The Australian government has always been in the forefront of having partnerships with many countries of the world in helping people developed beneficial programs for both countries. Through the AusAID program, of the country hundreds of projects have already been implemented in the Asia-Pacific region as well as in many countries of the world. These countries which became beneficiaries of the various programs of Australia have always been thankful to the many opportunities of working with the Australian government.

The Australian government, in its efforts to help developing countries around the world, announced the opening of its study grants for school year 2009. The scholarship grant will be awarded to qualified applicants who meet the minimum requirements. The announcement came from Rod Smith, Australian ambassador-designate to the Philippines. Smith said the study grant is open to qualified people in the Asia-Pacific region. The program is very prestigious and it’s been helping a lot to the project beneficiaries as far as education and learning. The program is funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) which has a total budget for 2009 of over A$133 million. Those that are qualified to avail of the program and which has meet the minimum requirements can pursue a master’s or doctorate levels in many accredited universities in Australia. Each country in the Pacific region is allocated a total of 150 scholarships for 2009.

According to the report the scholars that will be nominated to the program would be chosen based on leadership qualities as well as his/her academic performance in previous institutions. The awards are also open on different educational programs as long as it is related to the regional interests shared by both countries who tie up for the program. These may include themes shared for clean energy, pandemics, international trade and security and climate change. There are now hundreds of applicants in the Philippines as well as other countries that are hopeful to join the program in the future as it is always been an opportunity to study in one of the world’s most progressive countries. Interested students and professionals must adhere to the deadline of submission of application on June 30, 2008, or they can also get more information about the program at http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/ala.cfm