PhDs for Agriculture (2014 Intake)

Target Group

• You are a researcher currently employed within the African agricultural research sector, with a focus on bio-physical, social or economic sciences. Being employed by a National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) or regional equivalent in Africa is highly desirable.
• You wish to undertake doctoral level studies leading to the award of a PhD through an Australian institution:
• in order to advance a field of study that is a formally recognised priority for your government/employer; and
• that directly benefits existing, planned or desired research and development efforts of a NARI or regional equivalent.
• You are proposing a research topic that will contribute to improving food security in Africa through increasing agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods through functioning of markets and trade, and building the resilience of communities most vulnerable to food insecurity.
• In addition, the proposed  field of study/research should also be:
• reflective of national and regional priorities in Africa; and
• desirably of relevance to the research or development objectives of one or more of the research partnerships being funded by Australia in Africa: (ACIAR, including the Sustainable Intensification of Maize and Legumes project with SIMLESA; CSIRO - CORAF; CSIRO – BecA; the Australian International Food Security Centre).
• You have a clear vision for how you will use the knowledge gained and research undertaken through the PhD to improve policy and practice in your home country or region in the proposed field of study/research. You will also demonstrate potential to make a future contribution to development in your home country, including a commitment to return to your current employment following completion of the award.
• You have a possible research proposal and in-principle support from an Australian university supervisor and African counterpart institution supervisor.
• Gender Equality: Australia Awards in Africa targets equal participation by women and men.  Applications from women are strongly encouraged, and mechanisms are in place to support women applicants and Awardees
• Disability Inclusion: Australia Awards aims to ensure that people with a disability are given fair and equal opportunity to compete for and obtain a scholarship.  Applications from people with a disability are strongly encouraged.  Mechanisms are in place to support applicants and Awardees requiring specific assistance.

Eligibility

• You are a citizen of one of the following eligible African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zambia. Applicants must normally be a resident in their country of citizenship, however some exceptions may be accepted if applicants are working for their government in a third country or applicants are residing in the immediate region.
• You have agreement from an Australian university to be supported for admission to a PhD program. You must present evidence that an academic supervisor in the Australian university has agreed to provide academic supervision of your PhD research in Australia. This evidence should be in the form of a letter on the university’s letterhead and should be counter-signed by the academic’s Head of the Department. Note that it is not necessary at the application stage to obtain formal approval for admission to the University’s PhD program, however, if you are selected for the AAA PhD Scholarship, this formal approval will be required before you can travel to Australia and commence your studies
• You satisfy the minimum eligibility criteria for Australia Awards Scholarships, including meeting Australian tertiary institution entry requirements. In most cases this will require that candidates possess a qualification that is assessed to be the equivalent to an Australian Masters degree and be able to demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent research. Refer to the Australia Awards Scholarships policy handbook
• A minimum of two years relevant post-Masters work experience relevant to your proposed field of study is preferred.
• English proficiency of a standard at least equivalent to IELTS 6.5 is required.  Note that some universities will require a higher score. The equivalent score required for the TOEFL test is:  (i) for internet-based TOEFL (iBT), an Overall score of 90 or above, with a written score of no less than 23; (ii) for paper-based TOEFL (pBT), an Overall score of 577 or above, with a written of 5.0. Applicants should provide proof of English proficiency with their application. Applicants who do not prove their English language proficiency with their application may be tested as part of the selection process. Note that PhD candidates are not eligible to receive supplementary English training, nor can their award offer include any period of pre-course English.

Support Service Options

• Provision of course research support for short-listed candidates
• Special needs assistance as deemed appropriate on a case-by-case basis
• Standard Australia Awards Scholarships support conditions for awardees – refer to the Australia Awards Scholarships policy handbook