Eligibility

Applicants for the 2020 scholarship intake must meet scholarship eligibility criteria to be considered.

You must:

• Be resident in, and a citizen of, one of the seven participating Pacific island countries:
  • Fiji
  • Kiribati
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu

• Not be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
• At the time of application, be enrolled in and attending school. If you are selected, you must continue to attend school until you move to Australia to start your scholarship.
• Be at least 15 years of age as at 1 March 2020 and have not turned 18 years of age on or before 31 December 2020. This means you must still be 17 years of age at 31 December 2020.
• Have the signed approval of one of your parents or legal guardians and a written report from them explaining how they will support your performance and well being while you are on scholarship in Australia. If you are selected for an interview, you must bring the written approval of both parents or legal guardians.
• Have completed the application form in its entirety, including:
  • School history
  • Two [written] reference reports from your:
    • principal, addressing your attitude to learning, interests, attendance at school, any disciplinary actions and their assessment of your suitability to live and attend high school in Australia for 2.5 years.
    • a community representative, supporting your youth leadership in your community.
• Meet the English language requirements for direct entry to a New South Wales or Queensland state government public high school in Australia. This means you have completed schooling taught in English for a minimum of two years. If you have not studied under an English language curriculum, you may be required to undertake an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test and meet the relevant minimum score, or agree to attend an Intensive English Centre in New South Wales or a High School Preparation Course in Queensland if selected .
• Meet any country specific eligibility criteria, if required.
• Be willing to apply to enrol in school in Australia.
• Be willing to apply for, and secure, a passport and a student visa to Australia (subclass 500 student visa).
• Be willing to undergo health examinations for immigration and scholarship processes.

School enrolment, visa applications and travel arrangements will be organised with assistance from the Program and costs will be covered.

If you meet these eligibility criteria, you will then be assessed against the selection criteria.

Girls and boys, students with a disability, and students from remote and rural communities are encouraged to apply.