Australian scholarships for Filipino leaders, achievers

At least 120 scholarships for masteral and doctoral degrees in leading Australian universities starting 2013 are now open to high-achieving Filipinos,  Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell has announced.

The deadline for submitting scholarship applications under the  Australia Awards for Development program is April 30.

“The Development Awards aim to contribute to the long term development of the Philippines, and to promote knowledge, education links and enduring ties between Australia and the Philippines,”  Tweddell said.

At least half of the 120 scholarship slots are allocated to Australia’s key partner agencies delivering priority development initiatives, with the remainder open to the public.

The scholarship grants cover travel, study and living expenses for studies in Australia’s world-class universities.

Australia Awards for Development include the Australian Development Scholarships and the Australian Leadership Awards administered by AusAID.

In the Philippines, the Australia Awards for Development are part of the Australia-Philippines development cooperation program and are targeted at priority development needs.

Applicants who demonstrate the most potential to impact development in the Philippines will be considered for the additional prestigious Australian Leadership Award.

Past Australian government scholars include: former Education Undersecretary Fe Hidalgo, Mr. Rex Bernardo (2008 Apolinario Mabini Presidential Awardee, 2008 Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee, and 2011 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader), and Ms. Dodette Bernaldez (2010 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee).

For details go to www.australiaawards.gov.au and www.pahrodf.org.ph.ND