Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are prestigious scholarships funded by the Australian Government available for Vietnamese citizens for master’s studies at universities in Australia. AAS awardees gain a world-class education in Australia, advance their knowledge and skills, and build networks across a range of areas, including governance and economic growth, infrastructure and transport, education, gender equality, agriculture and rural development, regional stability and human rights, disability, climate change/environment, innovation, health and cyber security.
The scholarship is for applicants from various backgrounds, including government officials from central, provincial, and district-level, staff of NGOs and Vietnamese companies, academics and researchers, etc.
Particularly, people with disability, people from ethnic minorities and people living in rural areas are encouraged to apply. A support scheme is available to assist equal participation for these applicants throughout the application process, as well as during their time living and studying in Australia.
“The Australia Awards Scholarship has opened up a new horizon for me," shared Dinh Thi Ly, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Business, and Innovation at La Trobe University through AAS. For individuals with physical disability like Ly, the scholarship program arranges for a caregiver to support them during their study in Australia, offering them vehicles and accessible learning devices.
Dinh Thi Ly (center) received the Australia Awards Scholarships in 2022. Currently, she is studying at La Trobe University
For Nguyen Khac Chung, Australia Awards student who has been studying in Melbourne, Australia for over six months, he has never feel isolated or alone in his academic and living environment thanks to the maximum support provided for students with disability.
"Firstly, the school assesses my disability status and provides me with suitable support equipment. The curriculum is designed to ensure inclusivity for everyone. Campus facilities enable easy movement for scooters, and there are numerous accessible restrooms for people with disability.”
Lo Thi Duoc, an awardee from the Thai ethnic group in Son La province, said that she has no difficulties applying for Australia Awards Scholarships compared to urban peers. Applicants can attend information session about AAS in person despite living in remote provinces. Additionally, applicants receive support in improving their English proficiency through pre-departure courses delivered by native teachers.
In addition to financial assistance, AAS scholars receive support to prepare for their academic journey, including assistance with administrative procedures, visa applications, and integration into life in Australia. During their study, they have numerous opportunities to participate in knowledge exchanges with international friends, enhancing their professional skills to contribute to Vietnam's development upon completing the master’s program.
On their return to Vietnam, AAS scholars become part of a network of over 80,000 Australian alumni, which includes more than 6,500 Vietnamese who have been awarded scholarships from other Australia Awards.
For more information about the Australia Awards Scholarship, please email info@australiaawardsvietnam.org.
To date, the Australian Government has provided over 6,500 Australia Awards Scholarships for Vietnamese nationals to study in Australia. On their return to Vietnam, many alumni have been very successful in their careers – and are now in senior positions in Vietnam. Alumni have made substantial contributions towards Vietnam’s socioeconomic development and built invaluable lifelong networks both in Vietnam and Australia.
