A new batch of high-achieving Filipinos will be starting their postgraduate studies in Australia by January 2024 under Australia Awards.
The contingent includes 54 scholars who will be undertaking master’s programs in Australia’s world-class universities and five individuals who will be pursuing doctoral degrees as fellows of the John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) Philippines, a pilot graduate fellowship program jointly funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Department of Science and Technology, and administered by Australia Awards.
During their pre-departure briefing, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu PSM, FCPA (Aust) acknowledged the important role of the scholars in strengthening Australia-Philippines relations and their contribution to the nation’s development.
“Australia Awards has been an essential component of Australia’s partnership with the Philippines. As scholars, you are visible representations of the strong and deep people-to-people links between our two countries. Your Australian education and training will prepare and equip you with the knowledge and skills to help you make a difference in the Philippines when you return,” said Ambassador Yu.
Upon their return to the Philippines, Filipino scholars are expected to implement their re-entry action plan (REAP). REAPs enable scholars to apply their learnings in Australia to meaningful projects that will contribute to the development of their respective organisations or communities.
Among the areas of study that will be pursued by this batch of scholars are agriculture, aquatic and natural resources management; digital economy and cybersecurity; education; governance and public policy; infrastructure and smart cities; law and justice; maritime studies; and trade and economics.
In September this year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr forged a Strategic Partnership between Australia and the Philippines that includes boosting educational links, such as through Australia Awards, to foster invaluable people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Since 2005, over 1,500 exemplary Filipinos have studied in Australia on Australian Government scholarships. The new batch of scholars will join the 92 Filipino scholars who are currently on scholarship in Australia. At the conclusion of their studies, Australia Awards scholars will join the dynamic Australia Global Alumni community in the Philippines.
Further information is available at australiaawardsphilippines.org.