Apply for John Allwright Fellowship Program

The fellowship is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program available to scientists and economists currently or recently involved in ACIAR research projects in partner countries.

ACIAR provides JAF fellows with additional pastoral care and development opportunities to strengthen the diverse and transferrable skills of participants during their scholarship to help bridge the gap between study and the next stages of their careers.

Focus Areas 

• The JAF program is allocating places specifically for research dedicated to addressing climate change, climate adaptation or strengthening resilience to climate change impacts.
• All applicants are encouraged to consider how a changing climate will affect the proposed research and action plans.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees
• Return air travel: payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route
• Establishment allowance: a once only payment as a contribution towards accommodation expenses, textbooks, study materials
• Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE): a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by the department.
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP): a compulsory program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on living and studying in Australia
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only): provided to cover the scholar’s basic medical costs (with the exception of pre-existing conditions)
• Pre-course English (PCE) fees: if deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training
• Supplementary academic support may be available to ensure a scholar’s academic success or enhance their academic experience
• Fieldwork may be available for eligible research students for one return economy class airfare via the most direct route to their country of citizenship or within Australia.
• Other benefits under the JAF Program:
  • Completing a Masters by Research or PhD is a significant undertaking. To ensure that their fellows have the best possible experience studying in Australia, ACIAR offers additional scholarship support through the following activities:
  • JAF Support Facility (JSF): The JSF provides tailored support to JAFs throughout their scholarship journey, such as additional pastoral care and facilitating networking events. This is a free service delivered in partnership with the University of New England (UNE).
  • Alumni: On completion of scholarship, JAFs will automatically become part of the ACIAR Alumni cohort. ACIAR facilitates continued networking and learning opportunities, drawing on the expertise in the alumni to inform research for development projects.
  • Australia Awards: As a JAF scholar you will receive the same entitlement benefits as an Australia Awards recipient as well as be involved in any networking or alumni events.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must not be a citizen of Australia, hold permanent residency in Australia or be applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently
• You must be a citizen of the country in which you are working
• You are endorsed by your current employer, ACIAR Project Leaders (Commissioned Organisations and Country Collaborators) and your primary supervisor
• You are currently employed on a permanent or long-term contract basis
• You are a scientist or economist who is actively involved in an ACIAR research project or small research activity within the last 24 months. ACIAR may consider supporting researchers from “advanced pipeline” projects
• Your Research Proposal addresses the gender equity and social inclusion, climate change and project contribution to the development priority of your country
• You hold qualifications, equivalent to at least an Australian Bachelor degree, in a discipline that is relevant to the proposed area of postgraduate study
• You have recently undertaken an English language testing program, i.e. IELTs, TOEFL, PTE or are prepared to take the test on receipt of application outcome.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Masters by coursework is not eligible under this scholarship.

Application Requirements

• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate)
• An identity document (passport must have an expiry date of more than 6 months from the application date)
• Certified copies of degree certificates
• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• Research proposal
• Employer endorsement letter
• Australian Project Leader referee report
• Collaborating Country Project Leader referee report
• Primary supervisor endorsement letter (this can be a formal letter or copy of email correspondence).
• Additional documents:
  • Current curriculum vitae (CV)
  • English language details (if applicable, IELTs/ TOEFL/PTE official report)
  • Statement from university that English is the language of instruction
  • List of publications (if applicable)
  • Any other relevant documents in support of your application.

For more information, visit ACIAR.