Australian Development Scholarships (ADS)

Australian Development Scholarships are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian higher education Institution, including any preparatory training.

The following benefits generally apply:

return air travel—payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route a reunion airfare entitlement for reunion travel is available to students who commence their scholarship in 2009 and have no family members accompanying them contribution to initial visa expenses establishment allowance—a once only payment of A$5,000 as a contribution towards expenses such as rental bonds, text books, study materials, additional medical insurance, home contents insurance, excess baggage etc full tuition fees contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) is a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by AusAID in July every year. For example, in 2009, CLE payable to students was A$25,000

introductory Academic Program (IAP)—a compulsory 4-6 week program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on life and study in Australia. overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only). This provides basic hospital and medical to cover costs 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 (Tutorial Assistance)—may be available when essential to improve the student's performance to ensure their academic success fieldwork (for research students only)—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.
General Eligibility Criteria
There are general eligibility criteria that apply to all applicants seeking an ADS award.

Applicants must:

• be a citizen of one of the SASP countries: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, India and Nepal;
• meet visa requirements of the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC);
• not have Australian citizenship, permanent residence status, nor be in the process of applying;
• not be married to, a de facto of, or engaged to be married to a person who holds or who is eligible to hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residence status;
• not hold or have held an foreign scholarships in the preceding 24 months at the time of application
• satisfy the admission requirements of the Institution at which the ADS is to be undertaken.

Awardees are required:
to sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia declaring that they will comply with the conditions of the scholarship and the ADS Handbook before the ADS comes into effect, if successful.
to return to their country of citizenship for at least two years after completing their scholarship, to contribute to the economic and social development of their country. Failure to do so will incur a debt to the Commonwealth of Australia for the total value of the scholarship.

For your country specific eligibility criteria, please go to Country Specific Eligibility Criteria.
How to Apply
Access the SASP website. Read carefully the information provided on the public pages. Ensure your education and work experience profile matches to the targeting criteria detailed for your country.
Register onto the Site. Get your log-in username and password and navigate to your MY SITE page. When the intake is open, follow the instruction provided.

For further information visit http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/studyin.cfm. Feel free to email or telephone SASP staff at any time if you need assistance.