Scholarships for Solomon Islanders to study in Australia next year are now open.

Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) and Australian Leaderships Awards (ALA) Scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Australia.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Matt Anderson said Australian scholarships for Solomon Islanders are helping to meet the future training and human resource development needs of the country.

"The annual scholarships are an important part of Australia's strong bilateral relationship with Solomon Islands government and people," Mr Anderson said.

"Australia's investment in the scholarship program and education in Solomon Islands plays an important role in making sure Solomon Islands has a highly skilled and trained work force, which in turn will promote development in the country."

"When the scholars return home to Solomon Islands, they are able to use their newly acquired skills to drive change and contribute to development in Solomon Islands."

Mr Anderson said 52 scholarships will be awarded for 2013, joining more around 125 Solomon Islands students who are already studying at Australian or regional universities.

The ADS are available for undergraduate and postgraduate study in two categories: open for school leavers, private sector employees and those not in the work force; and public category for public servants.

The ALAs are open to high achievers to undertake postgraduate study. ALA scholars also participate in a unique leadership development program to develop their full leadership potential.

Course of study must relate to Solomon Islands - Australia aid program priority areas of health education (not including medicine), governance, climate change, economic growth, disability & gender, construction & mining, information technology, community development, legal services, business, accounting and financial management, agricultural sciences and veterinary services.

Australia supports three scholarship programs in Solomon Islands, allocating A$3 million (SBD$21 million) every year. In addition to the ADS and ALA programs, Australia also offers Australian Regional Development Scholarships (ARDS) to study at regional institutions. These scholarships will be advertised in May and June for 2013 intake.

Information about the scholarships, eligible institutions and courses, selection criteria and processes and scholarship conditions is available from the AusAID website. All applications must be lodged online by 30 April 2012.

Development Awards are awarded on merit, transparency and equal access. Applications from women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

For more information about Australian scholarships, contact the AusAID scholarships section at the Australian High Commission in Honiara. Telephone: 21561 or email: scholarships.solomonislands@ausaid.gov.au

AusAID website: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/default.cfm