Media Release

1 May 2007

Australian Scholarships Open for Indonesian Students

The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2008 Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships.

“ALA Scholarships are open to current and emerging leaders in the Asia-Pacific region” Mr Farmer said.

“An ALA Scholarship is a significant opportunity for high achievers in Indonesia to extend their education, strengthen their leadership skills, build networks and develop strategies to address the development challenges we share.”

Part of the Australian Government’s $1.4 billion Australian Scholarships initiative, Australian Leadership Awards - Scholarships provide funding for study at Masters and Doctorate levels in Australia.

Last year 21 Indonesians from across the archipelago were awarded ALA Scholarships for a range of degrees, such as law, economics, health and engineering.

This year, up to 150 ALA Scholarships are being offered to students from countries within the region to study at Australian universities in 2008, including candidates from Indonesia. Scholars will be selected from a highly competitive regional pool on the basis of demonstrated leadership qualities and academic achievement.

Awards are open for all fields of study but study programs that relate to the priority themes of shared regional interest – international trade, pandemics, security and climate change (including clean energy) – are encouraged.

As well as providing higher education degrees, ALA Scholarships also offer scholars the opportunity to participate in a unique Leadership Development Program.

Applications for 2008 ALA Scholarships close on 31 July 2007.

For further information go to www.australiaawards.gov.au

Further information:
Mia Salim – (Public Affairs, AusAID) 08121070237