Tran

Thi Hai
0973981679
h8p://scholarshipcoach.wordpress.com/
April 2012

Cracking

the Australian Awards

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 2 3

Kick
s tart

Criteria

Crack
the

ques7ons

Kick Start

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Overview- Goals

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

Study areas

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

Match your proposed

study and PrioriNes

See more: h8p://scholarshipcoach.wordpress.com/

Lnh vc u 7n

Disability

Health

Economic growth

Human rights

Educa7on

Infrastructure

Environment

Regional stability

Food security

Rural

Gender
Governance

Development and
water & sanita7on

Criteria

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Criteria

Academic results 30%

Suitability and relevance of
proposed study 30%

ContribuNon to Vietnams
development 40%

Mark yourself on the

detailed criteria
specicaNon

CRACKING
The ADS/ALA key quesNons

h8p://scholarshipcoach.wordpress.com/

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

Q15.2. HOW will the proposed study contribute to

your career development
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

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

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

Kick Start

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EA Postgraduate Awards- Overview

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

Criteria

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EA Postgraduate Awards- Selec7on criteria

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

Selec7on criteria VET Awards

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

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)
Tham kho thm:
http://scholarshipcoach.wordpress.com/

Lu

cng bng cho tt ca cc ng vin xin hc bng,

ti khng vit h s xin hc bng h bn. Vai tr ca
ti l ngi tu vn, t cu hi bn tm c im
mnh ca mnh lm ni bt h s, cng nhu gi
cc kho hc ph hp vi mc tiu ngh nghip ca
bn. Sn phm cui cng, h s xin hc bng, l do
bn vit, mang phong cch v tot c im u vit
ca bn.
Ti cam kt gi b mt h s ca bn.

Lin h

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