Journal Scholarships: Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships

AusAID wishes to advise that the ALA Scholarship round for the 2010 academic year has now closed. We are currently reviewing all submissions and will notify all applicants of the results by the end of October 2009.

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) program aims to develop leadership, build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific, and address priority regional issues. The ALA program is comprised of Scholarships and Fellowships. Awardees are selected from the public, private and community sectors within countries where Australia has a significant aid program.

ALA Scholarships are offered to high achievers from the Asia-Pacific region to undertake postgraduate study (Masters or Doctorate) at an Australian university. Study programs must relate to AusAID’s priority areas of disability, economic growth, education, environment, food security, gender, governance, health, human rights, infrastructure, regional stability, rural development and water & sanitation. Scholars also undertake an extensive Leadership Development Program while 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.

Goal of the ALA Scholarship Program

The goal of the ALA Scholarships program closely reflects the objective of AusAID awards. That is, through the provision of award opportunities, AusAID Awards seek to develop capacity of individuals and their workplaces to contribute to

long-term development, stability and security of Australia’s partner countries
establishment and maintenance of mutually beneficial linkages between partner countries and Australia, as well as within regional networks

Objectives of the ALA Scholarship Program

By providing ALA Scholarship awardees with opportunities to develop selected leadership skills1 and establish professional networks, the program intends to address the following objectives.

Positive contributions by ALA Scholarship alumni to policies, practices and research relevant to respective country program objectives2, which are relatively greater than the contributions of other AusAID scholarship alumni.
Participation in professional networking opportunities by ALA Scholarship alumni at the local, regional and global level, relevant to respective country program objectives, which is relatively greater than the level of professional networking of other AusAID scholarship alumni.

Leadership Development Program (LDP)

"REALISING THE LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL OF EACH SCHOLAR"

Through the enhancement of leadership skills, ALA Scholarships seek to empower awardees to lead 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 with a unique opportunity to explore and harness their leadership potential.

AusAID has invested A$10.128 million over four years 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 practical opportunities. The LDP increases skills in leadership and enhances participants’ understanding of the challenges at national, regional and global levels. The LDP aims to help scholars realise their full leadership potential and provides important networking and collaborative opportunities.