Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility FAQs

Do students need to be graduates or be in their final year in order to apply?

We accept applications from students who graduated at the end of 2011 or students who will be graduating by December 2012.

Will the scholarships be available to dual nationals of China and Australia, indeed what are the residency requirements of applicants?

As long as you have an Australian passport you are eligible. If you are a dual citizen of any other country including China you are still eligible.

Language FAQs

I don’t speak Mandarin, am I still eligible?

Yes you are eligible; the program will provide you with Mandarin training. If you already have a level of Mandarin you will be placed in classes of the appropriate level.
 

Will Mandarin be the primary language used in the workplace?

This will depend on which Corporate Partner you are placed with. While all companies will have a mostly bilingual staff, it may be the office culture to speak either English or Chinese or both languages.

Is the scholarship available to bilingual students i.e. those who will not need to use the language training?

Yes. Many companies look for candidates that already have a good level of Mandarin. Please see the 2011 AustCham China Scholarship Recipients for an understanding of the ranges of language proficiency of successful applicants.

Employment Opportunities FAQs

What are the employment opportunities within the organisation after undertaking the work placement?

The company is encouraged to view each scholarship recipient as a long term investment in the organisation. The matching process has been designed to ensure this is achieved. The company however is not obligated to hire you in a full time capacity after the scholarship period. The 2011 program has had 40% of scholars remain with respective companies.

Is the program similar to an traineeship program? 

Yes, but probably the best traineeship you will ever have in your life. This program is seen as a combination between a traineeship/graduate program. Few traineeships provide the level of scope and career development as the AustCham China Scholarship.

In which city of China will the work placement take place?

As we are based in Beijing, we will attempt to place all our scholarship recipient in Beijing. Some candidates however should be prepared for the possibility of being based in another top tier city such as Shanghai or Beijing. The 2013 AustCham China Scholarship will expand the scope of the Scholarship placements to include further 1st and 2nd tier cities.

What companies are taking part?

Please see here for the 2012 Participating Corporate Partners.   2013 Participating Corporate Partners will be updated throughout the year.

Will I have a choice of which Australian company I will be placed with within my preferred sector?

Scholarship recipients will be placed with a company, not just assigned to a sector. During the interview process, potential recipients will interview directly with participating companies after being recommended by AustCham based on the applicant's resume, cover letter, application questionnaire and interview with the AustCham Graduate manager*.

*Only selected applicants will progress to this stage of the interview process.

Will I be able to change my traineeship placement to a different company in my preferred sector while I am undertaking the scholarship?

Traineeship placements will be made final as part of the selection process and can not be changed once the scholarship term has begun. Scholarship recipients and participating companies are encouraged to view the traineeship as a potentially long term placement though neither party is obliged to continue with the placement after the traineeship has concluded.

What is the duration of the placement and will the scholarship(s) be advertised with a value?

Placement is for a minimum of 12 months. As the distribution of funds for flights and other expenses is managed by the Chamber there is no monetary value for each scholarship. The experience you will receive however will be priceless.

AustCham members are invited to take on mentoring roles in support of the Scholarship recipient’s professional development. Mentors will be confirmed once Scholarship recipients are selected so as to ensure an appropriate match of personalities in the Mentor – Mentee relationship.

What are Working Groups?

Information on working groups can be found on the AustCham Website under Working Groups.