Australia Awards South and West Asia

In addition to being able to earn a world-class tertiary qualification, Australia Awards scholars have the opportunity for professional development alongside their studies. In doing so, scholars are able to enhance their ability to have an impact on return to their home countries.

Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia wants to encourage scholars to take advantage of these opportunities to extend themselves, build their networks, soft skills and experiences.

To recognise and reward scholars for their engagement in activities to enhance their professional development the Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia has established the the Scholar Champions Program.

Scholars will receive points towards their scholar champion level based on their attendance and participation during events organised and managed by the Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia team. Points will be awarded depending on the event, involvement and expectations of scholars. The intention is to encourage participation and self-initiated involvement in the program to contribute to and direct the scholar’s Development Impact and Linkages Plan.

The Scholar Champions Program has been established as a pilot initially. Scholars are able to commence accumulating points after the launch of the pilot on 24 November 2023. The program is open to Australia Awards scholars from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Earning points towards your status

Under the initial trial of the Scholar Champions Program, scholars will receive points based on their attendance and participation in initiatives and events facilitated by the Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia team.

Points will be awarded depending on the scope of the activity, the level of involvement and expectations of scholars.

Five points will be earned for being present at Australia Awards events such as:

• Events marking days of significance (for example International Day of People with Disability, World Environment Day, and International Women’s Day)

Ten points will be earned for:

• Applying for a Professional Development Activity Grant (per application, up to 3 max, +10 if successful)
• Involvement in video and photography opportunities
• Engagement in events to assist new scholars, such as a Pre-Departure Briefing.

Twenty points will be earned for:

• Participation in a Scholars Symposium or Scholars Forum
• Applying for a Professional Development Internship Round (per application, up to 3 max, +10 if successful)
• Writing a story for the Scholars Platform (awarded per published story).

Thirty points will be earned for:

• Chairing an online session for scholars
• Speaking, facilitating or participating in panel at scholar event.

What do you receive for your efforts?

Preferential consideration for some professional development opportunities

First right to apply in exclusive scholar engagement intiatives.

Recognition of your Scholar Champion status allowed to be used in social media posts and email signatures.

The chance to be featured on the Australia Awards website in your country and on the Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia regional site.

LinkedIn Premium membership and recommendations from Australia Awards teams for scholars that achieve gold level status.

 

Scoring	Ranking Label
50	Bronze-level scholar
100	Silver-level scholar
150+	Gold-level scholar

For questions on the Scholar Champion Program, please contact the engagement team at engagement@australiaawardssouthasiamongolia.org.