FAQ

Questions

Questions and Answers

1. What are Australian Development Scholarships?
  • Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) are one type of education award offered through Australia Awards. ADS provides an opportunity for talented individuals to obtain TAFE, Undergraduate and Masters qualifications in Australia in priority areas for Laos-Australia development cooperation and the broader bilateral relationship. In this way, ADS aims to contribute to the long-term development needs of Laos to promote good governance, economic growth and human development; and to enhance links between people and institutions in both countries. For more information, CLICK HERE.
2. What is the eligibility criteria for ADS?
  • The eligibility criteria includes the following:
  • To be eligible to apply for ADS, you must:
  • * have above average academic ability and a high level of commitment to the development needs of Lao PDR;
  • * select a level and field of study appropriate to your qualifications, expertise and experience;
  • * have a related degree and relevant work experience (2 years) if you intend to apply for Masters degree;
  • * have English skills appropriate to your proposed level of study (Minimum: IELTS 5.5 for Undergraduate, 5.0 for Postgraduate and 4.5 for TAFE)
  • * Lao citizenship (resident in Lao PDR for past 2 years);
  • * over 18 years old but no older than 35 years (40 for public sector applying for Postgraduate level);
  • * not hold or have held another Australian Government scholarship in the last 12 months;
  • * applicants must undertake to return to Lao PDR for at least two years following completion of their study;
  • For more information on eligibility criteria, please refer to the eligibility criteria in the information pack or visit the website at www.lao-australianscholarships.com
3. Who can apply for an Australian Development Scholarship?
  • AusAID is looking for highly skilled, strongly motivated and well qualified people who:
    * are committed to contributing to Laos future development;
    * can demonstrate how study in Australia can support them in this objective; and
    * will build and enhance links between the people and institutions of Laos and Australia.
4. Do I have to be living in Laos to apply for an ADS?
  • Yes, you must be a Laos citizen and have been living in Laos for two years at the time of application.
5. On what basis are ADS awarded?
  • Assessment of applications for ADS is based on overall merit taking into consideration:
    * academic background (20%)
    * screening test (40%); and
    * interview (40%)
    The Joint Selection Panel places strong emphasis on the scholarship interview.
6. What is the Open Category?
  • Applicants do not need to be nominated by their government or employer. Anyone who meets the selection criteria may apply under this category. Applicants are required to return to Laos after the completion of their award to contribute to the development of the identified priority sector in Laos.
7. What is the Public Category?
  • Applicants are public sector employees who are nominated by their government for an ADS award. Public category applicants are required to return to their role in the public service at the completion of their award in order to strengthen public service capacity in their home country for at least two years.
8.What are 'priority areas' for study?
  • ADS applicants must demonstrate the contribution their study will make within key focus areas of Australian's development cooperation program in Laos. The key focus areas are:
    * Education
    * Health
    * Rural Development
    * Governance
    * Infrastructure and Sciences
9. How can I obtain more information about applying for an ADS?
  • Visit the Laos ADS website www.lao-australianscholarships.com; or attend one of the ADS Information Sessions which are held in regional centres each year.
    Further information about the information sessions is included in the ADS information Pack and is also available from: Vientiane College (021) 414873, 412598 and the Provincial Education Services in each province.
10. What documents do I have to include with my application?
  • * one copy of application form (in English)
    * one full set of supporting documentation
    If your official diplomas, degrees or academic transcripts are in Lao language you must have them translated into English. Please attach the Lao version of all documents that have been translated.
    Note: applications with insufficient information will not be considered.
11. How will my application be assessed?
  • There are nine steps in the selection process. The diagram below describes each of the steps of assessment.

12. When is the deadline for submission of applications?
  • Applications (including those posted) must be received no later than the close of business - 17:00 - Friday 7 May 2010. No late applications will be accepted.
13. Is there an association or group I can join to keep in touch with other graduates from the ADS program?
  • Yes. We strongly encourage graduates to register as an Alumni with the ADS Office on return from Australia. The Alumni program offers regular events (for networking and socialising), a newsletter (sharing information and experiences) and the opportunity to be actively involved in the ADS program through participation in the pre-departure training and other promotional activities should you wish to participate.