For further information on DFAT’s Fraud Policy, please check the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.
DFAT defines fraud as dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means. It is not simply due to a careless or accidental act, or an error. DFAT has a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude towards any attempts to gain a benefit fraudulently from the Australian Government and has the right to vary or reverse any decision regarding an Australia Award scholarship made on the basis of incorrect or incomplete information.
The following could constitute fraud in the context of the Australia Awards:
- false application supporting documents
- false information on forms
- not disclosing relevant information
- not disclosing a conflict of interest (e.g. relationship with decision-makers)
- deliberately claiming a benefit not entitled to (e.g. reunion travel when dependent family members are residing with the awardee in Australia).
Applicants that provide suspected fraudulent documents will be excluded from the selection process until the documents are verified. If fraud is confirmed, the applicant will be ineligible to apply for further Australia Awards Scholarships.
When submitting their application for Australia Awards Scholarships, applicants are required to declare that the contents of their application are true and correct; and acknowledge that DFAT has the right to vary or reverse any decision regarding an Australia Awards scholarship made on the basis of incorrect or incomplete information.
