Summary of publication

This report contains the findings of the independent end-of-program evaluation of the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program-Philippines (AAAEP-P), an eight-year (FY 2018–2026), $31 million program that offers scholarships, short courses, local scholarships, and alumni engagement activities to achieve shared development goals between Australia and the Philippines.

The evaluation aimed to:

• Assess how well AAAEP-P aligns with the strategic objectives of the Philippine and Australian governments, considering Australia's International Development Policy, the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, and the Australia-Philippines Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029
• Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of AAAEP-P's implementation
• Provide recommendations for future activities and improvements for the remainder of the program and the design of AAAEP-P's successor program.

Overall, the report found that the program demonstrated strong performance across key areas. The program was assessed as highly relevant and aligned well with Australia–Philippines strategic frameworks and development plans. Through the scholars' re-entry action plans (REAPs), sustained impacts of their Australian education and training were observed within partner government agencies. The program was found to be cost-efficient, however, it was less well equipped to address new and emerging priorities. Sustainability was fostered through strong alumni engagement and REAP implementation. The program successfully integrated gender equality, disability, and social inclusion principles.

DFAT welcomes the evaluation findings. Considering that the AAAEP-P is in its final stage of implementation, most of the 11 recommendations will be taken forward in the design and implementation of its successor program.

Full publication

• Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines Final Program Evaluation [DOCX 557 KB]
• Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program – Philippines Final Program Evaluation [PDF 1.1 MB]

Management response

• Recommendations and Management Response arising from the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program-Philippines Final Program Evaluation [DOCX 28 KB]
• Recommendations and Management Response arising from the Australia Awards and Alumni Engagement Program-Philippines Final Program Evaluation [PDF 110 KB]