For Volunteers
Share your knowledge and expertise
Where it can make a real difference
Volunteering with AAVA
Volunteers may be current, soon-to-retire or recently retired academics. We offer short and longer-term placements in-country, remotely or as a hybrid mixture, depending on the requirements of our partner universities.
As a volunteer, you will be asked to apply your unique expertise and knowledge to support the teaching and research ambitions and goals of universities and communities in countries that struggle to retain and attract experienced academics.
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to gain an invaluable and enriching experience while sharing your knowledge and skills. Not only will you get to learn about the culture and people in a new country, you'll also have the chance to develop meaningful relationships with your peers abroad.
If you have the energy and enthusiasm, volunteering is a life-changing, life-enriching way to contribute.
The Australian Volunteers Program
AAVA partners with the Australian Volunteers Program, which is an Australian Government-funded initiative that supports global volunteering.
Volunteers mobilised under this program receive well-being support, travel costs, insurances and a modest stipend. This is a safe and affordable way to make a difference.
Program volunteers must be Australian citizens or holders of a Permanent Residency Visa of Australia, or New Zealand residents in Australia with a Special Category Visa (SCV).
Current Volunteer Opportunities
* Nursing in Sri Lanka *
* Computing, Civil Engineering and Psychology in Fiji *
Volunteers may be current, soon-to-retire or recently retired academics from accredited universities.
Volunteer Application Process
Are you ready to volunteer?
Volunteers are recruited on the basis that they can assist our partner universities to achieve specific objectives.
Volunteers must be respectful of their hosts’ history, culture, perspectives and goals. Volunteers must have a commitment to locally-led capacity development, the transformative power of education and international humanitarian issues.
Essential Requirements
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Be an Australian citizen or a holder of a Permanent Residency Visa of Australia, or a New Zealand resident in Australia with a Special Condition/Category Visa.
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An earned PhD.
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At least ten years’ experience as an academic member of staff at an accredited university.
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A demonstrated track record of high-quality teaching and/or research.
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Experience in working collaboratively with diverse student groups and communities.
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Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills including a demonstrated ability to listen to others.
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Active demonstration of the highest standards of academic, personal and ethical integrity.
Applying for an existing assignment
Submit an application for an assignment advertised on our website if you meet our essential requirements and the selection criteria for that assignment. Your application should consist of an up-to-date curriculum vitae of not more than two pages and a one-page cover letter outlining your motivation and confirming your willingness to live and work in the country of the partner university.
Applications should be sent to admin@academicvolunteers.org.au.
Submitting an expression of interest
Submit an expression of interest if you meet our essential requirements and if existing assignments do not match your experience, skills and interests. Your expression of interest should consist of an up-to-date curriculum vitae of not more than three pages and a one page cover letter outlining your motivation and indicating your country(ies) of preference. Expressions of interest should be sent to admin@academicvolunteers.org.au. You will be registered as a prospective AAVA volunteer and contacted if a volunteer assignment arises that matches your skills, experience and availability.