Apply for Australia Awards Scholarship Program in Samoa

Australia Awards scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders in developing countries. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.

Applicants are assessed on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their potential to impact on development challenges in eligible countries. Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability and other marginalised groups.

Focus Areas

• The priority areas of study for eligible Samoan applicants in this intake are:
  • Health Sector (particularly in ENT, Medical Imaging, Anaesthesia)
  • Paramedicine
  • Education (particularly in Literacy & Numeracy Curriculum Development)
  • Community Sector (Counselling)
  • Finance Sector (Forensic Auditing, Procurement)
  • Land Surveying
  • Veterinary Science
  • Software Development
  • Sports Management
  • Paralegal studies
  • Environmental Safeguarding
  • Maritime and Aviation

Benefits

• Australia Awards scholarships are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian or regional education institution, including any preparatory training.
• Scholarship recipients will receive the following:
  • return air travel
  • a one-off establishment allowance on arrival
  • full tuition fees
  • contribution to living expenses
  • introductory academic program
  • overseas student health cover for the duration of the scholarship
  • supplementary academic support
  • fieldwork allowance for research students and Master’s by coursework which has a compulsory fieldwork component.

Level of Study

• Awards will be offered for commencement in the following categories:
  • Foundation category AAS and AAPS (Undergraduate studies only)
  • Open category AAS and AAPS (Undergraduate and Master’s level studies at an Australian or regional institution)
  • Local category AAPS (studies at USP Alafua only)
  • Australia Online Study Scholarships (AOSS for online postgraduate studies only).

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates from Samoa must also meet the following conditions:
  • Applicant must be seeking a new course of study and not seeking support for a course already commenced.
  • Must be residing in Samoa and have resided in Samoa for a minimum of 2 consecutive years at the time of application.
  • Must sign a Government of Samoa scholarship bond prior to departure for study overseas.
  • Must have a valid email address to receive notifications on the status of their application.
  • Open Category only- Must be currently employed in Samoa and have worked in Samoa for a minimum of 2 years.
  • Foundation Category only- Must have completed the Foundation Year at the National University of Samoa.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Samoan citizens holding citizenship of any other developed country (e.g. Australia, NZ, USA and including American Samoa) are ineligible to apply.

Selection Criteria

• Applications will be shortlisted after eligibility checking, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection process includes an interview. Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:
  • Academic competence.
  • Potential outcome, specifically the contribution to development outcomes in Samoa.
  • Professional and personal leadership attributes including relevant work experience.

For more information, visit Australian Government.