Australia Awards Africa for Masters and Short Courses 2017

Australia Awards, a cornerstone of the Australian Government’s development assistance program for Africa, provide access to postgraduate education, training and professional development opportunities for suitably qualified Africans from eligible countries. On their return to the workplace, Australia Awards Alumni are expected to contribute actively to development in their home countries.

 Award types include:

• Australian Awards Scholarships, to undertake higher degree studies in Australia at Masters level.
• Australia Awards Short Courses, to undertake short-term, targeted professional training courses, in Australia and/or in Africa, in a range of development-focused sectors.

Since 2010, nationals from Nigeria have been sponsored by the Australian Government through the Australia Awards to Study in Australia. Applicants from Nigeria are eligible to apply for Masters and Short Course Awards.

Masters Awards

Applications open 1 September 2016 – 15 December 2016.

 Eligibility Criteria – Masters Awards 2018 

Nigeria: Priority Areas

• Agricultural Productivity
• Extractives
• Public Policy

Applications from exceptional candidates will also be considered in the following sectors:

• Education
• Environment
• Gender
• Health

Coordinating Authority for Nigeria:

• Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja)

Target Group

• National of Nigeria
• Professionals working in the Public Sector, the Private Sector or a Non-Government Organisation (Civil Society) in one of the listed priority fields of study.
• Professionals who wish to undertake a Masters degree in Australia in one of the listed priority fields of study. (Masters of Business Administration are not permitted)
• Persons with a clear vision of how the knowledge gained through the study of a Masters degree will be used to improve policy, practice or education in the proposed field of study.
• Gender Equality: Australia Awards targets equal participation by women and men.
• Disability Inclusion: Australia Awards aim to ensure that people with a disability are given a fair and equal opportunity to compete for and obtain a scholarship.

Eligibility

• At least 25 and not more than 50 years of age at the date of application
• At least three (3) years’ post-graduation work experience. This work experience must be in a role relevant to the proposed field of study and to employment organisation type (e.g. public sector applicants should demonstrate public sector work experience).
• Possess, as a minimum, a Bachelors degree (or the equivalent) from a recognised institution of at least four (4) years in length with at least a 2^nd Class Pass.
• Public sector candidates must comply with Government of Nigeria regulations for government employees wishing to apply for scholarships.
• Public sector, private sector and civil society candidates must provide evidence of completion of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) when they apply.
• Must not already hold, or be studying for, a Masters degree
• Must be willing to make a formal commitment to return to your current employment following completion of the award.
• Must meet the general minimum eligibility criteria for Australia Awards Scholarships.

Short Courses

Applications open 1 September 2016 – 15 January 2017.

Eligibility Criteria – NIGERIA

• National of Nigeria.
• You must be between 25 and 50 years of age at the date of your application.
• You have at least three years’ post-graduation work experience in a relevant policy, practice, research or reform role.
• Have a clear vision of how you will use the knowledge gained through the award program to improve policy or practice in Nigeria in the proposed field of study.
• Must be willing to make a formal commitment to return to your current employment following completion of the award.
• Gender Equality: Australia Awards target equal participation by women and men.
• Disability Inclusion: Australia Awards aim to ensure that people with a disability are given fair and equal opportunity to compete for and obtain a scholarship.

 For more information, go to http://www.australiaawardsafrica.org/