadership training, development discussions and the chance to build valuable networks.

3. Rapid Mobilizations Process

You can commence study in Australia as early as first Semester 2014 depending on your English language level and course availability.

4. Scholarship Support Services

Additional support is provided to help awardees to make the various administrative processes easier.

• University Information Day

A University Information Day will be held on 26 July 2013 (in HCM City) and on 28 July 2013 (in Hanoi) for AAS conditional awardees. Representatives from most Australian universities will be present to answer questions and provide information on available courses.

• English Language Training

Awardees can receive up to 12 months full-time English language training, if required, at RMIT International University Vietnam, HCM City and Hanoi.

• Course Advice

Advice is provided by an Australian and a Vietnamese Academic Adviser on how to select courses and how to find a supervisor and develop a research proposal for PhD and Masters by Research applicants). These Advisers are available for consultations at info@asdiv.edu.vn. The International Academic Adviser has also developed an online Course with reference material on Research Design and Methods for PhD and Masters by Research scholarship awardees.

• Visa Requirements

Awardees will receive visa information and support to guide them through the visa process including the required medical checks and character checks.

• Travel Arrangements

Awardees will receive assistance with international travel arrangements including airport arrival services and temporary accommodation on arrival in Australia.

• Support for Persons with Disability

Attention will be paid to the specific needs of applicants with disability. Support services are available at universities to awardees with disability.

5. Support on Return to Vietnam

After graduation you will receive support in reintegrating into the workplace and in strengthening your professional skills and networks through the 4000-strong Vietnamese AusAID's Australia Awards Alumni Network.

Luong Thanh Hai