LeadershipConnect is for men and women Australia Awards scholars and alumni from the Pacific Islands.

There are two eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be a citizen of a Pacific Islands country, and
• Applicants must have studied on an Australia Awards Scholarship (now or in the past) at a university in Australia or the Pacific.

Yes. Australia Awards scholars and alumni from any institution in Australia and the Pacific are eligible.

Yes, the program changes each year. The current program has been developed in partnership with La Trobe University’s Centre for Human Security and Social Change (CHSSC) and The Asia Foundation (TAF) Pacific Islands, bringing a fresh range of content, expertise, and activities to the program.

All applications must be made on our website. Applications submitted by email or any other method will not be accepted. Please complete the registration form to make your application.

The application will ask:

• Why are you interested to participate in LeadershipConnect?
• What leadership impact would you like to have in your community or country?
• In your opinion, what are the key development issues in the Pacific and how do you think leadership can address this?
• In your opinion, how can women and men work together more effectively to bring about positive development in the Pacific?

We strongly encourage applicants to read and draft answers offline to the application questions and then copy them into the online application.  

These questions are your opportunity to show us who you are, how you stand out, what areas of leadership interest excite you, and why you would be a star participant on the program. The most common reason for applicants not being chosen for the program is that their responses to the questions appear rushed.

The program receives a high volume of applications, and the team takes time to carefully consider each one thoroughly and fairly. We expect to advise applicants of the outcome of their application on 10 March 2025.

Please contact us. We will respond to you as soon as possible.

Participants who demonstrate a high level of aptitude, participation and commitment to the program may be eligible to apply for other WLI learning opportunities including supported internships and professional development. These will be discussed further during the program.

Applications for LeadershipConnect 2025 are open now until 11:59 AEDT on 9 March 2025. We expect this to be a competitive process, and applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.

The first online session commences Wednesday 12 March 2025. The final session will be held on Wednesday 10 September 2025.

As an Australia Awards enrichment program, successful completion of LeadershipConnect will require a minimum level of time and commitment from all participants. ‍

Participants are required to attend a 2-hour session via Zoom every Wednesday at the following times:

• 12 March – 2 April: 1:00PM – 3:00PM (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)

• 9 April – 10 September: 12:00PM – 2:00PM (Australian Eastern Standard Time).

In order to be eligible for a LeadershipConnect completion certificate, participants must:  

• attend at least 70% of all weekly sessions (some sessions will be recorded for those who cannot attend at the designated time)

• actively participate in all discussions and group activities, and

• complete occasional set tasks.

Participants are expected to attend at least 70% of all weekly sessions. This will ensure you get the most out of the program and (with other requirements noted above) make you eligible for a completion certificate.  

Some, but not all, sessions will be recorded so participants can catch up.  

No. This is a free program for emerging Pacific Australia Awards leaders funded by the Australian Government.

Participants will need a device that can connect to the internet (computer or phone) and access to an internet connection with a speed capable of streaming online teleconferences.  

We recommend that participants join weekly sessions from a quiet location where they can focus without disruption (either at work or at home).

‍Please contact us if you need assistance to find a suitable location / internet connection in your area.  

No. Participation in the program is free. We are unable to support participants with the costs of data or mobile devices, but we may be able to assist you to identify a suitable location in your area where you can attend online sessions.

Employers can access information about LeadershipConnect from our website. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to make contact with employers of individual applicants.

Many LeadershipConnect alumni report that participation in the program has assisted them with their own career and personal development. Therefore, you may wish to discuss participation with your employer as part of your own professional development, and as a potential benefit to your employer.

While LeadershipConnect is conducted online, there will be opportunities for face-to-face leadership learning and discussion facilitated by fellow participants in your local area. Further information on these sessions will be provided during the program.

No. However, you may wish to travel to attend a face-to-face leadership learning and discussion session facilitated in your local area (see above).