What is the Hamer Scholarships?
The Victorian Government Hamer Scholarships Program is a language, cultural immersion and business engagement program that builds the Asia
capabilities of Victorians and Victorian businesses.
Background
The program has been revamped in 2020 with a sharpened business focus, supporting Victorian businesses to strengthen their Asia-engagement.
Hamer Scholarship recipients undertake 5-6 months of intensive language study in China, Japan, Korea or Indonesia while delivering an in-market business project that progresses the market development and/or export objectives of their employer in the chosen market.
The Scholarship supports recipients to develop their Asian language skills, cultural competency, professional networks and market knowledge – assisting businesses to build the people-to-people contacts and market insights needed for doing business with Asia. Hamer Scholarship alumni are ambassadors for Victoria.
Objectives
The Hamer Scholarships Program aims to build the Asia capabilities, insights and networks of Victoria’s workforce to enable Victorian businesses to access economic opportunities in Asia.
Funding
The Hamer Scholarships Program provides $10,000 scholarships for China and Indonesia and $15,000 scholarships for Japan and Korea for 5-6 months (minimum) language study at an approved institution.
Eligible Projects
The Scholarship funds are a contribution towards the recipient’s financial requirements. Funds can be used to cover the cost of:
- international air travel to and from the elected country
- accommodation and living expenses
- compulsory comprehensive travel insurance
- tuition and related fees
- text books and other study materials
- in-market business project expenses
- other study-related or project-related out-of-pocket expenses while in the elected country
Any additional costs are at the expense of the recipient and/or their employer as arranged between the recipient and their employer.
Eligible Applicants
Candidate Eligibility
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident who is a resident of Victoria. Victorians living, working or studying in China, Indonesia, Japan or Korea may also be considered, however, preference will be given to those currently residing in Victoria. Proof of age, citizenship or permanent residency is required and will only be accepted in the form of passport identification and permanent residency documentation
- Be employed and endorsed by a Victorian business that meets the Employer Eligibility criteria.
- Be aged 21 or above at the time of completing the application.
- Have at least three years of professional employment in their current field.
- Be willing to study a language at a nominated institution for a minimum duration of 5-6 months. Alternative universities, institutions or non-language courses will not be considered.
- Be willing to complete an in-market business project that is endorsed by the candidate’s employer.
- Not be in receipt of any other grant, funding or scholarship for study in the elected country
- Agree to participate in future program evaluation activity for up to 5 years.
Employer Eligibility
- Be a legally structured business registered in Victoria with an Australian Business Number (ABN). (Businesses that are not registered in Victoria but have a significant operating presence in Victoria may also be deemed eligible and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis).
- Meet all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards .
- Have an operating presence in Victoria .
- Have a trading history of at least two years.
- Be engaged in or seeking to engage in market development and/or export activity with the nominated Scholarship country .
- Be willing to develop and endorse an in-market business project with the candidate.
- Agree to participate in future program evaluation activity
Timing
Applications close 29 March 2020.
