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Make a difference with an Australia Awards Scholarship.

FAQs

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – Application Process

Is there a hard copy form of application?

The current approved method of application is the OASIS online application. Hard copy applications are allowed on a case by case analysis. Please contact the Australia Awards Vanuatu Office to discuss.

Can high school leavers such as Year 12 and 13 apply for a scholarship? What certificate are they required to upload with their application?

Only final year of schooling (e.g. Yr 13 for most anglophone schools, Baccalaureate for francophone schools) are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Year 12s are not eligible, but they can start preparing themselves for the following year when they can apply.

What is the process for certifying a document?

To certify a document, take the original document and its copy to a Commissioner of Oath to verify that the photocopy of the document is a true copy of the original. The verification process may require a fee and an appointment for service.
Some organisations that have Commissioners are State Law Office, Vanuatu Financial Service Commission and Vanuatu National Provident Fund.

Are Francophones allowed to apply? Can a Francophone upload a required document (eg. Certificate) in French?

All ni-Vanuatu citizens above 18 can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Francophones that meet the eligibility criteria can apply, but they must ensure that all their required documents are translated to English language, if are in French.

What is the age limit for application?

All applicants must be over 18 years of age to apply. There is no upper age limit for applications.

What is a reintegration plan or development contribution statement?

A reintegration plan is a statement written by an applicant setting out realistic examples of tasks for which they plan to use skills and knowledge gained through their studies. A reintegration plan includes constraints they think could prevent them from achieving these tasks with recommended mitigation strategies to overcome challenges.

I am having trouble getting OASIS access, what should I do?

If you cannot remember your password, you will be able to reset your password by entering your email address and selecting, and entering your answer to the ‘reminder question’. This will send a temporary password to the email address you are using for your online application.

After I have submitted my application, can I return to it to make any changes?

If you submitted your application before the closing date, you can return to your application to make any changes. To un-submit your application to draft status to enable editing, follow these steps:

  • Open your application in OASIS
  • On the Application Menu, click on Un-Submit Application then confirm verification for application to be recalled to Draft.
  • Make the necessary changes
  • Ensure you re-submit your application before the closing date.

Can I apply for both scholarship Australia Awards Scholarship and Australia Awards Pacific Scholarship?

You are able to apply for both scholarship types, although you will need to submit two applications under the correct scholarship type. Your application will be assessed against your study program and how you clearly address skills gaps.

While undergoing study, can I request to change my study program?

It is against scholarship policy for someone to change their study program unless there are exceptional circumstances. A reminder that you were initially selected for the scholarship based on sector needs specified in your application.

When my scholarship ends, can I request to remain and work in the country of study?

It is against policy for an awardee to overstay in their country of study. Doing so will breach Immigration and Border laws.

If my previous scholarship is under NZ aid, VanGov or another country scholarship, when am I allowed to apply for a scholarship with Australia Awards?

Each scholarship scheme has a bond requirement, so it is up to the individual to find out and ensure they can abide by it before applying for an Australia Award.

If I am currently on another scholarship, can I apply for a scholarship with Australia Awards?

Australia Awards does not support partially funded scholarships.

I am currently doing a Bachelor program at USP so, can I apply for Australia Awards to fund my remaining units?

Yes, if you are applying to complete the course at USP in Fiji. Australia Awards are only for study outside of Vanuatu. If successful, the completed units would be cross credited.

I already have a Bachelor qualification. Can I apply for another Bachelor qualification?

No, if you already have a bachelor, you need to apply for a progressive qualification. In this case it will either be a postgraduate or master’s qualification.

After getting a Bachelor qualification, how long should someone wait before they are eligible to apply for a Master’s qualification?

According to Australia Awards eligibility criteria, a person is required to work for at least 3 years in a related area of study before they can apply to do a Master’s degree.

Am I allowed to apply to do a Master’s course in a different field to my Bachelor qualification?

A Master’s course has specific pre-requisites to enter the program. Requirements could be completion of certain bachelor level courses or work experience. Depending on the requirements itself, you may not be able to do a Master’s program that is not linked to your Bachelor qualification.

Post COVID outbreak, are students encouraged to bring families to join them while studying?

In view of the impact of COVID -19, DFAT is not encouraging families to join sponsored students.

Frequently Asked Questions – People working and living out of Efate

If I am not from a certain location, however I live and/or work in that location, will this affect my application?

Applications will be assessed on your current point of employment and residence.

How many Australia Awards are provided to provincial locations?

Up to 20 scholarships are offered by the Australian government to Ni-Vanuatu citizens per year. The scholarships are offered based on merit, however people working and living in the provinces are encouraged to apply. For further information on the selection criteria, please refer to the AAV website.

Are candidates from provinces allowed to submit hardcopy application forms?

The submission of all Australia Awards Scholarship applications are required online. However, if you have difficulties accessing reliable internet, please contact the AAV team for further information/guidance.

If offered a scholarship and required to undertake an IELTS assessment in Port Vila, who will pay for the logistical/travel costs?

Australia Awards will arrange and cover all costs associated with travel (flights, accommodation & per diem) as well as the IELTS assessment fee.

How long do we have to submit our application form?

Applications open 1 March and close 31 March. Late applications will not be accepted.

How should applicants send completed applications to the Australia Awards Office?

The application form can be accessed from the home page of the AAV website. The application form itself is completed in a program called smartygrants. If you have any questions or concerns with regards to the application form, please contact us

How many times should I apply if unsuccessful?

There is no limit to how many times an applicant can apply for an Australia Award Scholarship.

How will Applicants be notified of the outcome of their application?

All communications will be done using the contact details listed in your application form.

Frequently Asked Questions – Families

Am I able to bring my family on scholarship?

Awardees dependents (spouse and children) are welcome to join them while studying in Australia. It is encouraged that families allow six months for the Awardee to settle into life and study in Australia before they join them.

Can my children get an education in Australia?

Yes. Australia is well known for its quality education system and offers a range of different education options. For more information on Australia’s education system visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.

Can I access childcare for my children (even if they have limited or no understanding of English)?

Yes. A range of childcare options are available in Australia, depending on availability of spaces and your ability to pay fees. Formal facilities such as childcare centres are one option, however there are also less formal services such as babysitters and nannies. It is the responsibility of the parent to organise appropriate childcare support for their accompanying children.

Is there an age limit for women applying for an Australia Awards Scholarship?

There are no formal age limits, however Australia Awards aim to identify individuals that upon completion of their scholarship will return to Vanuatu and contribute to its development (both professionally and within the community).

If I receive a scholarship and fall pregnant will my scholarship be terminated?

Pregnant applicants are encouraged to share this information with Australia. Awards Office at their earliest opportunity. Awardees will be assessed equally. Such applicants will not be disadvantaged.

Does the Australia Awards office assist with obtaining visas for applicants and, if necessary, dependents?

It is the responsibility of the Awardee to prepare and submit their own visa application. Australia Awards is however available to answer questions. It is also the responsibility of the applicant to manage their dependents visa application/s.

Can we celebrate our religious, cultural and national festivals?

Yes. Being an immigrant society, many Australian cities have Pacific Islander populations, who have formed community centres to meet and celebrate religious, cultural and/or national events and festivals.

Can I work part-time while studying in Australia?

Yes. Australia Awards recipients are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) under the subclass 500 student visa. It is however important you inform your Student Contact Officer to ensure it does not affect your academic progress.

Can my spouse work while accompanying me on my scholarship?

Yes. Your spouse may work full-time while accompanying you on your scholarship. For further information please refer to the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Frequently Asked Questions – People with a disability

If I am a person with disability, how do I declare this?

If you identify as having a disability, it is encouraged you highlight this in your application form. Persons will disability will not be disadvantaged. The information provided will be used to ensure equal opportunity throughout the entire scholarship experience.

If I am a person with a disability, what kind of support will be provided?

The nature of a person’s disability will be assessed by a technical specialist who will work with the individual to ensure adequate disability-support is provided throughout the scholarship experience. This support will be tailored to the needs of the individual and outline the support required to successfully live and study in Australia. Support may include taking a carer, provision of assistive devices or other support required to successfully live and study in Australia.

Are applications from persons with a disability assessed separately or in line with all other applicants?

All applicants are required to meet the eligibility criteria and are assessed in line with the objectives and priority areas of Australia Awards Scholarships in Vanuatu. The Australia Awards team will ensure any barriers for people with a disability are removed, however the selection criteria is consistent.

Will I still be required to undertake an English language assessment?

Australian institutions require an academic IELTS assessment as part of their admission process. Australia Awards will work with the applicant to ensure this English language assessment is undertaken fairly and without discrimination.

What support does Australia and/or the university provide for persons with disability?

All Australian universities are bound by a Disability Discrimination Act. Many Australian universities have dedicated disability services centre’s to enable students with a disability to participate fully in university life. The dedicated centre can help to arrange services. Australian universities also have health and counselling services that are free or offered at cheaper rates for students.

Will I be able to use public transportation?

Australia has an elaborate public transport infrastructure, comprising rail, tram, buses and taxis, linking different parts of a city. Most public transports are customized to enable wheelchair and baby pram access; trains and buses usually have exclusive spaces for wheelchairs too.

How I will be able to do my shopping /grocery and basic necessities?

Australia has well developed retail outlets, located at convenient locations across the cities and towns, where you can do weekly/monthly shopping at affordable prices. The retail stores are designed to enable wheelchair access. In addition, Australia has online (web-based) shopping options available.