Bangladeshi students can access several types of scholarships in Australia, including government-funded awards, regional study incentives, university merit scholarships and subject-specific funding, with some covering full tuition, living costs and travel. Which one suits you best depends on your academic record, your course, and whether you are open to studying at a regional campus.
This guide walks through each type in detail, along with how to apply and what improves your chances.
What Types of Scholarships Are Available for Bangladeshi Students in Australia?
Before comparing individual awards, it is worth reading our guide on why Bangladeshi students choose Australia if you have not already, since it covers the broader context that makes scholarships worth pursuing in the first place.
Scholarships in Australia generally fall into four categories, each with different funding levels, eligibility criteria and application routes.
Government-Funded Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships programme is the most prominent government-funded option, offering fully funded places that cover tuition, living costs and travel for students from eligible developing countries, including Bangladesh. These awards are highly competitive and assessed holistically, looking at leadership potential and the likely development impact of your studies, rather than academic results alone.
Regional Study Scholarships
The Destination Australia programme is a government-funded initiative offering up to AUD 15,000 per year to students studying at a regional campus, at undergraduate, postgraduate or vocational level. It is open to all international students, including those from Bangladesh, and is one of the more accessible routes to significant funding if you are open to studying outside Sydney or Melbourne.
University Merit Scholarships
Most Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships to international applicants, typically requiring a strong academic record equivalent to a GPA of around 6.0 to 7.0 out of 10, or roughly 65 to 75 percent in your most recent qualification. Coverage ranges from partial tuition reductions to full-fee waivers, and many universities assess eligibility automatically as part of your application.
Subject-Specific and Research Scholarships
Universities and faculties also offer targeted funding for high-demand fields such as engineering, health sciences and business, alongside research scholarships for postgraduate research and PhD students, which often include a living stipend in addition to a tuition waiver.
Which Universities Offer Notable Scholarships for International Students?
The table below highlights a selection of merit-based scholarships currently offered by universities that StudyIn works with, giving you a sense of typical coverage levels.
| University |
Scholarship |
Typical Coverage |
Study Level |
| Griffith University |
Griffith Remarkable Scholarship |
Partial tuition reduction |
Undergraduate, postgraduate |
| Charles Darwin University |
Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship |
25 to 50 percent tuition |
Undergraduate, postgraduate |
| RMIT University |
International merit scholarships |
Partial tuition reduction |
Undergraduate, postgraduate |
| University of Wollongong |
International academic excellence scholarships |
Partial tuition reduction |
Undergraduate, postgraduate |
| Bond University |
Vice-Chancellor’s excellence scholarships |
Partial to significant tuition reduction |
Undergraduate, postgraduate |
| Victoria University |
Research degree scholarships |
Full tuition waiver, stipend |
Master’s by research, PhD |
| University of Tasmania |
International merit scholarships |
Partial tuition reduction |
Undergraduate, postgraduate |
Scholarship names, coverage and eligibility criteria change between intakes, so always confirm current details directly with the university or with your StudyIn counsellor before applying.
Expert View
“Students often chase the biggest scholarship name rather than the one they are actually likely to win. A realistic 25 percent award you qualify for is worth more than months spent chasing a fully funded scholarship your profile does not yet match.” – Sabrina Mahbub, Country Manager, StudyIn – Bangladesh.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships in Australia?
Eligibility varies by scholarship type, but most awards assess a combination of the following.
- A strong academic record, typically a GPA equivalent to 6.0 to 7.0 out of 10, or higher for the most competitive awards
- An unconditional or conditional offer of admission from an eligible Australian institution
- English language proficiency, usually evidenced through IELTS, PTE or TOEFL
- Leadership experience or community involvement, particularly for government-funded awards
- A research proposal, for postgraduate research and PhD scholarships
How Do You Apply for a Scholarship in Australia?
Application processes vary between government programmes and university awards, but the overall approach follows a similar pattern.
- Research scholarships early. Start at least 12 months before your intended start date, since many university deadlines fall well before the general admissions deadline.
- Secure your university offer. Most scholarships require an offer of admission before or alongside your scholarship application.
- Prepare supporting documents. This typically includes transcripts, English test scores, a personal statement, and references where required.
- Submit within the correct window. Government programmes such as Australia Awards typically open their application cycle between February and April each year, while university scholarships have their own separate deadlines.
- Confirm outcomes before accepting your offer. Some scholarships require confirmation before you finalise enrolment, so check timing carefully alongside your visa planning.
Once your scholarship and offer are confirmed, the next step is preparing your student visa application. Our Australia student visa guide for Bangladeshi students covers the full process, required documents and financial evidence you will need.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship?
Competition for Australian scholarships is significant, but a well-prepared application meaningfully improves your odds.
- Apply to more than one scholarship rather than relying on a single award
- Tailor your personal statement to each scholarship’s specific criteria, rather than reusing one generic version
- Document leadership, community work and academic achievements consistently throughout your studies, not just before applying
- Consider regional campuses if you are open to it, since Destination Australia funding is less competitive than many university-wide awards
- Apply as early as possible, since many scholarship deadlines fall well ahead of course application deadlines
Explore Available Scholarships
Navigating which scholarships you genuinely qualify for, and building an application that reflects your actual strengths, is exactly where a specialist counsellor adds real value.
StudyIn has helped students across Bangladesh identify realistic funding options and put together applications that stand out, as part of our full-cycle support from university selection through to visa approval.
FAQs
Can Bangladeshi students get a full scholarship in Australia?
Yes, the Australia Awards Scholarships programme offers fully funded places covering tuition, living costs and travel for eligible students from developing countries, including Bangladesh.
What GPA do I need for a scholarship in Australia?
Most university merit scholarships require a GPA equivalent to around 6.0 to 7.0 out of 10, or roughly 65 to 75 percent in your most recent qualification, with the most competitive awards requiring results well above this minimum.
What is the Destination Australia scholarship?
Destination Australia is a government-funded scholarship offering up to AUD 15,000 per year to international students studying at a regional Australian campus, at undergraduate, postgraduate or vocational level.
When should I apply for scholarships in Australia?
You should start researching scholarships at least 12 months before your intended start date, since many university and government scholarship deadlines fall well before general course application deadlines.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?
Yes, and it is generally recommended, since applying to multiple scholarships improves your overall chances of securing funding.
