The Australian Government is offering 20 PhD-level Australia Awards (Scholarships) to candidates from eligible African countries for agriculture-related studies.

The scholarships are for study in Australia at an Australian university however it is preferred that any field research is undertaken primarily in Africa.

PhD Scholarships Cover

Scholarships cover airfares to Australia, tuition fees, medical cover, a living allowance and a return airfare to the awardee’s country of citizenship/residence in Africa in order to carry out fieldwork/research, a contribution to research costs, and yearly reunion airfares (where applicable). Female applicants and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Study in Australia is subject to the successful applicant being issued with a visa by the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC). As part of the visa application process, immigration authorities require candidates to undergo a full medical examination.

Agriculture PhD Scholarships Target Group

• You are an agricultural researcher currently employed by a National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) or regional equivalent in Africa.
• You wish to undertake doctoral level studies leading to the award of a PhD through an Australian institution:

– In order to advance a field of study that is a formally recognised priority for your government/employer; and – That directly benefits existing, planned or desired research and development efforts of a NARI or regional equivalent.

• You are proposing a research topic that will contribute to improving food security in Africa through increasing agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods through functioning of markets and trade, and building the resilience of communities most vulnerable to food insecurity.
• In addition, the proposed field of study/research should also be:

– Reflective of national and regional priorities in Africa; and – Of direct relevance to the research or development objectives of one or more of the three Australia-Africa Agricultural Partnerships being funded under the Australian Food Security Program in Africa (ACIAR – CIMMYT; CSIRO – CORAF; and CSIRO – BecA).

• You have a clear vision for how you will use the knowledge gained and research undertaken through the PhD to improve policy and practice in your home country or region in the proposed field of study/research. You will also demonstrate potential to make a future contribution to development in your home country, including a commitment to return to your current employment following completion of the award.
• You have a possible research proposal and in-principle support from an Australian university supervisor and African counterpart institution supervisor.
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
• People living with a disability are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility for Agriculture PhD Scholarships

You need to be:

• A citizen of one of the following eligible African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, The Gambia and Uganda. Applicants must normally be a resident in their country of citizenship, however some exceptions may be accepted (refer to eligibility criteria (b) on page 8 below)
• Satisfy the minimum eligibility criteria for Australian Development Scholarships (attached), including meeting Australian tertiary institution entry requirements. In most cases this will require that candidates possess a qualification that is assessed to be the equivalent to an Australian Masters degree and be able to demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent research.
• A minimum of two years relevant post- Masters work experience relevant to your proposed field of study is preferred.
• English proficiency of a standard at least equivalent to IELTS 6.5 with no band score less than 6.0. Note that some universities will require a higher score (if required, the further English language proficiency testing will be facilitated by the Australian Government if you are short-listed for a selection interview).

For more information and application,see: Agriculture PhD Scholarships