The evaluation found that Australia Award scholarships have been a very effective tool for building women’s leadership. Tertiary studies have given women from developing countries the professional skills that have helped them advance their careers despite persistent gender barriers. Importantly studying in Australia was found to have been transformative for women from countries where restrictive social and cultural norms limit their opportunities. Scholarships have enabled many women to develop the personal attributes, vision and broad range of skills needed for leadership. However, the full potential of scholarships to build women’s leadership has yet to be realised. Opportunities for DFAT to enhance the contribution of Australia Awards to women’s leadership form the basis of six recommendations. Actions needed to improve women’s leadership outcomes include increasing women’s access to scholarships and a more strategic use of different types of Australia Award and post award activities.