John Allwright Fellowship Program 2026 (Funding available): (Deadline 30 April 2025)

The John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) is a competitive scholarship program available to scientists or economists from partner countries currently or recently involved in ACIAR research projects. It offers the opportunity to obtain formal postgraduate qualifications at an Australian tertiary institution. The primary aim of the Fellowship is to strengthen scientific research capability and institutional links in ACIAR partner countries to undertake high-quality and impactful research.

The JAF program is the largest investment in the ACIAR Capacity Development Program. It provides Masters by Research or PhD scholarships to agricultural researchers, administered through the Australia Awards system. ACIAR provides additional pastoral care and development opportunities to strengthen the diverse and transferrable skills of participants during their scholarship to help bridge the gap between study and the next stages of their careers.

There are currently 39 JAFs enrolled in 15 universities across Australia.

Benefits of Allwright Fellowship

The JAF is offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian higher education institution, including any preparatory training.

The following benefits generally apply:

• Full tuition fees
• Return air travel – payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route
• Establishment allowance – a once only payment as a contribution towards accommodation expenses, textbooks, study materials
• Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) – a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by the department
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP)–a compulsory program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on living and studying in Australia
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only) – provided to cover the scholar’s basic medical costs (with the exception of pre-existing conditions)
• Pre-course English (PCE) fees–if deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training
• Supplementary academic support may be available to ensure a scholar’s academic success or enhance their academic experience
• Fieldwork may be available for eligible research students for one return economy class airfare via the most direct route to their country of citizenship or within Australia

Eligibility for Allwright Fellowship

• Applicant must be citizens of the country in which they are working.
• Be a scientist or economist from the developing country partner (excluding India and Myanmar) who is actively involved in a collaborative research project supported by ACIAR within the last 24 months (in some cases, ACIAR will consider supporting researchers from “advanced pipeline” projects, i.e. in cases where a full project proposal has been approved by ACIAR).
• Hold qualifications, equivalent to at least an Australian bachelor’s degree, in a discipline that is relevant to the proposed area of postgraduate study.
• Have recently undertaken an English language testing program i.e. IELTs, TOEFL, PET or are prepared to take the test on receipt of application outcome.
• Obtain written endorsements from their current employer, ACIAR Project Leaders (Commissioned Organisations and Country Collaborators) and their Primary Supervisor.
• Obtain written approval from the employing institution which must agree to the absence of the applicant should he/she/they receive a scholarship for the period involved in obtaining the postgraduate qualification.
• Currently employed on a permanent or long-term contract basis.
• A well written research proposal that addresses the gender equity and social inclusion, climate change and project contribution to the development priority of your country.

Application

The following supporting documents are mandatory and must be uploaded with your application. Not providing these documents may impact your eligibility.

• Proof of citizenship (Birth certificate)
• An identity document (passport must have an expiry date more than 6 months from the application date)
• Certified copies of degree certificates
• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• Research proposal (consider how the proposed research will address gender equity and social inclusion, climate change, as well as the project contribution to the development priority of your country).
• Employer endorsement letter (Template available)
• Australian Project Leader referee report (Template available)
• Collaborating Country Project Leader referee report (Template available)
• Primary Supervisor endorsement letter (This can be a formal letter or copy of email correspondence)

In addition, they highly recommend you provide the following additional documents to strengthen your application:

• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• English Language Details (if applicable, IELTs/TOEFL/PET official report)
• Statement from university that English is the language of instruction
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Any other relevant documents in support of your application.
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