Tips for Success – Preparing a high-quality application for an Endeavour Award

1. Give yourself time to prepare a high-quality application. Develop a timetable for completing your application including a review period prior to submitting. Do not leave it until the last minute to commence your application.
2. Think about what you are trying to achieve, personally, professionally and academically through this program. Clearly defining this will give the Selection Committee an insight into your aspirations and demonstrate your commitment to your selected field.
3. Refer to the selection criteria for your Award category on the Endeavour Awards website frequently whilst preparing your application to ensure that you have addressed each one sufficiently. These criteria are used by the Selection Committee to assess your application.
4. Inform your referees that you are applying for an Endeavour Award early and advise them of their role and associated timelines. You may also consider inviting them to read your draft application and provide you with suggestions and comments.
5. Clearly and concisely outline the reason for choosing your specific field of study. You may relate this to local and national needs in Thailand, such as economic, government, social and political developments.
6. Articulate the benefits of your proposed program to issues and future developments in Thailand, Australia and globally. Explain what these benefits are – don’t simply state that it will be beneficial.
7. Highlight your past achievements, especially those which most support your area of study or research.
8. Clearly demonstrate the potential for ongoing benefits and linkages as a result of your proposed program at the individual, organisational and country level.
9. Review, spell-check and review again. Potentially ask a native speaker to help by looking over your application, but remember the application must represent you - it should not look as if it has been re-written by a native speaker. The Selection Committee will understand that your English may not be equivalent to a native speaker but remember a poorly structured or badly written application should not be submitted.
10. Remember, you have this one opportunity to sell yourself, your achievements and your goals to the Selection Committee so give concrete examples, i.e. don’t say it will benefit but say “the benefits will be…..”

Note: These tips are general ideas to help you in preparing your submission. You should also refer to the Applicant Guidelines available on the Endeavour Awards website at www.endeavour.deewr.gov.au for detailed information on completing all sections of the application.