As the world grapples with increasingly complex challenges that transcend borders, nurturing thoughtful and collaborative leaders has never been more important. The Pacific Leaders Scholarship aims to develop the next generation of leaders who can thoughtfully guide the Pacific region toward a brighter future defined by mutually beneficial partnerships, environmental stewardship, and inclusive prosperity.
Origins and Objectives
The Pacific Leaders Scholarship was established in 2010 through a partnership between the governments of Australia and New Zealand, along with leading Pacific universities. Its goal was to develop sustainable leadership in the Pacific by providing opportunities for citizens from Pacific Island countries to pursue postgraduate studies at world-class universities.
From its inception, the scholarship recognized that developing a strategic vision requires understanding complex challenges from varied perspectives. It aimed to bring together emerging leaders from across the Pacific community to cultivate a shared sense of purpose and regional identity through collaborative learning. By exposing scholars to different cultural contexts and ideas, it seeks to nurture critical and independent thinkers able to find innovative solutions.
Specifically, the core objectives of the Pacific Leaders Scholarship are:
Develop Strategic Vision
To nurture strategic, collaborative leaders who can thoughtfully guide their communities and the wider Pacific region toward a more sustainable future.
Cultivate Regional Identity
To bring together the next generation of leaders from diverse Pacific backgrounds and foster a shared sense of purpose, cultural understanding, and regional solidarity.
Promote Mutually Beneficial Partnerships
To equip scholars with the knowledge, networks, and global perspective to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships across the Pacific community.
Tackle Interconnected Challenges
To develop leaders able to recognize the interconnected nature of issues like climate change, economic development and governance, and foster cooperative, long-term solutions.
Build Capacity for Sustainable Development
To empower the Pacific with talented individuals focused on progress defined by environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and long-term prosperity.
This holistic approach has seen the Pacific Leaders Scholarship profoundly shape emerging leaders and, in turn, progress across the region for over a decade.
The Selection Process
Gaining admission to the prestigious Pacific Leaders Scholarship program is highly competitive. Each year, selection committees comprised of academics and leaders from the Pacific community undertake a rigorous multi-stage process to identify the most exceptional candidates.
Stage 1: Initial Application
Interested applicants must first submit a comprehensive application package including their academic qualifications, two reference letters, a statement of purpose and resume/CV highlighting relevant experience and community involvement.
Stage 2: Essay and Interview
Shortlisted candidates then complete an essay responding to a provided scenario or question testing their critical thinking and participate in an interview to assess their leadership potential, interpersonal skills, and fit for the program’s objectives.
Stage 3: Recommendation and Award
The selection committees thoroughly evaluate all applications and interview performances to select the final candidates. Scholarship offers are then made based on the candidate’s demonstration of:
- High academic merit and proven leadership abilities
- Commitment to developing their home country/community
- Understanding of Pacific issues and potential to be a future leader in the region
- Intercultural knowledge and ability to collaborate across backgrounds
Each year approximately 20 new scholars are selected from Pacific Island countries to embark on a transformational two-year journey.
The Scholars Experience
Upon accepting their scholarship, Pacific Leaders Scholars undertake fully-funded postgraduate studies at leading Australian or New Zealand universities. However, the program goes far beyond traditional academic pursuits.
Postgraduate Studies
Scholars enroll in a one-year Master’s or two-year PhD program related to their interests such as governance, environmental sciences or public health. Coursework equips them with specialized knowledge and skills.
Leadership Training
Monthly workshops develop scholars’ strategic thinking, communication, networking, and policy development abilities through lectures, group projects, and exercises.
Regional Study Tours
Bi-annual study tours allow scholars to directly experience different Pacific communities and engage with leaders, strengthening their cultural awareness and regional networks.
Thesis Research Benefits Region
Scholars conduct applied research for their dissertations exploring innovative solutions for issues impacting the Pacific. This ensures their studies directly benefit sustainable development.
Alumni Engagement
Graduates join a vibrant professional network of Pacific Leaders Alumni, around 180 strong, supporting each other’s ongoing leadership roles and collaborative projects across the region.
This holistic approach ensures scholars emerge profoundly shaped by both academic and experiential learning. They leave fully equipped to make an immediate positive impact as strategic visionaries dedicated to the Pacific community.
Measurable Outcomes and Impacts
Since 2010, over 180 Pacific Leaders have graduated, serving in influential roles that are tangibly strengthening collaboration, stewardship, and prosperity in their home countries and across the region.
Advanced Qualifications
All scholars obtain internationally recognized postgraduate qualifications from prestigious Australian and New Zealand universities. Over half hold PhD’s.
Graduates in Leadership
75% now occupy senior professional or political positions influencing policies on critical issues. This includes 4 Pacific Minister-level roles and several directly advising Heads of Government.
Collaborative Regional Projects
Pacific Leaders Alumni have initiated over 30 collaborative regional development projects investing over $5 million AUD in areas like renewable energy, food security, and waste management.
Greater Cultural Understanding
Scholars report profoundly deepening their understanding of Pacific identities and appreciating issues from new angles. This fosters greater regional unity and partnerships.
Global Recognition and Impact
The program’s success has led to other regions like Southeast Asia launching similar initiatives to develop thoughtful future leaders for sustainable development.
Through measurable outcomes and profound impacts felt across the Pacific community, the Pacific Leaders Scholarship has cemented its role in nurturing transformative leaders crucial to progress for generations to come. Its holistic and collaborative approach to leadership development is a global model.
How to Apply
Applications for the Pacific Leaders Scholarship open annually from July to September. Those considering applying should start the process early by:
Assess Your Eligibility
The scholarship is open to citizens/passport-holders of eligible Pacific Island countries who have earned an undergraduate degree with at least a 2:1 classification.
Research Universities and Courses
Review course options at partner universities in Australia and New Zealand to identify 1-2 postgraduate programs of interest.
Prepare Required Documents
Ensure you have your academic transcripts, resume/CV, proof of citizenship, and two reference letters from professors or employers ready to submit.
Craft Your Application Statement
Thoughtfully respond to the selection criteria demonstrating your leadership qualities, commitment to community service, and vision for the Pacific region.
Practice for Your Interview
Anticipate interview questions focusing on your experience, qualifications, goals and fit for the program. Practice clarity and confidence in responses.
Apply Before the Deadline
Submit your complete application package online or to your country’s Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat office by mid-September.
The selection process is highly competitive so take time preparing the strongest possible application highlighting your unique qualities and potential to be a strategic visionary for sustainable Pacific development.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses some commonly asked questions about applying for and participating in the Pacific Leaders Scholarship program.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible, applicants must be citizens or passport-holders of one of the eligible Pacific Island countries (Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu or Vanuatu), hold an undergraduate degree with at least a 2:1 classification, and have a demonstrable commitment to community service and leadership potential.
What study areas can I pursue?
Scholars can undertake postgraduate studies at partner universities in fields closely aligned with Pacific development priorities, such as governance, public policy, international relations, environmental sciences, sustainable development, health policy, and more. The program aims to equip you with specialized knowledge directly applicable to priority issues impacting your Pacific community.
How competitive is the selection process?
Admission to the Pacific Leaders Scholarship program is highly competitive, with only around 20 new scholars selected each year from a large applicant pool. On average, over 200 citizens from Pacific countries apply annually, but selection committees aim to identify candidates who most closely embody the leadership qualities and community commitment sought by the program. Your application needs to clearly demonstrate your qualifications, experiences, and vision to stand out.
What are the benefits of participating?
Benefits of being selected for the Pacific Leaders Scholarship include fully funded postgraduate studies at a leading Australian or New Zealand university valued at $40,000-$50,000 AUD per year, access to expert leadership training, participation in regional study tours, and joining a vibrant professional network of Pacific Leaders Alumni with ongoing engagement and support. It is truly a prestigious and transformative two-year experience.
