The ADS program is part of the Australia Awards - an initiative launched by the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in November 2009 to consolidate all Australian Government scholarships. Since 1974 over  3000 Vietnamese have studied in Australia on Australian Government scholarships.

Australian Development Scholarships:

The ADS program aims to promote economic growth and poverty reduction in Vietnam and improve Australia-Vietnam linkages. Up to 225 mainly-postgraduate scholarships will be awarded to Vietnamese to study in Australia in 2011/2012. Applicants must belong to one of the following target groups:

-       Local Government Officials - University Lecturers and Researchers

-       Rural Development Workers - English Teachers

-       Central Government Officials

Scholarships are valued at up to A$300,000 and cover return airfare, academic fees, annual stipend and basic health insurance. We provide up to seven months intensive English training in Vietnam, and a further three months in Australia, to help students meet the English language requirements for their  chosen course.

Disadvantaged candidates - ethnic minorities, people from designated rural poor districts and people with disabilities - will be considered for undergraduate-level study and given extra English support if required.