ABOUT THE ACIAR PASS-CR
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The ACIAR PASS-CR 2024 scholarship round.
The PASS-CR Program provides scholarships and academic support to postgraduate students in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries at The University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU). Since 2008, the Australian Centre for International Research (ACIAR) has supported research scholarships at Pacific Universities. The scholarship program has achieved significant results, strengthening agricultural innovation systems in the Pacific.
PASS-CR Scholarships support Masters’ and PhD students to conduct research within an active or upcoming ACIAR project in the region. This enables scholars to research agricultural problems within the context that the solutions need to work, and to build professional skills and networks while remaining close to family and culture.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
The ACIAR PASS-CR Program offers scholarships for the following:
USP - PhD and Masters by research
FNU – PhD, Masters by research or Masters by Coursework (with a thesis component)
Scholarships are awarded for up to 2 years for Master’s students and up to 3 years for a PhD candidate.
Tuition is paid directly for the relevant program of study. Student research grant costs are shared between ACIAR and USP or FNU. Funds to present research results at an international conference are included in the scholarship. A living and book allowance, along with relocation allowance (if applicable) are also available.
The Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research (ACPIR) at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) provides additional support to PASS-CR scholars and academic staff including professional development, access to the UniSC library, peer-to-peer learning, research collaboration, and higher degree research supervision training. Student work placements and career development are included under PASS-CR to build ongoing industry connections.
SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
Applicants must be a citizen of and currently reside in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, or Vanuatu.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for postgraduate study at USP or FNU.
Applications must be aligned to active or upcoming ACIAR research projects and must address a nominated thesis research question from the list available from USP or FNU.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
RESEARCH PROJECTS AND TOPICS
Scholarships are aligned to ACIAR research projects, this includes the provision of an international co-supervisor who is part of the ACIAR project. A list of projects and research topics for the 2024 PASS-CR Program can be found on the USP and FNU websites.
ONLINE BRIEFING SESSIONS
Online Q&A Session
Friday 28 July at 11am FJT (9am AEST) Watch the replay here
Research Project Showcase and meet the project leader session
Friday 11 August at 12pm FJT (10am AEST) Watch the replay here
Research Proposal development training
Friday 25 August at 12pm FJT (10am AEST) Watch the replay here
RESOURCES FROM THE 2023 SCHOLARSHIP ROUND
Writing Workshop: How to Craft a Research Intent for the PASS-CR Scholarship Application: click here to watch the replay
Guide to Submitting a Scholarship Application: click here for details.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ’s have been provided to answer any questions you may have on the scholarship program, allowances, the application process, and timelines. We encourage you to review these prior to applying. Read the Frequently Asked Questions.
CONTACTS
Applications for the PASS-CR Scholarship Program closed 18 October 2023.
For more information about the PASS-CR scholarship program, eligibility criteria, and potential research topics please contact:
The University of South Pacific (USP)
Mr Josevata Cava, ACIAR - USP Graduate Officer
Email: aciarga@usp.ac.fj
Website: https://www.usp.ac.fj/research/pg-affairs/post-graduate-scholarships/australian-centre-for-international-agricultural-research-aciar/
Fiji National University (FNU)
Dr Archibold Bakare
Email: archibold.bakare@fnu.ac.fj
Website: https://www.fnu.ac.fj/study/student-support/financial-support/?id=6373
For further information about ACIAR’s Pacific work:
Australian Centre for International Research
Ms Mai Alagcan
Regional Manager Pacific and PNG, Suva, FIJI
Email: CountryPacific@aciar.gov.au
For further information about ACPIR and the academic support program:
Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research
Email: passcr@usc.edu.au