Australia Awards South and West Asia

Two hundred and five emerging leaders from South and West Asia are currently undertaking an Introductory Academic Program to prepare them for their studies at world-renowned Australian Universities through Australia Awards Scholarships.

Each high performing professional will be undertaking postgraduate study to further equip them to contribute to the development of their countries in their specific fields of work.

An Introductory Academic Program is undertaken by all newly-arrived Australia Awards Scholarship recipients, preparing them for study in Australia and helping them meet demands of the formal academic studies they are soon to commence.

Prior to leaving for Australia, the newly awarded scholars also attended Pre-Departure Briefings in their respective countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Pre-Departure Briefing – Maldives for Intake 2018

Through these Briefings, the selected scholars were informed on what to expect in Australia, cultural differences and similarities, and how best to cope with the challenges they may face while living and studying in a different country.

Australia Awards alumni shared their first-hand experiences with the new scholars at the Briefings, to help them understand what challenges may lie ahead – including academic difficulties, culture shock, stress of being away from home and family – while also making most of the experience.

High Commissioners and Ambassadors hosted farewell dinners to bid farewell to the scholars prior to their departure for Australia, and to congratulate them on their achievement.

The Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, HE Julia Niblett, stated in her address, “I am delighted to congratulate 70 new scholars who received an Australia Awards Scholarship to study in Australia in 2018”

Pre-Departure Briefing – Bangladesh for Intake 2018

“These scholarships are offered to the best, the brightest, and the most deserving” she added, “It is something for which you have worked hard and of which you must be very proud.”

The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, HE Bryce Hutchesson, at the farewell dinner in Colombo drew on Australia Award’s commitment to diversity and social inclusion in his address. “In offering Australia Awards, we strive to be inclusive” he said, “We want scholars who reflect Sri Lanka’s diversity because we know that diversity brings new ideas, innovation and a wider outlook.”

Pre-Departure Briefing – Sri-Lanka for Intake 2018

Ms Romaila Hameed from Pakistan, who lives with a disability, is preparing to pursue her Master in Development Studies at the University of Melbourne. “The Australia Awards Scholarship is an amazing opportunity”, she said, “When I return I see myself becoming a leader for marginalised communities by creating smart pressure groups to include their opinion in state affairs.”

Pre-Departure Briefing – Pakistan for Intake 2018

The Pre-Departure Briefing in Bhutan was coupled by a significant event and book launch celebrating the 15-year anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Pre-Departure Briefing – Bhutan for Intake 2018

At Nepal’s Pre-Departure Briefing it was acknowledged that over 850 Australia Awards scholarships and fellowships have been awarded in Nepal since 1960.

Pre-Departure Briefing – Nepal for Intake 2018

Australia Award scholars are provided with thorough support before, during and after their scholarship experience – from Pre Departure Briefings, Introductory Academic Programs, pre-course English language support, on-award engagement activities, fieldwork, supplementary academic programs, return home workshops, and reasonable adjustments for people with a disability.

Australia Awards Scholarships – funded by the Australian Government – offer emerging leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia, enabling them to acquire additional skills and cultivate networks which will help them contribute to development in their home countries.