Australian leadership awards scholarships

High Commissioner of Australia in Sri Lanka, Kathy Klugman on behalf of the Australian Government, received applications for the Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships administered through Australian International Development Agency (AusAID).

AusAID invites applications for ALA scholarships from exceptionally qualified and motivated Sri Lankan citizens to study at Masters and Doctoral levels in Australia in 2010.

The ALA program targets current and future leaders who might be key personnel from universities, business, media, industry, Government and civil society and are capable of leading reform, development and governance in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Applicants are expected to have very high academic credentials, English language ability and have already secured a place in an Australian university prior to applying for an ALA. Importantly, these awards are geared towards individuals who have leadership qualities to provide a vision, and influence and achieve change in their chosen fields.

"These prestigious awards will help build Sri Lanka's ability to face the emerging challenges across all fronts of the development spectrum. Sri Lanka is at an important juncture economically and socially, and Australia is keen to support the future leaders of this country so that they can be catalysts of progress", Klugman said.

The Australian Government has been actively supporting higher education in Sri Lanka through scholarships for over 50 years. The ALA scholarships, which commenced in 2006, are part of an A$1.4 billion (Rs.117 billion) Australian scholarships program active in the Asia-Pacific region over a period of 5 years.

The recipients of the Australian Leadership Awards will, in addition to a full scholarship for tuition and contribution to living expenses, also have the opportunity to undergo a training program on leadership. Priority areas of selection are disability, economic growth, education, environment, food security, gender, governance, health, human rights, infrastructure, regional stability, rural development and water and sanitation.

Applicants are encouraged to review the ALA Scholarships conditions and eligibility criteria before applying. The deadline for submission is June 30, 2009.