Official Launch of Australia Awards Scholarships Intake 2024

The selection process

Once we have confirmed your eligibility, a shortlist of candidates will be interviewed.
All applicants are assessed against the following criteria:

• Academic performance
• Potential contribution to Cambodia’s development
• Professional and personal leadership qualities

Who is eligible?

Cambodians from all walks of life are invited to apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship. The application process is open and competitive. Australia Awards Scholarships are open to applicants from all sectors in Cambodia, including public sector agencies, academia and think tanks, civil society organisations, the media and the private sector.

Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability, people living and working outside of Phnom Penh, indigenous and ethic minorities and other marginalised groups. A support scheme is available to assist equal participation for these applicants.

  • You must have been resident in Cambodia for at least the two years before the close of applications on 1 May 2023, and
  • You must have at least two year’s full time (or equivalent) work experience.
  • To apply for a Masters level scholarship, you must have already completed Bachelor level studies (in most cases)
  • To apply for a Doctoral level scholarship, you must have already completed relevant Masters level studies

English language proficiency
Masters by coursework applicants must have an IELTS score of at least 6.0, with no sub-band less than 5.5 (or equivalent English language testing system). Preference will be given to those applicants with higher level English language skills.
Masters by research and PhD applicants must have an IELTS score of at least 6.5, with no sub-band less than 6.0 (or equivalent English language testing system).
Detailed eligibility requirements can be found in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook and the Australia Awards Scholarship Intake 2024 Brochure in the downloads section.

What can I study?

To meet Cambodia’s development challenges, applicants from all fields of study are encouraged to apply. However, the Awards do not cover general management degrees, including Master of Business Administration.
The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) lists all Australian universities with courses available to international students. Visit https://cricos.education.gov.au for the full list of institutions and then check with the universities’ own websites for detailed information about course content and their English language requirements.

Downloads

Educating Global Leaders

Benefits

An Australia Awards Scholarship includes the following benefits provided for the minimum time needed to complete your chosen course of study:

• return air travel
• an establishment payment on arrival
• full tuition fees
• contribution to living costs
• preparatory program and English language training
• overseas Student Health Cover
• additional academic support
• fieldwork allowance (for research students).

How to apply

Apply online at https://oasis.dfat.gov.au
(Please don’t leave your application until the last minute – this site gets very busy in the days before the closing date)

Necessary documents

If you think you are eligible, there are several documents that must accompany your application. Without these your application will not be considered.
All applicants need to submit:

• all official university degree certificates, with English translations
• all official transcripts of results, with English translations
• proof of citizenship, with English translations
• statements from employers verifying that you have completed at least 24 months of employment
• a Curriculum Vitae using the template provided in the downloads section

Additional documents for Masters by coursework applicants

• an IELTS certificate dated after 1 January 2022, proving that you have achieved at least 6.0 with no sub-band less than 5.5

Additional documents for Masters by research and PhD applicants

• at least two academic referee reports using the template provided in the downloads section
• provide evidence of extensive correspondence with the proposed supervisor or faculty, demonstrating serious progress on thesis development over a period of time and in-principle support for the proposed research topic.
• an IELTS certificate dated after 1 January 2022, proving that you have achieved at least 6.5 with no sub-band less than 6.0.

Pre-departure training

Provisional awardees with overall IELTS 6.0 (no macro band less than 5.5) must complete up to 6 months of compulsory pre-departure training. Before you begin study in Australia, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with no sub-band less than 6.0. You cannot be employed during this pre-departure training period, but you will receive an allowance of USD 200 per month (or USD 240 for those based outside of Phnom Penh).

Please carefully consider the financial implications of this pre-departure training period before applying for an Australia Awards Scholarship.

During your study

While you study in Australia, Australia Awards Cambodia will support you to have a productive and rewarding experience. Support is available to encourage you to:

  • expand your personal and professional networks to include Australians, Australian organisations and other international students through networking and training events
  • build your professional and leadership capabilities through development courses, work experience and conferences
  • become involved in aspects of Australian life such as volunteering or social, sport and recreational groups and activities.

You can participate in a range of activities including:

Conferences
Australia Awards Cambodia covers the registration cost, transportation and accommodation to attend conferences that are relevant to your professional development. Previous conferences that Australia Awards Cambodia scholars participated in:

 

Internship
Through a partnership with Intern Match, you are supported to take an internship with an Australian organisation that suits your interest. The internship’s main focus is to provide you with opportunities to gain practical experience within the Australian business environment. You will work on real-life projects alongside business supervisors who provide you with guidance and support.

Seminar and Networking events
You can participate in different seminars and networking events to broaden your experience while making new connections with Australians within your field of interest. Previous seminars and networking events include:

You can get inspired by our alumni who shared their stories while they are studying in Australia below:

Arunremfa Lim
Bonnarath Virak
Saosarin Eve
Sopharith Sin
Sopheara Real
Sotheary Kong

FAQs

What are the Australia Awards Scholarships?

Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders for development. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.

Australia Awards Scholarships provide educational opportunities for talented Cambodians at the postgraduate level to contribute to Cambodia’s development, and COVID-19 response and recovery, in line with Australia’s Cambodia COVID-19 Development Response Plan, available at: https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/covid-response-plan-cambodia.pdf

Applicants are assessed for their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their potential to impact on development challenges in Cambodia.

What level of study is offered under AAS?

Master by Coursework, Master by Research or PhD only. Undergraduate study is not offered. 

Who can apply for an AAS?

Cambodians from all walks of life are invited to apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship. The application process is open and competitive.

Australia Awards Scholarships are open to applicants from all sectors in Cambodia, including public sector agencies, academia and think tanks, civil society organisations, the media and the private sector.

Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability, people living and working outside of Phnom Penh, and members of indigenous and ethnic minority and other marginalised groups. A support scheme is available to assist equal participation for these applicants. See Equity Pathways Program | Australia Awards (australiaawardscambodia.org)

What is the duration of an AAS scholarship?

Scholarships will be available for full-time study for an Australian postgraduate qualification for the minimum period required to complete the award through the relevant Australian university selected from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade contracted universities (normally approximately between 1 – 2 years for Masters and 3 – 4 years for Doctorate). Note that credit for previous study or recognition of prior learning may reduce the length of time needed to complete the course.

Can I study a professional qualification which includes the training period required for professional registration, e.g., medical internships, legal articles etc?

No. This is not allowed under this scholarship.

How can I apply for an AAS?

There are two ways of applying for an Australia Awards Scholarship.

  • Online application is the preferred format and can be accessed at https://oasis.dfat.gov.au. We strongly advise applicants to submit applications well before the closing date. The online application facility (OASIS) experiences peak usage in the days leading up to the closing date and applicants may experience delays.

OR

  • Hardcopy application form, for those having difficulties accessing internet facilities, are downloadable at http://www.australiaawardscambodia.org and must be submitted to the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh by the deadline for submission.
Which websites should I check before applying for an AAS?

The most useful sites are:

How do I use CRICOS?

CRICOS is a database of all universities and their courses in Australia available to overseas students. Search for your preferred university and course using the search options available at: http://cricos.deewr.gov.au. There are CRICOS code numbers for both universities and courses. In the application form, you need to enter a CRICOS code for the course. See the steps to complete your online application including how to upload files – https://www.australiaawardscambodia.org/…/OASIS-User…

What are the eligibility criteria for applying for AAS?

Australia Awards Scholarship applicants must meet all eligibility requirements detailed in the brochure of the intake he/she applies for. See http://australiaawardscambodia.org for the latest intake brochure.

Do I need to submit all required documents?

Yes, you must submit all the required documents in order for your application to be eligible. The list of required documents for an intake are detailed in  the brochure of the intake. See http://australiaawardscambodia.org for the latest intake brochure. 

Do I need to certify my supporting documents before I can submit for an AAS?

No, you don’t need to have your documents certified. Scanned documents are sufficient for your scholarship application.

Can I obtain a refund of my English test cost (such as IELTS) as part of my application from AAS?

Yes, all eligible applicants can request for a refund. There will be a refund process once we advise result for applicants.

Do I have to be currently in full time employment to apply for the scholarship?

No. You do not have to be in full-time employment at the time of submission of your application but any gaps in your employment history must be fully explained. You must have at least 24 months of relevant full time work experience as at the date applications close for a specific intake year to be eligible to apply.

What are the requirements to apply for a Master by Research or PhD?

Applicants must have a current IELTS equivalent overall score of 6.5 or over with no band less than 6 at the time of application submission. Applicants must provide evidence of extensive correspondence with the proposed supervisor or faculty, demonstrating serious progress on thesis development over a period of time and in-principle support for the proposed research topic and two academic referee reports.

What supporting documents must I attach to my application?

Applicants must submit with their application all of the relevant supporting documents listed in the brochure listed on Australia Awards Cambodia website. See http://australiaawardscambodia.org for the latest intake brochure.

Incomplete applications will NOT be considered and will be ruled Ineligible.
Documents do not have to be certified at the time of application submission. 

Do I have to declare any incomplete study in my application?

Yes, you must declare all previous study undertaken irrespective of whether it is complete or incomplete or undertaken within Cambodia or another country. You must submit all official university transcripts of results for complete and incomplete courses of study, with English translations.

Note that failure to declare previous study undertaken, irrespective of whether it is complete or incomplete, will make your application ineligible, and may be considered as fraud and result in you being barred from applying for an Australia Awards Scholarship in future rounds.

Do I have to submit an English translation of my certificate, transcript and birth certificate when applying?

Yes. Both the Khmer document and its translation must be provided with your application.
Note: Applicant is allowed to do the translation themselves.

What are the AAS fields of study?

In recognition of the genuine development challenges across all sectors in Cambodia, applicants from all fields of study are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should select courses that align with their experience and qualifications or provide a strong justification for courses that represent a shift in career focus or direction.

Please note that scholarships are not available for general management degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration. Candidates are advised to check the Australia Awards Cambodia website for further information: www.australiaawardscambodia.org

Is it possible to choose a different field of study related to my education background?

Yes. As long as the proposed field of study supports your work experience, your career in the future and contributes to the development of Cambodia. It is also important to recognize, however, that acceptance into a course of study may be dependent on having completed undergraduate study which supports the area of postgraduate study.

Do you have to identify an Australian university and a course for your proposed study program when you make your AAS application form?

Yes. You will need to identify your course of study and provide the CRICOS code for that course of study on your application form. See Q8 above.

I have recently completed a further university qualification, and have not obtained my certificate yet. Should I submit my transcript only?

A fresh graduate who has not yet received a certificate can submit their transcript and an acknowledgement letter from the university stating that they have completed their degree.

Does evidence of work experience have to be submitted with application?

Yes. All applicants are required to submit with their application copies of work contracts, references, letters of employment etc to prove they have the required period of relevant work experience.

The evidence or statements from past and/or current employers must confirm the position held, duration of employment and full-time or part-time status. Statements must be dated and signed by the employer.

All applicants who are currently unemployed are also required to submit with their application similar documentation to demonstrate that they meet the work experience eligibility criteria.  Failure to do so runs the risk of being ruled ineligible. 

A template is available on the Australia Awards Cambodia website that outlines the details required: Employer Statement Template-Intake 2020-Final (australiaawardscambodia.org)

Do I have to submit a CV as part of my application?

Yes, all applicants must submit a CV. Applicants must use the CV template which is available on the Australia Awards Cambodia website: CV-Template.doc (live.com)

How will I know if my online application is submitted? Can I print it?

You will receive an e-mail confirming your application has been submitted. You must print your application before you submit it. Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be printed.

How are applications assessed?

Following eligibility checking, applications will be shortlisted. The selection process will also include an interview. Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:
•    Academic competence
•    Potential outcome, including contribution to sustainable development outcomes in your home country.
•    Professional and personal leadership attributes
•    Alignment of workplace and relevant work experience to DFAT country priority areas.
•    Alignment of proposed area of study to DFAT country priority areas.

How do I know if I am eligible for shortlisted for an interview?

Applicants will be contacted via email for an update of their scholarship application status.

Contact us

To learn more, please email or call the Australia Awards Office in Cambodia to discuss about the Australia Awards Scholarships program and applications.

Back to Top

Australia Awards Cambodia is managed by Tetra Tech International Development, on behalf of the Australian Government
© Australia Awards Cambodia, 2023

Level 2F, PGCT Centre, Preah Sihanouk Blvd, Phnom Penh
Tel: +855 12 635 306
Tel: +855 15 301 127

AAC Facebook Protocol

Privacy Statements

Skip to content