AUSTRALIA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP FAQS - TUVALU

  1. How can I get an Australian scholarship award?

As a Tuvaluan citizen, you can apply for a scholarship under the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) Program or Australia Awards Pacific Scholarship (AAPS) Program.

You can apply online at or you can collect an application form from the Human Resource Management Unit, Government of Tuvalu.

  1. What is the difference between AAS and AAPS?

AAS is for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in institutions/universities in Australia. You can only apply for an AAS award if your study program is not available in any institution in the Pacific region.

AAPS is for TVET, undergraduate and postgraduate studies in institutions in the region.

AAS and AAPS are divided into 2 categories; the PUBLIC category and the OPEN category.

The PUBLIC category is for applicants nominated by the Government of Tuvalu and the OPEN category is for all other interested Tuvaluan applicants.

  1. Can I apply to study for a PhD?

No. PhD awards are not available under AAS and AAPS.

  1. Can I apply for any course I choose?

No. Your study program must be in line with an approved priority area listed below:

  • Economic growth and governance
  • Environment and climate change
  • Education
  • Gender and Social Inclusion
  • Infrastructure and Information Technology
  • Health

This is in-line with Tuvalu Human Resources Development needs.

  1. When do applications open?

Applications were opened on 1 February 2017.

Hardcopy applications will be closed at 4 pm on Friday 28 April 2017.

Online applications will be closed on Sunday, 30 April 2017. It is advisable for you to submit your online application well before the closing date in order to avoid unforeseen problems such as internet connectivity issues and traffic in the system due to peak submission time.

Assistance in filling the online application can be found at

  1. What is the duration of the scholarship?

Scholarships will be available for full-time study. Normally 3 -4 years for Undergraduates and 1 -2 years for Masters.

  1. Do I need an offer letter from the institution to support my scholarship application?

No. The important thing is that you meet the course requirements of that institution.

  1. What are the eligibility criteria for applying for AAS and AAPS?

For Technical or Vocational, you must have attained a Form 6 minimum aggregate mark of 250 of 400 or its equivalent (for English and 3 best subjects). You also must not hold either an undergraduate degree or a tertiary diploma.

For Undergraduate, you must have attained a Form 6 minimum aggregate mark of 300 of 400 or its equivalent (for English and 3 best subjects). You also must not hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

Mature age applicants for Technical/Vocational and Undergraduate must have at least 5 years relevant work experience, achieved a pass grade at least either the Form 6 or 7 or equivalent results or through some form of continuing education or work related training.

For Postgraduate, you must have achieved above average results in your undergraduate degree(s) and have at least 5 years of relevant work experience.

Mature applicants for Postgraduate must have at least 10 years of relevant work experience.

There is no age limit, although a scholar’s potential outputs on return from study will be assessed during selection time.

  1. What are the supporting documents that I must attach to my application?
  • A curriculum vitae detailing personal details, academic qualifications and relevant work experience (should be no more than 4 pages).
  • Certified copies of all your academic certificates and transcripts that specify percentage grades or marks for each stage of study undertaken.
  • A certified copy of your Form 6 official results notice or Form 7 official notice result if already sat for.
  • A certified copy of your birth certificate
  • Referee reports: at least one academic referee report and at least one other referee report (e.g. from a supervisor at work). Master by Research should include 2 academic referee reports. A template for the preferred format of a referee report is available at
  • Other relevant documents include evidence of English test score (IELTS) or a Statement from the University or school that English is the language of instruction.

If a supporting document is not attached, then your application will be invalid.

  1. What is a certified copy?

A certified copy is a photocopy which has been signed by a public notary, Justice of the Peace, or school principal/academic registrar of the institution providing the course, after the sighting of your original document.

  1. What happens after my application is submitted?

Your application will then be assessed in accordance with the requirements for the award which you applied for. AAS and AAPS are competitive scholarship programs.After assessment, a shortlist of applications will be developed. The Government of Tuvalu will develop the shortlist for the PUBLIC category and DFAT will develop the shortlist for the OPEN category.Applicants who are shortlisted will then be called in for an interview.

The criteria for assessment of applications and performance at interview are:

  • Academic competence
  • Potential outcome, including contribution to development outcomes in Tuvalu, and
  • Professional and personal leadership attributes.

After the interview, priority candidates for the 2018 intake will be identified and advised. Being a priority candidate does not mean that you have a scholarship.

DFAT will process your placement at your preferred institution and if accepted, you will then be offered a scholarship award.

  1. Who can I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact Ms Saini Malalau by phone at (679) 33 88 240 or email or Ms Lily-Anne Homasi by phone at (679) 33 88 359 or email