How do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted using the Endeavour Online Application system. Please refer to the Apply Now page for further information.
Can I submit my application via post?
There is now a new online application process in which applicants fill out an online application form for the 2009 Endeavour Awards. This online application form is a much easier way to apply. It guides applicants through the application procedure, outlining all documentation required (including referee reports). The online application process allows applicants to save and return to their application until it has been completed. Applicants will be notified when their application has been completed and submitted.
We recommend that all applicants use this online system as it will ensure completed applications reach us.
If applicants are unable to apply online, applicants may request a hardcopy application form. An email requesting the application form outlining the reason you are unable to apply online and the award you wish to apply for should be sent to endeavour.awards@deewr.gov.au.
Please note: We are unable to accept applications that are submitted on out of date Endeavour Award application forms.
Can I submit my application after the due date?
No. Applications cannot be submitted after 31 January 2009. This includes supporting documentation such as referee reports, academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency etc. The duration between the application opening and closing dates is sufficient for applicants to complete the requirements, such as collecting referee reports and academic transcripts.
Incomplete or late applications will not be assessed.
I have been charged an application processing fee by the University. Can I be reimbursed?
No. The application processing fee is determined by the institution and DEEWR do not have any involvement in this process
Can I apply for more than one Endeavour Award category?
Yes. However; you need to submit a separate online application for each different Endeavour Award you wish to apply for. You will need to meet the eligibility criteria for each separate Award.
Please do not apply for more than one Endeavour Award of the same category using different email addresses.
Will I be notified of the outcome of my application?
Yes. All applicants will be advised regarding the outcome of their application by the end of March 2009.
How can I be sure that I have submitted all the required documentation with my application?
The online system will not allow you to submit your application unless your application is complete, with all required documentation uploaded.
You can double check by going to the ‘Required Documentation’ link at the bottom of the individual Award page you wish to apply for to ensure you have all the documentation required and that it is correctly certified.
Can I have my application returned to me?
Applicants applying online are able to print a copy of their application prior to submission. Posted applications will not be returned.
Do I have to provide a TOEFL/IELTS English test score when applying for an Endeavour Award?
Yes. A link to the TOEFL/IELTS minimum test scores required is located on the individual Award pages.
The only exceptions to this are:
- Endeavour Executive Award applicants who provide written confirmation from their host organisation/institution that their English language ability is suitable for the proposed professional development activity. Please refer to the Endeavour Executive Awards webpage for further details.
- Postdoctoral research applicants who provide written confirmation from their host organisation/institution that their English language ability is suitable for the proposed research program. Please refer to the Endeavour Postgraduate and/or Endeavour Research Fellowships webpage for further details.
- Applicants who have completed at least 1 years university study conducted in English in one of the following countries (must have been physically in the country and not have been studying by correspondence):
American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America or Zambia.
Can I send my TOEFL/IELTS results directly to the Endeavour Awards Team?
Yes, you can send your TOEFL/IELTS results directly to us; however we would prefer applicants to certify and upload the results into their online application themselves.
Where is the closest test office to me?
Visit the TOEFL, or the IELTS website to locate the nearest test office to you.
Can I provide an English proficiency test score that is not an IELTS or a TOEFL?
No. It must be either an IELTS or a TOEFL test score.
Can I provide an Institutional TOEFL ITP test result?
No. The only eligible TOEFL test results are either computer-based, paper-based or internet-based TOEFL tests which have been administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Can I provide an IELTS general test result?
No. You must provide an IELTS academic test result.
Will my TOEFL/IELTS test score be accepted if it is dated prior to 31 December 2006?
No. The TOEFL/IELTS score must have been taken no earlier than 31 December 2006.
Will I be reimbursed by DEEWR for the cost of taking an IELTS or a TOEFL test?
No. The cost of the English proficiency tests is your responsibility.
If my TOEFL or IELTS test score does not meet the minimum requirements for the Endeavour Awards, will my application be considered?
No. The required language levels are considered necessary to undertake study, research or professional development in the host country. If a test score is below the minimum requirements, the application will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered by the selection panel.
I am unable to provide the TOEFL/IELTS test score prior to the Endeavour Awards closing date; can I submit the results after the closing date?
No. All required documentation must be attached to your online application by 31 January 2009. No documentation will be accepted after this date; incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered by the selection panel.
Will English language training be provided as part of my Endeavour Award?
The only Endeavour Awards to include English language training are the Endeavour Vocational Education & Training (VET) Awards. Please refer to the Endeavour VET Awards’ web page for details.
I have attained a score in my IELTS/TOEFL that is over the requirement needed for the scholarship, but I want to undertake English language training. Can I still apply for further English training if I am applying for the Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards?
No. English language training is only available to those who do not meet the required English language proficiency.
The course I have studied in my home country was in English, do I have to take the IELTS or TOEFL tests?
Unless you have studied in one of the following countries you must provide an IELTS or TOEFL test score: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America or Zambia
Do I need to provide my Academic transcripts as well as my Degree certificate?
Yes. You must provide certified copies of your Academic transcripts and your Degree certificates.
Do I need to provide my Secondary School transcripts?
You only need to provide your Secondary School qualification if you are applying for an Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Award and Secondary School (Year 12) is your highest qualification.
I will not have completed my Undergraduate Degree when I submit my application; am I eligible to apply for an Endeavour Postgraduate Award?
No. You must have completed your Undergraduate Degree before applying for an Endeavour Postgraduate Award.
Can I apply for an Endeavour Award to study for my Bachelor Degree?
No. There are no Endeavour Awards for Undergraduate Degree study.
If you would like to undertake a Bachelor Degree Course you are advised to contact the university directly at which you would like to undertake your study.
What is the difference between a Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Diploma and a Graduate Diploma?
A Diploma (Advanced Diploma, Associate Diploma) is a qualification offered to students who have completed a secondary school qualification. These courses are usually offered through technical colleges or technical universities.
The Graduate Diplomas are short courses usually offered for one year by universities to postgraduate students who have completed a Bachelor, Masters or Doctorate Degree. Students with secondary school qualifications only are not eligible to apply for Graduate Diploma courses.
Can I apply for an Endeavour Postgraduate Award to undertake a Graduate Diploma?
Applicants are not able to apply for an Endeavour Postgraduate Award if they are wishing to undertake a Graduate Diploma.
Applications will be accepted from applicants who are required to undertake a Graduate Diploma initially for entry into a Masters qualification. Applicants will need to upload both the letter of offer for the Graduate diploma and letter of offer for the Masters Degree.
I have accepted a Master Degree course based on work experience and study at Diploma level but I have not completed an Undergraduate Degree. Am I eligible to apply for the Endeavour Postgraduate Award?
No. You would not be eligible as you have not completed and Undergraduate Degree and would not be able to demonstrate high academic achievements at that level.
I recently submitted my PhD thesis but it has not yet been examined; am I eligible to undertake postdoctoral research under an Endeavour Research Fellowship or Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowship?
Yes. As long as your PhD will be conferred prior to commencing the Endeavour Award. You will need to provide evidence of this as supporting documentation for your application.
I wish to apply for an Endeavour Vocational Education & Training (VET) Award. Will I be able to commence an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification using this scholarship?
No. This scholarship is for a qualification at the Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree level at an Australian vocational provider. Please see the Australian Qualifications Framework site for more information.
I have completed a higher degree (such as a Bachelors degree). Can I still apply for the Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Award?
Yes. Even though you may have higher qualifications in another area, you may still apply for an Endeavour VET Award.
As part of my Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Award application, can I apply for a course in which I have no prior academic background, but I have an interest in?
Yes. However you would need to demonstrate that you have the aptitude and talent to successfully complete your proposed program.
What are the differences between the eligible courses of study for the Endeavour Awards?
Please refer to the following table:
University Qualifications
|
Level of Study |
Description |
Typical Duration of Study |
|
Masters Degree |
The Masters Degree involves enhancing specific professional or vocational skills. The Masters Degree is typically gained by research or coursework or a combination. Study involves acquiring in-depth understanding of a specific area of knowledge usually by independent research.
A Masters Degree takes either one year after a Bachelor Degree with honours or two years after a Bachelor Degree. |
1 to 2 years |
|
Doctoral Degree (PhD) |
The Doctoral Degree is the highest award offered by Australian universities. Although it is a research degree, some programs may have a course work component. There are three components to a Doctoral Degree:
1. a searching review of the literature, experimentation or other systemic approach to a body of knowledge;
2. an original research project resulting in a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding and/or the application of knowledge within a discipline or field of study; and
3. a substantial and well-ordered thesis, demonstrating the relationship of the research to the broader framework of the discipline or field of study. |
Typically 3 years |
Vocational Education and Training qualifications
Vocational Education & Training provides occupational or work-related knowledge and skills. The courses are traditionally non-academic and directly related to a trade, occupation or ‘vocation’ in which the applicant participates. These courses exclude degree and higher level programs normally delivered by universities.
|
Level of Study |
Description |
Typical Duration of Study |
|
Diploma |
Diploma courses involve up to two years full-time study. Some Diplomas are also offered by universities.
At this level, you are given broad theoretical knowledge and/or technical and creative skills at substantial depth. Analysis, judgment and planning are involved across a broad range of technical and/or management situations. Graduates at this level could be expected to work autonomously in complex technical operations or to coordinate their own work or the work of others. |
18 months to 2 years |
|
Advanced Diploma |
It involves two to three years full-time study. Some Advanced Diplomas are also offered by universities.
It provides the ability to apply fundamental principles and complex techniques in a wide range of contexts. Significant judgment in planning, technical or leadership functions is developed with highly specialised technical, creative or conceptual skills and accountability for your own and your work group’s achievements. |
2 to 3 years |
|
Associate Degree |
The Associate Degree is a qualification of two years duration.
Associate Degree courses are programs delivered by a technical college and/or a university in selected subjects which provide comprehensive knowledge of the subject.
An Associate Degree qualification provides a broad-based point of entry to employment, in particular in a range of associate professional occupations, and an introduction to the foundations of a discipline or across several disciplines.
Entry to an Associate Degree would not normally presume significant work experience or employment prior to or concurrent with study. |
2 to 3 years |
What is the difference between an Affiliation letter and Enrolment letter (letter confirming your enrolment/offer letter)?
Applicants applying for, Endeavour Cheung Kong Research Fellowships, Endeavour Research Fellowships, and Endeavour Executive Awards require a letter of affiliation.
For example, a letter of affiliation is a letter on the institution’s letterhead from the proposed supervisor or the host institution/organisation confirming your affiliation with them.
Applicants applying for an Endeavour Postgraduate Award, Endeavour Europe Award or Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards require a confirmation of enrolment letter (letter of offer) from their host institution.
For example, a letter of offer is a letter on the university's letterhead, confirming that the applicant has been accepted into a CRICOS registered course, with the course commencement date being in the same year as the Award. A letter of confirmation of enrolment letter with conditions applied will also be accepted.
Does affiliation/enrolment with a host organisation/institution have to be confirmed at the time of application?
Yes. You must provide confirmation of affiliation/enrolment by the time the applications close. Please see the individual Endeavour Award pages under ‘Required Documentation’ for eligible documentation.
I will not have enough time to obtain confirmed affiliation/enrolment with the host organisation/institution by the closing date; can I still apply for an Endeavour Award?
No. Applicants must have confirmed affiliation/enrolment at the time applications close. We found that applicants who commenced preparation of their documentation as early as possible for the 2008 awards were able to obtain confirmed affiliation/enrolment by the closing date. If you cannot meet this eligibility requirement you may wish to consider applying for a 2010 Endeavour Award and using the extra time to prepare your documentation.
Please note, if you are obtaining enrolment in an Australian institution ensure you have gone to the institution’s international webpage, as applications tend to open earlier for international students than for domestic students.
Do I have to be enrolled in a higher education institution in my home country to undertake postgraduate research in Australia under an Endeavour Award?
Candidates applying for an Endeavour Research Fellowship to undertake postgraduate research in Australia towards a degree in their home country must be enrolled in a higher education institution in their home country.
Candidates wishing to carry out postdoctoral research in Australia should be affiliated with a research or higher education institution in their home country.
Australians applying for an Endeavour Research Fellowship to undertake postgraduate research overseas towards a degree in Australia must be enrolled with a higher education institution in Australia and provide a confirmation of enrolment or letter of offer with their application.
Australian candidates wishing to carry out postdoctoral research overseas need to be affiliated with a research or higher education institution in Australia.
Am I able to undertake my Endeavour Award at an offshore campus of an Australian university?
No.
International applicants - the Endeavour Award and approved program must be undertaken in Australia.
Australian applicants - the Endeavour Award and approved program must be undertaken at an international institution.
Can I undertake the Endeavour Award by distance study?
No. You must be physically resident in the host country throughout the duration of the Award.
How do I apply for admission to an Australian university?
Visit the Study in Australia or Going to University websites a list of accredited institutions which may provide education to international students.
How do I find information about Australian Vocational Education providers in Australia?
Visit the Study in Australia website or search the Australian Course and Education Institution website for education providers in Australia.
If I am undertaking postdoctoral research or research towards a degree in my home country, does my research project have to be undertaken at a university?
No. Although it is usually undertaken at an educational institution, postdoctoral research or research towards a degree in the applicant’s home country may be undertaken at a research institution eg. CSIRO, ACIAR.
Will DEEWR assist applicants with affiliation/enrolment with an education institution/organisation to undertake professional development?
No. You must make your own affiliation/enrolment arrangements and confirm these arrangements in your application.
How do referees obtain the forms from the on-line system?
Once you have registered for the Endeavour online application system and commenced your application you will see on the left hand tool bar, a section marked referee report. When you enter this section you will be asked to list the details of you referee’s and select whether you wish to send your referee a paper based or electronic report.
If you select an electronic report, an email will be sent to your referee containing a document which they will complete and upload against your application.
If you select the paper based report option, you will need to download the form from the link at the bottom of the page and send your referee a copy to complete. The referee will then need to return the report to you to upload into your application before 31 January 2009.
Referees are also able to return their report directly to DEEWR via email at referee.reports@deewr.gov.au
Please note if referees are electing this method they need to return their forms to DEEWR before the 31 January 2009 to allow the Endeavour Award Team sufficient time to process.
Who should my referees be?
Referees must not be family members or personal friends. Each award has particular requirements regarding who the referees must be. Please see the individual award pages under ‘Required Documentation’ for specific details. Referees may include senior colleagues, peers and your employer.
Can my nominator be my referee also?
Yes. Please make sure that your referee uses the Endeavour Referee Report form for the referee report and the Endeavour Nomination form for the nomination.
Please note that nominations and referee reports that are not on Endeavour forms will not be accepted.
How do I obtain the nomination form from the online system?
Once you have registered for the Endeavour online application system and commenced your application you will see on the left hand tool bar a section marked nomination. When you enter this section you will be asked to list the details of you nominator and select whether you wish to send your nominator a paper based or electronic report.
If you select an electronic report, an email will be sent to your nominator containing a document which they will complete and upload against your application.
If you select the paper based report option you will need to download the form from the link at the bottom of the page and send your nominator a copy to complete. The nominator will then need to return the report to you to upload into your application by 31 January 2009.
Can I submit an application for an Endeavour Executive Award without being nominated?
No. All applicants for an Endeavour Executive Award must be nominated by either their home organisation or host organisation. The nomination form must be completed and signed by a senior officer in the organisation.
Will copies of the required documentation supporting my application be sufficient?
Yes. However all the documents must be certified/attested.
To certify a document as a true copy, applicants should present the original document and a copy to a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Oaths, Notary Public or any public official who is qualified to certify documents, such as a lawyer, doctor, civil servant or teacher. This could include your work supervisor, university Dean or course convenor.
This official should sight both the original and copy of the documents and write that they “certify that the copy is a true copy of the original document” and then stamp and/or sign their signature and their occupation.
Please note that the cost of any fees charged by notaries for certification of documents must be borne by the applicant.
Applicants submitting an online application should scan the certified true copies of their supporting documents (not the originals) and attach them as PDF files.
Does an Endeavour Award cover tuition fees?
Details of Endeavour Award benefits are on the individual Endeavour Award web pages. The Endeavour Postgraduate Awards and Endeavour VET Awards provide financial support for tuition fees.
What is a monthly stipend?
A monthly stipend is a monthly living allowance.
What can an establishment allowance be used for?
The establishment allowance can be used towards expenses such as:
- Rental bonds
- Text books
- Study materials
- Host organisation/institutions’ infrastructure expenses. For example: computer or software expenses
- Home contents insurance
- Overseas health insurance
- Additional medical insurance to cover ancillary medical services.
Is the funding paid under Endeavour Award Taxable?
No. Endeavour Research Fellowships and Endeavour Executive Awards are now tax exempt. Award Holders enrolled at an Australian institution are not liable to pay tax on their Endeavour Award funding.
Apart from deciding the organisation/institution that best meets the needs of my proposed program, are there any other factors I should consider before choosing my destination?
Yes. You should investigate and obtain information about the city in which you will live and make sure that it has adequate facilities for your cultural needs.
Do you have to be below a certain age to be eligible to receive an Endeavour Award?
No. There is no age limit. However you will need to show your potential to participate at a high level in the academic or wider community, on returning home.
When would I commence my Endeavour Award?
The Award and approved program must be taken up in the year for which it was granted (i.e. for 2009 Endeavour Awards you must commence in 2009), commencing anytime in that year before 30 November.
Do I have to return to my home country at the completion of my Award?
Endeavour Award Holders are expected to return to their home countries at the completion of their Award program and must abide by the conditions on the visa on which they enter Australia.
If Award Holders wish to complete further qualifications in Australia after the completion of an Endeavour Award it is advised that they contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) http://www.immi.gov.au
What are my chances of receiving an Endeavour Award?
The Endeavour Awards are merit-based and very competitive. You need to ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements, complete the application form correctly and submit it, together with all the required, certified documentation by the closing date. Read the selection criteria for the Award you are applying for carefully, as this is what applications will be assessed against.
Are there any preferred research/study fields?
The Endeavour Awards are open to all fields of research/study.
How can undergraduate Australian students apply for Endeavour’s student exchange programs?
The student exchange programs are funded under the Endeavour umbrella and are aimed at undergraduate students only. Australian undergraduate students wishing to undertake an exchange under these programs need to enquire at the International Office or the Faculty of the higher education institution where they study. While Australian universities obtain funding support from the Australian Government (annually, through a competitive process within the Endeavour programs), it is the universities that decide on the exchange projects that are of interest to them (including countries, counterpart institutions, courses, selection of students etc).
How can undergraduate international students apply for Endeavour’s student exchange programs to come to Australia on exchange?
Some student exchange programs funded under the Endeavour umbrella provide funding support for both Australian and international undergraduate students. International undergraduate students, who wish to undertake an exchange under these programs, need to enquire at the International Office or the Faculty of the higher education institution at which they study (ie their home institution, in their country). Students need to check:
- if their institution has a student exchange agreement with an Australian university/universities,
- if yes, is the agreement made in relation to any of Endeavour’s student exchange programs, and
- if yes, does the Australian university have any funding available under relevant Endeavour’s student exchange programs?
I understand the Endeavour Executive Awards provide professional development opportunities to high achievers; what is meant by “professional development”?
Endeavour Executive Awards enable high achieving personnel working in professional fields (such as business, industry, education or government) in their home country to work in an associated field in an organisation or agency (such as a business organisation or a government agency) in a participating host country. The Endeavour Executive Awards are for one to four months allow opportunities for the Award recipient to develop or upgrade their professional skills and knowledge. The Endeavour Executive Awards focus on building skills and knowledge through a host work environment rather than through formal enrolment in a study program at a host institution.
The format of the professional development program will vary with each Endeavour Executive Award recipient and some examples include study tours, guided travel programs, workshop participation, attendance at conferences, internships, residencies or guided work programs and mentoring. Award Holders continue their employment with their home organisation for the duration of the Endeavour Executive Award.
Can the Endeavour Awards Team provide me with the names of host organisations for my professional development for the Endeavour Executive Awards?
It is the responsibility of the applicant to research and find an appropriate host organisation and develop their proposed professional development program. The Endeavour Awards Team cannot provide advice on host organisations for the Endeavour Executive Awards.
I do not have a home institution because I have enrolled in an Australian institution. What should I do?
You do not need a home institution if you are enrolled in an Australia institution.
What is the difference between my home / host institution / organisation?
Home institution/organisation is the university/school/workplace that you attend in your home country.
Host institution/organisation is the university/school/workplace where you will be going to undertake your Award at.
Who owns the Intellectual Property of my research program?
Intellectual Property (IP) rights will depend on the policy of the host organisation, any IP laws of the home country and any agreement which may have been negotiated between the student and the host organisation.
The Australian Government does not require or request copies of any research material, and does not wish to maintain any IP rights. If the Australian Government does procure copies of this material and then uses it in some way, it must have a license to do so. This would be negotiated in a license agreement between the owner of the IP rights - i.e. the student or the host organisation and the Australian Government. In addition, wherever any work is reproduced, the creator of the work must be identified.
If an Award Holder has further concerns, they should seek independent legal advice about the ownership and IP rights for any research material.
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