Entries open for Laos Australia Awards

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The Laos Australia Awards 2027 provide scholarships for Lao citizens to pursue Vocational Education, Master’s, and Doctoral programs at Australian institutions. Awards cover tuition, travel, living expenses, health cover, and fieldwork allowances, equipping emerging leaders with skills, networks, and experience to support Laos’s development and foster long-term international cooperation.

Program Overview

The Australia Awards Scholarships aim to strengthen regional stability, prosperity, and sustainable development by investing in education, leadership, and knowledge exchange. The Laos-specific program focuses on equipping future leaders to contribute to national development goals while fostering enduring relationships between Laos and Australia.

Focus Areas

Eligible scholarships support studies in areas critical to Laos’s development:

• Economic development and trade

• Environmental sciences, climate change, and clean energy transition

• Agricultural sciences and food security

• Gender, disability, and social inclusion

• Governance, law, and public policy

• Health and wellbeing

• Human resource development and education

• Infrastructure and connectivity

Scholarship Benefits

Scholarship recipients receive:

• Return air travel between Laos and Australia

• One-off establishment allowance for relocation and initial expenses

• Full tuition fees at an Australian tertiary institution

• Contribution to living expenses for the duration of study

• Introductory academic program for preparation before commencement

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

• Supplementary academic support to ensure success in studies

• Fieldwork allowances for eligible research or coursework programs with compulsory fieldwork

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet general Australia Awards requirements and Laos-specific conditions, including:

• Be a citizen of Laos and resident in the country at the time of application

• Meet age requirements and not hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency

• Declare previous studies, scholarships, or awards

• Meet academic qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency relevant to the chosen level of study

• Be ready to undertake full-time pre-departure academic preparation in 2026

Additional criteria apply depending on the study level:

• Vocational Education & Training (VET): Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs

• Master’s degrees: Academic and professional experience evaluated

• Doctoral programs: Strong research capability, leadership potential, and alignment with national development priorities

How to Apply

1. Prepare your documents: Passport details, academic transcripts, references, and relevant supporting evidence

2. Submit online via the OASIS system

3. Ensure your full legal name matches your passport

4. Complete all sections of the application, including statement of development impact

5. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews

6. Successful applicants remain provisional until English proficiency, university placement, and visa requirements are confirmed

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic competence and performance

• Professional experience and career trajectory

• Leadership potential and ability to influence development outcomes

• Commitment to contributing to Laos’s development priorities

• Inclusion is encouraged from women, people with disability, and other marginalized groups

Application Deadline

• 30 April 2026 for programs commencing in 2027

• Applications must be submitted online via OASIS with all required supporting documents

FAQ

1. What levels of study are available under the Laos Australia Awards?

• Vocational Education and Training (Diploma and Advanced Diploma), Master’s, and Doctoral programs

2. What costs are covered by the scholarship?

• Tuition, travel, establishment allowance, living expenses, health insurance, academic support, and fieldwork allowances

3. Who can apply for a Doctoral scholarship?

• Candidates with research capability, leadership potential, and alignment with national development priorities, ideally with a letter of support from an Australian university

4. Can previous scholarship recipients apply again?

• Applicants must not have received a long-term Australia Awards scholarship in the previous four years

5. Are there any special provisions for marginalized groups?

• Yes, women, people with disability, and other marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply

6. How is the selection process conducted?

• Screening for eligibility, shortlisting, interviews, and assessment of academic merit, professional experience, and leadership potential

7. When will successful applicants be notified?

• Notifications occur in late 2026, with provisional status maintained until English proficiency, university placement, and visa conditions are met

Conclusion

The Laos Australia Awards 2027 provide a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to gain world-class education, professional networks, and development skills in Australia. By participating, scholars contribute directly to Laos’s development, foster regional cooperation, and build lifelong connections that support sustainable growth and leadership.

For more information, visit Australian Government.