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.
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.
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John Allwright Fellowship
Aim and Benefits of John Allwright Fellowship
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.
Requirements for John Allwright Fellowship Qualification
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
Interview date, Process and Venue for John Allwright Fellowship
The following supporting documents are mandatory and must be uploaded with your application. Not providing these documents may impact your eligibility.
- Proof of citizenship (Birth certificate)
- An identity document (passport must have an expiry date more than 6 months from the application date)
- Certified copies of degree certificates
- Certified copies of academic transcripts
- Research proposal (consider how the proposed research will address gender equity and social inclusion, climate change, as well as the project contribution to the development priority of your country).
- Employer endorsement letter (Template available)
- Australian Project Leader referee report (Template available)
- Collaborating Country Project Leader referee report (Template available)
- Primary Supervisor endorsement letter (This can be a formal letter or copy of email correspondence)
Application Deadline
April 30, 2025How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Australian Government on oasis.dfat.gov.au to apply
Applications for the 2026 intake round open on the 1 February 2025 and close on the 30 April 2025 via the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS). You must register an account in OASIS as this will enable you to logon, create and complete an application form. When starting an application you will need to select the ACIAR John Allwright Fellowships award program.
For instructions on how to register and create an application in OASIS refer to the OASIS Applicant User Guide.
For more datils, visit the fellowship webpage
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