Pacific Visitors Program

Dr Transform Aqorau at a DPA seminar
by DPA

What is DPA’s Pacific Visitors Program?

The Pacific Visitors Program at the Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA) is designed to provide researchers from the Pacific a short term scholarship (typically 6-12 weeks) to conduct research and writing at the Australian National University (ANU). Pacific visitors generally undertake a discrete piece of research or writing for publication under the guidance of a DPA academic staff member, sometimes a colleague they have been collaborating with prior to the visitorship.

The Pacific Visitors Program is funded by ANU as a part of the Pacific Research Program Phase Two (PRP II), which is implemented in partnership between the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the PRP consortium led by ANU DPA. PRP II builds on Phase One of the program to foster strong partnerships between Australian and Pacific universities, and teach and train the next generation of Pacific researchers. Over the next four years, PRP II will also take forward new and ongoing policy-relevant research in key priority areas of:

  1. Gender, disability and social inclusion;
  2. Pacific migration and integration;
  3. Politics, governance and economic resilience;
  4. Papua New Guinea including Bougainville; and
  5. Security, regionalism and geopolitics.

With these focus areas in mind, the overall goal of PRP II is: ‘To deepen Australia-Pacific research & education partnerships that support evidence-based policy-making for the Pacific’. Research and writing to be undertaken by DPA Pacific visitors should contribute to one of PRP II’s thematic research priorities and the overall goal of PRP II.

Process & eligibility

What is the application process?

In order to be considered for participation, you must:

  • Complete this application form – applicants are strongly encouraged to work with your proposed academic mentor in completing the form.
  • Attach a copy of your CV (PDF or Word document)
  • Be able to be interviewed by telephone
  • Be able to travel internationally and to apply for a visa if required
  • Be able to be permitted by your employer, or able to take necessary leave, to travel to and from and participate in the Pacific visitors program.

Who can apply?

We invite applications from Pacific Island researchers, development practitioners and professionals who have a demonstrated commitment to research and for whom this visitorship will contribute to research and writing that will directly impact on their work in academia, civil society, government or news media. Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Island citizens with Pacific Island heritage are all welcome to apply.

What is provided through the Pacific Visitors Program?

Through the Pacific visitors program, DPA covers the costs of participants’ travel to and from Canberra, their visa application fees, and accommodation in Canberra and provides a living allowance of $100/day for the duration of their stay in Canberra. Pacific visitors are not provided a salary. Participants are provided with academic mentoring, office and desk space, and IT access (email/library).

Application & selection

Where can I apply?

You should submit your application using the link above.

When are the application deadlines?

Visits can be undertaken throughout the year, at a time that is mutually convenient for the applicant and DPA academic mentor. The deadline for applications is 30 May each year for participation in program the following financial year (July-June).

How does the selection process work?

Applicants are evaluated on their proposed research/writing agenda and its contribution to the thematic priorities and goal of PRP II and their experience.

How many participants are chosen?

The number of applicants selected will depend on the duration of the proposed visits, however DPA typically supports up to four Pacific visitors each year.

When will I be notified of the application decision?

Applicants are notified about the outcome of their application after the close of nominations each year.

Applications are now open

For further questions, please contact dpa@anu.edu.au.

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