John Allwright Fellowship

3 perople analysing and discussing soil samples
Applications are closed

About the John Allwright Fellowship program

The John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) provides scientists, from partner countries currently or recently involved in ACIAR research projects, with the opportunity to obtain formal postgraduate qualifications at an Australian tertiary institution. The main aim of the Fellowship is to enhance scientific research capability in ACIAR partner country institutions.

The JAF program is the largest investment in the ACIAR Capacity Building Program. It provides PhD and master's by research scholarships to agricultural researchers, administered through the Australia Awards system. ACIAR provides additional pastoral care and development opportunities to strengthen the leadership skills of participants during their scholarship to help bridge the gap between study and the next stages of their careers.

There are approximately 38 JAFs studying in Australia at 18 universities across the country. 

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

Completing a PhD or master's 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 JAF Support Facility provides tailored support to JAFs throughout their scholarship journey, such as additional pastoral care and facilitating networking events. This is a free service each new JAF is automatically entitled to. The JSF is delivered in partnership with the  University of New England (UNE).

John Allwright Fellowship Executive Leadership Program (JAFel)

In 2019 the first cohort of JAFs began the new John Allwright Fellowship Executive Leadership Program (JAFel), a learning program that aims to bridge the gap between study and the next stages of our Fellows' career development. In the program, JAFel provides learning opportunities to strengthen leadership, people and communication skills, finance, and project management topics. Delivered by the UNE, the fellows undertake a 10-day intensive workshop followed by a period of online and applied learning. The online program takes approximately 6 hours a month, complementing the fellows’ postgraduate studies. The program concludes with a 4-day reflective workshop. 

Applications for the John Allwright Fellowship Program

Applications for the JAF program are currently closed. 
 

John Allwright Fellowship - FAQs

General

What is included in the scholarship?

The John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) is offered by ACIAR as part of the broader Australian Awards framework. Scholarship inclusions can be found via the link below. Successful ACIAR JAFs will receive additional pastoral care through the JAF Support Facility and can participate in our JAF Executive Leadership Program (JAFel), a professional development program covering a range of topics to support JAFs bridge the gap between study and the next stages of our Fellow's career development.

Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook | dfat.gov.au (PDF) 

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 Building Program by 2020. In line with this commitment, women now comprise at least half of new John Allwright Fellowship Awardees.

What can I study?

Applicants must be a scientist or economist from the developing country partner who is actively involved in a collaborative research project supported by ACIAR at the time of application. Note active projects include those that have completed in the last 24 months. Research proposals and proposed study programs will be assessed and weighted according to how they align with the work that ACIAR does and the priorities of the agricultural research within the partner country.

Where can I study?

A list of Australian Universities will be provided on the application website when you need to select your preferred institution of study. We currently have JAFs studying at 18 different universities across Australia.

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

No. Australia Awards are 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 for the total accrued cost of their award.

John Allwright Fellowship - Philippines

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 will commence their PhD studies in Australia in this academic year 2024-25.

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

 

Capacity-building