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Applications for the Australia Awards Scholarships 2021 intake are now open for eligible Solomon Islanders. Applications close on 30 April 2020.
The prestigious Australia Awards provide the opportunity to Solomon Islanders for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at Australian institutions in order to gain skills and knowledge to drive change and influence economic and social development in their home country. The scholarship covers tuition fees and some living expenses.
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan said he encourages all high achieving Solomon Islanders to apply. “Education provides the tools for individuals to realise their capabilities, build productive lives and contribute to national prosperity,” he said.
“I know that these scholarships will make a difference, not just to the successful candidates, but in terms of their broader impact, in contributing to the social and economic development of Solomon Islands.”
This year, scholarships will only be offered for study in Australia. In order to maximise the number of scholarships in Australia, no Australia Awards Scholarships will be offered for study in the Pacific region.
Applicants must familiarise themselves with the Solomon Islands Australia Awards 2021 intake information sheet and the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook by visiting https://solomonislands.embassy.gov.au/honi/study.html. The website also includes links to apply online or download a hardcopy application form.
Hardcopy application forms are also available at the Australian High Commission Guard House (corner of Hibiscus Avenue and Mud Alley in Honiara) and at public information sessions, which will take place at the Australian High Commission Annex office (next to Heritage Park Hotel) every Friday from 11:00am to 12:00 midday from 7 February until 24 April 2020 inclusive.
Prospective applicants living outside Honiara are encouraged to contact [email protected] with any questions. Unfortunately the Australian High Commission is unable to hold provincial information sessions this year. Online applications will close at 11:59pm on 30 April 2020 and hard copy applications must be submitted to the Australian High Commission (corner of Hibiscus Avenue and Mud Alley in Honiara) by 4:30pm on 30 April 2020.
Applicants will be assessed on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and their potential to impact on development challenges in Solomon Islands as future decisionmakers and leaders. Scholarship selections will be based on merit.
Acting Scholarships Senior Program Manager, Vanessa Teutao, said the selection process is highly competitive. “Last year, we had 720 applications with only 38 people awarded a scholarship,” she said.
“There are other criteria taken into consideration, however as guidance please be aware that if your Form 6 results were higher than 11 or your university/Form 7 GPA was lower than 2.5, you are less likely to be selected for an interview.”
The Australia Awards Scholarship program is separate to the new Pacific Secondary School Scholarships Program.
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