April 2012

Cracking

the Australian Awards

Tran Thi Hai 0973981679 h8p://scholarshipcoach.wordpress.com/

Use this guide wisely This is not an ocial view from ADS/ALA or Endeavour scholarship Commi8ee but rather my own interpretaNon of the quesNons, based on my own experiences with the scholarship and supporNng scholarship seekers in the last few years. This guide is distributed on the internet so everybody might use it. Do not COPY the sample answers in this guide or you will risk you own applicaNon. Plagiarism is a clear NO to a scholarship!

ADS/ ALA

Cracking the ADS/ALA and Endeavour Scholarship

1 Kick start 2Criteria 3Crack the ques7ons

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AA= Development awards:

help developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.

The overarching goals of Australia's Development Awards are: To develop capacity and leadership skills so that

individuals can contribute to development in their home country Achieving country and regional program development outcomes

To build people-to-people links at the individual, insNtuNonal and countrylevels supporNng Australias broader foreign policy agenda through long-term linkages and partnership

Overview- Goals

All proposed study should align with the priority areas of human resource development, economic integraNon or environmental sustainability set out in the Vietnam-Australia development cooperaNon strategy Vietnam-Australia development cooperaNon strategy human resource development economic integraNon environmental sustainability

Study areas

Match your proposed study and PrioriNes

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n Disability

Economic growth

Educa7on

Environment

Food security

Gender

Governance

Health

Human rights

Infrastructure

Regional stability

Rural

Development and water & sanita7on

2 Criteria

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Crite

ria

Academic results 30% Suitability and relevance of proposed study 30% ContribuNon to Vietnams development 40%

Mark yourself on the detailed criteria specicaNon

3 CRACKING The ADS/ALA key quesNons

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Current employment - Duties/responsibilities

1. Choose employment that relevant to your application. Criteria to choose: Employment that highlights/ compliments

your proposed study your future plan showcase your leadership skills your voluntary works, community work

2. Write up: - 3 sentences to provide an overview of the post - List significant and important tasks with some achievements and fact

where possible.

Example

My overall role as senior manager is to ensure the synergy and quality among different development projects implemented in Vietnam by [name]. Specific responsibilities are

To develop and supervise implementation of the M&E system at project and program levels

To analyse results and advice strategic managements for direction of the future projects

To manage, mentor and coach a team of 5 staff and directly report to board of director

To advocate program outcomes to relevant government agencies and stakeholders

To participate in the interagency working group to coordinate and support initiatives of working with ethnics in Dien Bien

Tips: Use action verbs

Refer to handout Example 2: Project B: Program Manager: Working directly under

the director, I was charged with the development of new projects and organizing the implementation.

Keep updates of new policies, development trend of government and donors Assist in developing and executing promotional initiatives to profitably increase

consumption within budgeted parameters. Assist in the identification and development of new project ideas and works with

team members to execute the plans Coordinate with project partners at different levels Provide capacity building training for team members and project partners on

project management and finance management

Q. Do you intend to return to this organisation after your scholarship in Australia?-

YES: How will this scholarship contribute to the organisa7on's human resource development needs?

THINK ABOUT What are the future plans of your organisation? What is needed for this process?

Can be skills, new know-how, expertises, international models or best practice, or working process, network, connection..

NOTE While you dont need to say a lot about your role, make sure you are

mentioned in this process of improvement

Example of YES

My institution is tasked by a government mandate to transform itself

from a research institute that provides market intelligence and forecasting services to central government to farmers and private sectors. Personnel with new skills such as modelling, new approach of management and pricing our information are much needed. The scholarship will fasten our process of upgrading our current staff that have specific local knowledge but not yet lack of international exposures. Having me as the first staff being trained in Australia, my organisation also hopes to establish formal linkages with Australian agricultural institutions such as ABC in Queensland to improve our HR via in country training and collaboration opportunities.

Q. 13 Do you intend to return to this organisation after your scholarship in Australia?-

If No, what are your plans when you finish your studies?

TIPS: Describe also how you have planted some seeds for

your future plan to increase credibility If you plan to move to a new organisation, make sure

you justify why you have made that move.

Example of NO

For 1 year after my graduation, I intend to work as freelance consultant for key projects in Dien Bien specifically in governance reform as an effective way to accumulate experience fast and concentrate on applying my new knowledge in Australia. I already have had many requests from projects to keep them updated with new learning to be gained from Australia. I will make use of this time to adapt myself back to the fast development and new requirement of the field. Also, during that period, I will continue to identify my key partners to build up on my plan of setting my own research institute to support the socio-economic planning process at local levels

Q15.1. Why have you chosen this study program*

What is sought after? Understand of the course objectives and its strength What skills and knowledge do you need that the course

can offer? What do you expect to learn Your personal motivation Some ideas: - Relate to your field of study - Refer to course description - describe specific skills and technical knowledge. - Relate to your Personal development and personal motivation - Future linkages - Previous association that you or your organisation has

Q15.1 Example- Discuss

I was first inspired to apply for further studies in Australia by one of my Australia project manager, who tells me much about the strength of Australia in the field of organic agriculture. My later research of course and institutions resulted in the exact type of courses that I would like to pursue, rigorous in theory and also a strong practical component and regional comparative analysis. I trust that I will receive a rich education from strong international experts who also have deep understanding of my own country and the region. As English skill is instrumental for my work and career development, I have always wanted to improve my communication skills in English. Australia is a perfect environment for this.

Q15.2 HOW will the proposed study contribute to your career development

What is sought after ? - Highlight impact/ connection of the study and your career

plan TIPS: - Clear vision of your career plan - The relevance of the course objectives to this process. - Contribution to your career development: skills/

technical/ network

Skills: Refer to the list of professional skills: Analytical skills Communication skills: writing, public speaking Leadership skills (note that for ALA, limit your elaboration to minimal

as it will be covered in Q 16) Adult training skills Facilitation skills Technical knowledge: M&E, teaching methodology for ethinic minority children, organic

waste management treatment model and policies, prevention programs for water borned diseases

Q15.2. HOW will the proposed study contribute to your career development

Q 15.2. HOW will the proposed study contribute to your career development - Note

1. Highlight the way you will use these skills, knowledge 2. Avoid listing without justification:

E.g- to support my organisations development, the priorities of my study in Australia include: project management, development studies

3. Avoid ill- logical match between skills and the objectives/ motivation: E.g: presentation and communication and persuade to

change relationship between officials and local people

Q15.2. HOW will the proposed study contribute to your career development - Writing style

Option 1: Name skill and/or knowledge 1 Example of

application 1 Name skill and/or knowledge 2 Example of

application 2 Option 2: bundle:

Name skills and knowledge overall applications give 1, 2 specific examples

Q15.2. HOW will the proposed study contribute to your career development - Example

Example 1: Knowledge to acquire: - Theory of change management and strategic

management model My Plan: - To become the school principal Potential application: - apply to my school in our strategic planning and

succession development plan.

Q15.2. HOW will the proposed study contribute to your career development - Example

Knowledge of model of gender inclusion in education / concrete activities, policies to promote education among Aborigines/ Ethinic minority in Australia

Potential application: work with my team to change the curriculum as a key senior teacher. within Youth Pioneer Activities and community Outreach program, I

will integrate activities to promote girls participation. recommend policies to the DOET when I have opportunities to

represent of my school.

Q 15.3 How have you contributed to solving a challenge and to implemenNng change or reform?

What is sought for in this question? What aspects of your leadership knowledge, skills and

pracNce you consider to be well established and eecNve Which people or organizaNons you worked with to solve

the problem; and what creaNve methods were used.

Your approach to lead, how you have demonstrated Challenge/ Change/ Reform?

Q 15.3. How have you contributed to solving a challenge and to implemenNng change or reform?

Note: Leaders= Personal quality, technical competencies,

motivation, commitment, vision TIPS: Describe the challenge and what you did and what

have been the results Embed your philosophy to solve problem and lead

change Mention the skills and practice you used Write in achievement tone

Finding your leadership traits and skills

Refer to the Referee Report

Q 15.4 What specic development priority will you contribute to on your return home and how do you intend to do so?

What is sought for in this one? Demonstration of an applicant who Understands the big picture: motivation/ career plan vs

countrys goal, development of particular field Is able to justify why you chose to work on that development

issue: E.g: because of importance, urgency, potential to

contribute Has vision and commitment to lead specific change:

technical change in the end for social change. Balance between technical and development goal

Q 15.4 Example of Development issues

poverty reduction Ethinic minority integration into the global economy healthy competition and equity business environment progress in restructuring of state-owned enterprises framework and administrative structure (governance) competitiveness of the economy, high population growth rate, poverty and underemployment natural disasters preparedness gap between rural and urban areas HIV/AIDS and public health Education for all

Q 15.4 What specic development priority will you contribute to on your return home and how do you intend to do so?

List WHAT and explain HOW the outcomes will benefit to Vietnam.

Also do not forget the role of professional networks and coalitions

Q 15.4 What specic development priority will you contribute to on your return home and how do you intend to do so?

TIPS: Important: to increase your credibility: tie down to your

area of influence (think Vietnam but cite impacts and works at local, where you will be working)

Relate to your career plan, your organisations needs: consider the applicability of these skills and knowledge to your institution/ work/ unit and to Vietnam in general

Q 15.4 What specic development priority will you contribute to on your return home and how do you intend to do so? Examples

Study field: Biology and natural resources 1. Importance of NR and biology to VN development 2. Barriers/ Problems: poverty, remote areas, lack of

personnel and NR management model 3. Training helps by: improving conservation and management practice Contribute to HR development for this field while

barriers remains largely on limited # of personnel and qualifications

local community to protect forest and NR

Q 15.4 Study field: Education leadership

1. In Yen Bai: Limited girl schoolinggender inequity Mechanic and innovative pedagogy due to limited

professional skills of teachers ineffective education deepen poverty among Ethnic minority limit social

inclusion and affect natural resources 2. Training helps by: - Improve teachers training quality - better school management, affecting 3000 students,

affecting - opportunities to tailor/ care for 200 girls of ethnic background

and poor family

Examples of collaboration

international development programmes, inclusive of and accessible to persons with disabilities;

Capacity-building, including sharing and exchange of information, experience, training programmes and best practices;

Cooperation in research and access to scientific and technical knowledge; and,

Technical and economic assistance, including access to and sharing of accessible and assistive technologies and through technology transfer.

Research Proposal

1. Research title (max 250 characters, approx 3050 words limit) 2. Objectives (max 1000 characters, approx 150-200 words limit) - What do you want to find out. 3. Significance and possible application of your proposed

research to your countrys development (max 1000 characters, approx 150-200 words limit)

- academic significance - application potential to VN and the world 4. Proposed research method (max 1000 characters, approx

150-200 words limit) 5. Field work

Referee Report

Academic hay professional? LoE as one important RR Position Content

Your current contribution Potential impact The need/ relevance of the study

with concrete examples

ENDEAVOUR AWARDS

oEndeavour Post Graduate Awards PhD, Masters oEndeavour Research Fellowships oEndeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowships

oEndeavour VET awards Voca7onal skills, Diploma oEndeavour ExecuNve awards Professional Development oPrime Minister's Australia Asia Endeavour Awards The top twenty (20) eligible applicants at PhD level

Endeavour Awards

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Merit-based scholarship program Develop on-going educational, research and

professional linkages between individuals, organisations and countries;

Increase the productivity of Australians through an

international study, research or professional development experience.

No limitations on fields of study field

EA Postgraduate Awards- Overview

2 Criteria

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A record of high- level academic achievement in the applicants chosen eld of study;

A well dened study or research program; A proposal that is relevant to the needs and interests of Australia and the applicants home country;

The applicants poten7al to foster ongoing collabora7on and coopera7on with Australia and poten7al to par7cipate at a high level in the academic or wider community in their home country on return from Australia, and

Outstanding community service or civic par7cipa7on that has beneted your community

EA Postgraduate Awards- Selec7on criteria

Selec7

on criteria VE

T Aw

ards a record of prior academic achievement and relevant

work experience. Preference may be given to applicants with work experience that is directly related to their proposed course

a proposal that is relevant to the applicants needs and interests and those of their home country;

the applicants poten7al to address skills/ needs/ shortages specic in their home country through the chosen course of study;

ability to successfully complete their proposed course and poten7al to par7cipate in their chosen profession and wider community in their home country on return from Australia, and outstanding community service or civic par7cipa7on that has beneted your community

3 Endeavour Key ques7ons

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Endeavour Q1

Please provide details of your involvement in acNviNes which demonstrate your outstanding community service or civic parNcipaNon in any area that provides a benet to your naNon or your community. (Maximum 200 words) ------- ADS: Not specically--- * How have you contributed to solving aspects challenge and to implemenNng change or reform? (In your response be specic and include: what of your leadership knowledge, skills and pracNce you consider to be well established and eecNve; which people or organisaNons you worked with to solve the problem; and what creaNve methods were used.)

Endeavour Q2

Please provide details of your proposed study, research or professional development, including the personal and professional benets you expect to gain from your Endeavour Award. (Maximum 500 words) ----- ADS: * Why have you chosen this study program? * How will the proposed study contribute to your career development?

Endeavour Q3

Please provide details of how your proposed study, research or professional development will benet your home and host countries, including potenNal for ongoing linkages. (Maximum 200 words) --- ADS: How will the proposed study contribute to your career

development? What specic development priority will you contribute

to on your return home and how do you intend to do so?

What is the importance of expanding your professional networks and coaliDons

Endeavour Q4

Please provide details, including proposed dates and country locaNons, of any eldwork you plan to undertake as part of your Endeavour Awards, even if it is only in its early planning stages. (Maximum 100 words)

Endeavour Q5

Summary of Proposal (Maximum 200 words): *

Other scholarships

Australian institutions: IPRS: all candidates, only for Master by research and PhD

New Zealand: ASEAN Scholar Awards: for all level, all candidates

Belgium: VLIR:

Master level, in development only BTC:

All levels, all candidates Young graduates:

Eramus

Endeavour Q5

Summary of Proposal (Maximum 200 words): *

Other scholarships

Useful websites for scholarship listing: http://www.scholars4dev.com/ vietabroader.org Viet MBA http://cambodiajobs.blogspot.com/ http://wwwscholarships.info/ Box du hoc: ttvnol

Qui trnh tu vn chun b h s hc bng

Thi gian phn hi mi bn tho t 2-3 ngy Ph dch v: 2,500,000 VND Bao gm ton b phn Study objectives, Personal

Statement, CV, T vn chn trng, chn kha hc (Khng bao gm: Phn cng nghin cu i vi bc hc tin sy v thu gii thiu)

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Ti cam kt gi b mt h s ca bn.

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Trn Th Hi http://scholarshipcoach.wordpress.com/ 0973981679 hhtt2003@yahoo.com.au