Applications are invited for ACIAR-University of the South Pacific (USP) Scholarship scheme for agriculture (including horticulture), forestry and fisheries. These scholarships are available for citizens of one of the ACIAR partner countries in the Pacific, namely Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

ACIAR is an Australian Government statutory authority that operates as part of Australia’s Aid Program within the portfolio of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It contributes to the aid program objectives of advancing Australia’s national interest through poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an Australian government authority and forms part of Australia’s international development cooperation program. ACIAR aims to enhance rural household incomes and broader economic growth by investing in international research partnerships that encourage agricultural development, sustainable use of natural resources and capacity building of benefit to partner countries and Australia.

The candidate should have a very good command over the English language.

Course Level: Scholarships are available for pursuing postgraduate programme.

Study Subject: Scholarships are awarded in the field of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Scholarship Award: Awards are in line with conditions for the USP Graduate Assistantship program, which currently includes (per 12 months): tuition (paid directly to the University at the applicable rate), a living allowance (currently FJD 10560/year, 12000/year married), book allowance (FJD 750/year), medical insurance, establishment allowance (currently FJD 250); allowances for students based at the School of Agriculture at Alafua Campus, Samoa, are paid in local currency at the prevailing rate of exchange. Some expenses may also be covered for travel needed between a student’s country of origin and location of study.

Scholarship can be taken in Fiji

Eligibility:

• Students must be citizens of one of the ACIAR partner countries in the Pacific, namely Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu (and normally resident in that country).
• It is a requirement of the awards that the student spends a substantial period working on research linked directly to an ACIAR project (currently 13 weeks for a Diploma candidate, 22 weeks for a Masters candidate, and two years for a PhD). A short proposal for this work forms an important part of the scholarship application. The scholarship is provided continuously throughout the enrollment period, including the time of field work. In addition, a grant will be provided to cover necessary research and travel expenses for the student and his/her USP-based supervisor, based on a detailed proposal prepared by the student in consultation with his/her supervisors.
• ACIAR is usually only able to support full-time study and to support field work related to the project as a means of obtaining practical work experience.
• Scholarships are normally awarded on a 12-month basis for postgraduate diploma students, an 18-month basis for Masters students and at least 3 years for PhD student, though additional courses may be required by the University (and the scholarship extended accordingly) depending on the academic record of the applicant. Extensions to the scholarship period and total grant awarded will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, demonstrably beyond the control of the student.

Nationality: Citizens of one of the ACIAR partner countries in the Pacific, namely Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu can apply.

College Admission Requirement

Entrance Requirement: Scholarship preference will be given to those who are eligible for direct entry into the Masters by research program at USP (i.e. student who has completed a USP PG diploma or equivalent with a GPA of 3.0).

Test Requirement: No

English Language Requirement: The candidate should have a very good command over the English language.

Postgraduate Scholarships

How to Apply: Completed applications should be sent in hard copy by registered mail or courier. Applicants can also email their application with the subject line “ACIAR scholarships 2017″to Mr. Viliamu Powell. Interested applicants should also attach the following supporting documents with their applications:

• Certified copy of degree, certificates and/or other tertiary qualifications
• Certified copy of University transcripts
• Reference letters
• Cover letter stating the reasons you wish to pursue the scholarship and why the applicant should be awarded the scholarship

Application Form

Application Deadline: The application deadline is 15 October 2016.

Scholarship Link