Australia Awards John Allwright Fellowship 2026

Deadline: April 30, 2025

Scholarships

Fellowship & Research

Location(s)

  • Australia

Overview

The John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) is a competitive, merit-based program available to scientists or economists from partner countries currently or recently involved in ACIAR research projects. It offers the opportunity to obtain formal postgraduate qualifications at an Australian tertiary institution. The primary aim of the Fellowship is to strengthen scientific research capability and institutional links in ACIAR partner countries to undertake high-quality and impactful research.

Details

The JAF program is the largest investment in the ACIAR Capacity Development Program. It provides Masters by Research or PhD scholarships to agricultural researchers, administered through the Australia Awards system. ACIAR provides additional pastoral care and development opportunities to strengthen the diverse and transferrable skills of participants during their scholarship to help bridge the gap between study and the next stages of their careers. 

There are currently 39 JAFs enrolled in 15 universities across Australia.

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 the new JAFs.

Climate change 

Agriculture, fisheries and the broader food systems are on the front line of the climate challenge, and the Indo-Pacific is one of the regions most exposed to climate change risks. As the world's population grows, demand for food and agricultural products will continue to rise. Meeting future food demand in a sustainable way will require advances in climate resilient agricultural practices in addition to strengthening market systems and governance. Measures to adapt and build resilience to climate impacts are therefore urgently needed to defend against climate-induced loss and damage.

In recognition of this urgent need, the JAF program is allocating places in the 2026 intake round specifically for research dedicated to addressing climate change, climate adaptation or strengthening resilience to climate change impacts. All applicants are encouraged to consider how climate will affect the proposed research and action plans.

Opportunity is About


Eligibility

Candidates should be from:


Description of Ideal Candidate

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 

Award conditions

An offer of an award is only valid for the Australian academic year following the calendar year in which the offer is made. Applicants who accept a JAF Scholarship will be required to sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia declaring that they will comply with the conditions of the scholarship.

Scholars are required to leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship. Failure to do so will result in the scholar incurring a debt for the total accrued cost of their scholarship.


Dates

Deadline: April 30, 2025


Cost/funding for participants

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.
+ More Info / Application Save Opportunity Un-save Opportunity


find-dream
Search from 1707 opportunities in 164 countries

Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.