The Australian Overseas Foundation (AOF) provides scholarships to travel and work overseas for Australians between the ages of 21 and 31 who have completed a trade apprenticeship or vocational traineeship to Certificate Level Three.
AOF’s Vision
To be the peak provider of overseas scholarships to outstanding young vocationally trained Australians, in order to develop their leadership skills, and increase their knowledge and experience that is subsequently reinvested in Australia.
AOF’s Mission
- To attract scholarship applicants who are outstanding in their fields of endeavour.
- To provide a unique opportunity for excellence, achievement, personal development and cultural experiences for scholarship winners.
- To develop the organisation to ensure that it is financially strong and appropriately resourced.
- To build effective relationships with key organisations involved in apprenticeship and vocational training.
History of the AOF
In 1956, the Victorian Overseas Foundation (VOF) was established by a group of industrialists, technical colleges and Rotarians. During 1957, the first scholarships were awarded. The VOF's goal was to provide opportunities for young people who had completed an apprenticeship or a certificate of vocational studies or traineeship to work and study overseas in the country of their choice.
In the early 1980s, the Foundation was expanded to become national and renamed the Australian Overseas Foundation Inc (AOF). The AOF embraced the view that the pace of global technology and learning was dynamic with the ongoing need for scholarships to be made available in the areas of craft, technical studies and trade, traineeships and technician fields.
Funding for these scholarships has been provided by Rotary clubs, industrial, business and trade organisations, government and individuals.
AOF snapshot
- 54 years of operation with over 300 scholarships awarded to young Australians.
- Award winners have worked in the UK, Germany, South Africa, Spain, Canada, United States, Switzerland, France, Italy, Asia and many other countries.
- Recipients have made a major contribution to the success of business and industry on their return to Australia by forming their own companies, securing senior and executive management roles and lecturing and teaching.
- Recipient trades: Electrical, Automotive Trades, Engineering, Building, Watchmaking and Jewellery, Plumbing, Printing, Horticulture, Aircraft Mechanics, Welding, Dental Mechanics, Hospitality, Fashion, Hairdressing, Furniture, Boatbuilding.