Opportunities

Make a difference with an Australia Award

Australia’s international development assistance to Bhutan helps promote prosperity, reduce poverty and enhance political stability in the country. As an important part of this development assistance, Australia Awards in Bhutan aims to:

  • develop capacity and leadership skills so that individuals can contribute to development in Bhutan
  • build people-to-people linkages between Bhutan and Australia.

Applicants for Australia Awards are assessed on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their potential to contribute to national development on their return to Bhutan. Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability and other traditionally-marginalised groups.

Gender Equality & Social Inclusion

Promoting equity and broad participation by all groups in society

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Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards administered by the Australian Government. The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards Scholarships develop recipients’ skills and knowledge and help them build networks to drive change and contribute to development.

Australia Awards Scholarships offer emerging Bhutanese leaders the opportunity to undertake full-time postgraduate study in Australia in priority fields relating to Bhutan’s development. Scholars are well supported throughout the period of their studies in Australia.

Eligibility

Applications are accepted from Bhutanese who meet the strict eligibility criteria. Women, people with disability and people from traditionally-marginalised groups are encouraged to apply.

Applications for Australia Awards Scholarships open on 1 February and close 30 April each year. Information on applying, including all supporting documentation required for applications, is available on this website during the application period.

Short Courses

Australia Awards Short Courses are an opportunity to undertake short-term training and professional development focused on addressing key development challenges for Bhutan and the South Asia region. Australia Awards Short Courses develop recipients’ skills and knowledge and help them build networks to drive change and contribute to development.

Australia Awards Short Courses on specific topics are advertised from time to time through this website. Short Courses may be delivered in Australia, in Bhutan or across both locations.

Eligibility

Each Short Course is designed with particular objectives in mind, so the eligibility criteria will vary from one course to another. Be sure to carefully read the eligibility requirements specified in the Short Course listing before starting your application.

Women, people with disability and people from traditionally-marginalised groups are encouraged to apply. Short Courses, when available for application, are advertised on this website.

Application

Applications for Australia Awards Scholarships are now open and will close 30 April 2024.

The application process is transparent and competitive, providing equal opportunity to all eligible applicants, regardless of gender, ethnicity or disability.

 

Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview. The interview will focus on your prospective study in Australia, your personal and leadership attributes, and how you will apply your studies to the development of your country.

Outcome notification

By September, you will be notified of the outcome of your application. If you are offered an Australia Awards Scholarship, you will be asked to enter into a contract with the Australian Government.

Pre-Departure

You will attend a Pre-Departure Briefing in Bhutan before you leave. The briefing will help you prepare for your study and life in Australia.

Arrival and enrolment

Once you arrive in Australia, you will receive assistance to help you settle in and get started with your studies. Among this assistance will be an Introductory Academic Program delivered through your host institution.

Returning home

Once you graduate, you must return home for at least two years to contribute to the development of Bhutan. You will be encouraged to put your new skills, knowledge and networks to use.

Stay connected

You will become part of the Australia Global Alumni network, keeping you connected to Australia and to other alumni, building an engaged and influential global network of leaders and advocates for development. You will have access to further professional development and networking opportunities, and the chance to mentor others interested in undertaking an Australia Awards Scholarship.

Short Courses

Australia Awards Short Course opportunities on specific topics are advertised from time to time on this website.

There are currently no Short Courses open for application in Bhutan.

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Ugyen Namgay

Alumnus Ugyen Namgay says the exposure he received through Australia Awards was instrumental in making this dream a reality

Read his story