John 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.

Other benefits under the JAF Program

Completing a Masters by Research or PhD is a significant undertaking. To ensure that our fellows have the best possible experience studying in Australia, ACIAR offers additional scholarship support through the following activities.

JAF Support Facility (JSF) -The JSF provides tailored support to JAFs throughout their scholarship journey, such as additional pastoral care and facilitating networking events. This is a free service delivered in partnership with the  University of New England (UNE).

Alumni - On completion of scholarship, JAFs will automatically become part of the ACIAR Alumni cohort. ACIAR facilitates continued networking and learning opportunities, drawing on the expertise in the alumni to inform research for development projects.

Australia Awards - As a JAF scholar you will receive the same entitlement benefits as an Australia Awards recipient as well as be involved in any networking or alumni events.

Applicants must meet the following key requirements at the time of applying:

• You must not be a citizen of Australia, hold permanent residency in Australia or be applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently
• You must be a citizen of the country in which you are working
• You are endorsed by your current employer, ACIAR Project Leaders (Commissioned Organisations and Country Collaborators) and your primary supervisor
• You are currently employed on a permanent or long-term contract basis
• You are a scientist or economist who is actively involved in an ACIAR research project or small research activity within the last 24 months. ACIAR may consider supporting researchers from “advanced pipeline” projects
• Your Research Proposal addresses the gender equity and social inclusion, climate change and project contribution to the development priority of your country
• You hold qualifications, equivalent to at least an Australian Bachelor degree, in a discipline that is relevant to the proposed area of postgraduate study
• You have recently undertaken an English language testing program, i.e. IELTs, TOEFL, PTE or are prepared to take the test on receipt of application outcome 

Applications for the 2026 intake round open on the 1 February 2025 and close on the 30 April 2025 via the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS). You must register an account in OASIS as this will enable you to logon, create and complete an application form. When starting an application you will need to select the ACIAR John Allwright Fellowships award program. 

For instructions on how to register and create an application in OASIS refer to the OASIS Applicant User Guide.

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for further information. If you are still unsure, contact the ACIAR office in your region or email [email protected] 

Apply now for the John Allwright Fellowship

Supporting documents 

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)

TIP: Information on acceptable certified copies is explained at Section 2.7.7 of the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook (PDF 1.26 MB). Also note, where documents are not in English, please provide the original copy and the English translation. 

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

• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• English Language Details (if applicable, IELTs/TOEFL/PTE 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.

TIP: Download the following templates for your employer and Project Leaders to complete. 

Endorsement by Employing Organisation - Template (PDF 310 MB)

Project Leader Referee Report - Template (PDF 278 KB)

What is included in the scholarship?

The JAF is offered by ACIAR as part of the broader Australian Awards scheme. If you intend to apply, you must read the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook (PDF 1.26 MB). The handbook provides information including general eligibility requirements, selection processes, entitlements and responsibilities. Note that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade may revise and update the handbook at any time without notice.

How does this program support women leaders?

In its Gender Equity Policy and Strategy 2017-​2022, ACIAR committed to achieving gender parity in its Capacity Development Program by 2020. In line with this commitment, women now comprise at least half of new JAF awardees.

What can I study?

JAF is open to eligible applicants seeking to study a Masters by Research or PhD at a registered Australian institution and must be actively involved in a collaborative research project supported by ACIAR within the last 24 months at the time of applying. Study program must relate to your area of proposed research.

Listed courses are found on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). 

TIP: Applying for a Masters by Coursework is not eligible under the JAF program.

How will applications be selected?

Research proposals and proposed study programs will be assessed and weighted according to:

• Alignment and relevancy to ACIAR Research projects
• Potential for impact, including the applicants' intended plans upon returning home after completing their studies
• Alignment of the proposal to the research and development priorities of the applicant’s home country
• Written endorsements outlined in supporting documents (current employer, Australian project leader, collaborating country project leader, and primary supervisor affiliated with the institution of study)
• How well the proposal demonstrates the gender equity and social inclusion, climate change, as well as the project contribution to the development priority of your country

TIP: Refer to our JAF program factsheet (PDF 279 KB) for useful information on subheadings to address in your proposal. Before submitting, share your proposal with a trusted reviewer. If your proposal has a socio-economic objective, or includes trans-disciplinary methods, have someone with relevant expertise review it for you. 

Where can I study?

You can study at any participating Australian Institution as long as your nominated primary supervisor is also affiliated with the same institution.

Can I apply for an award if I'm intending to migrate or if I have permanent residency?

No. The JAF is not available to intending migrants or those who have Australian permanent residency. Awardees are required to leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship. Failure to do so will result in the awardee incurring a debt to the Commonwealth of Australia for the total accrued cost of their award.

Which countries are eligible this round?

ACIAR’s participating partner countries include those based in Africa, South Asia, East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific regions (excluding India and Myanmar). Visit our website for the full list. 

Is there an age limit on applicants?

No, the Australia Awards Policy does not impose age limits on applicants.

I am involved in an ACIAR project, but I am unsure if I meet the eligibility criteria. What should I do?

Please contact your Project Leader or contact our offices in your region to discuss.

Can I apply if I worked on an ACIAR project more than 24 months ago?

No. This does not meet the required eligibility criterion for the JAF program, but please visit the ACIAR website – you may be eligible for our other capacity development opportunities!

When should I seek the support of my Australian project leader, partner country leader and employer?

We highly recommend that you inform all relevant parties of your intention to apply as early as possible, to enable suitable time to seek, receive, and provide endorsement letters and referee reports with your application. Failure to provide these documents will directly impact your eligibility.

Do I need to have publications to apply?

No. Publications, while helpful, are not a requirement.

What are the visa requirements for the scholarship?

Awardees must obtain a Student visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia. Those with dual citizenship should apply for their visa using the passport of the country for which they received the JAF Scholarship. They must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements and demonstrate genuine temporary stay intentions.

TIP: Awardees must maintain a valid passport and visa throughout the scholarship period. 

How long do visa applications take to process?

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) advises that in some circumstances applications may take up to three months. 

TIP: Apply for your Student visa (subclass 500) immediately after signing the scholarship contract to avoid delays.

Can I bring my family with me to Australia?

Yes. You may be accompanied by your family during your scholarship period in Australia. Please refer to the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook (PDF 1.26 MB) for more information regarding your responsibilities.

In 2023, ACIAR, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and DOST Science Education Institute, offered Filipino nationals associated with DOST-PCAARRD and ACIAR research projects up to five (5) places within the JAF program (JAF Philippines).  The JAF Philippines is one of two components, jointly funded by DOST and ACIAR and administered through the Australia Awards.  The successful applicants from round one have commenced their PhD studies in Australia in this academic year 2024-25.

Applications for round two John Allwright Fellowship - Philippines are currently closed.