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Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students 2027: Values, Eligibility and Deadlines
Scholarships in Australia for Indian students fall into three main groups: Australian Government awards such as the Australia Awards and the Research Training Program (RTP), university merit scholarships worth 20% to 50% off tuition, and regional incentives like Destination Australia, worth up to AUD 15,000 a year. Several are built specifically for students from India, and many are assessed automatically when you apply for your course.
This guide covers what each scholarship is worth, who’s eligible, how Indian qualifications are assessed, and when to apply for 2027 and 2028 intakes. All INR figures are approximate*.
Why Should Indian Students Apply for Scholarships in Australia?
Tuition for international students at Australian universities typically runs between AUD 30,000 and 50,000 a year (roughly ₹20 to 34 lakh). That’s before rent, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), flights, and everyday expenses. Our cost of living guide for Indian students breaks down that wider budget.
Even a partial award makes a real difference. A 25% scholarship on AUD 40,000 annual tuition saves AUD 10,000 a year, around ₹6.8 lakh, or roughly ₹13.6 lakh across a two-year master’s. For parents, a confirmed scholarship can also reduce the size of any education loan and the tuition funds you need to show for the student visa.
Most university scholarships reduce tuition only. Living costs still need to come from savings, family support, or part-time work, which is capped at 48 hours per fortnight during term.
Government Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
Four Australian Government schemes are worth knowing about if you’re applying from India. They’re the most generous awards available, and also the most competitive.
Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards are funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They cover full tuition, return airfare, a living allowance, and OSHC. India is a participating country, but its allocation is small. Selection favours strong academics, leadership experience, and a study plan linked to India’s development priorities.
Recipients must leave Australia for at least two years after finishing, so this isn’t the right route if you’re planning to stay on for post-study work or PR.
Research Training Program (RTP)
The Research Training Program funds Master’s by Research and PhD candidates at universities across Australia. It can cover tuition through a fee offset, plus a tax-free living stipend. The government minimum stipend is AUD 35,550 for 2027 (around ₹24 lakh), and many universities pay more. There’s no central application: you apply through each university’s research admissions round.
Maitri Scholarships Program
The Maitri Scholarships are run by the Centre for Australia-India Relations and are open only to Indian citizens. The current program supports high-performing PhD scholars in STEM-related fields such as clean energy, technology, agribusiness, space, and health.
Australian universities nominate candidates, so approach your shortlisted university’s graduate research team rather than applying directly.
Destination Australia
Destination Australia is worth up to AUD 15,000 a year (around ₹10.2 lakh) for students at participating regional campuses. International students are eligible at many of them. Duration ranges from one year to the full degree, and each university runs its own application, so check the terms at your shortlisted campus.
| Scholarship | What It Covers | Best For | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Full tuition, airfare, living allowance, OSHC | Postgraduates planning to return to India | Usually February to 30th April, for study the following year |
| Research Training Program | Tuition fee offset, living stipend (minimum AUD 35,550 in 2027) | Master’s by Research and PhD candidates | Set by each university |
| Maitri Scholarships | Substantial PhD funding package | Indian citizens pursuing a STEM PhD | Through university nomination |
| Destination Australia | Up to AUD 15,000 a year | Students at regional campuses | Varies by university and intake |
University Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia
Most Indian students are funded through university scholarships rather than government awards. The key detail is how each one is awarded: some are applied automatically to your offer letter, while others need a separate application.
| University | Scholarship | Value | How It’s Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANU | Chancellor’s International Scholarship (India) | 25% of tuition for the full degree | Automatic on admission, based on merit |
| Macquarie University | Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship | Up to AUD 10,000 towards tuition | Separate application after receiving an offer |
| La Trobe University | High Achiever Scholarship | 15%, 20%, or 25% of tuition | Automatic, tiered by WAM (60+ for 15%, 75+ for 25%) |
| Griffith University | International Academic Merit / Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship | 20% or 50% of tuition | 20% is automatic; 50% needs a separate application and personal statement |
| QUT | International Merit Scholarship | 25% of tuition each semester | Automatic, based on your academic record |
| RMIT University | Future Leaders Scholarship | 20% of tuition for the full program | Automatic for citizens of India and the subcontinent in eligible programmes |
| University of Wollongong | University Excellence / Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship | 30% of tuition | Automatic; postgraduate award requires a 75+ WAM |
A few details are easy to miss:
- ANU’s 50% tier isn’t offered under its India stream, so plan around 25%.
- Macquarie also runs smaller one-off awards of AUD 5,000 for Indian undergraduates and postgraduate women.
- RMIT’s Future Leaders Scholarship is one of the most widely awarded, with 3,750 given in 2025.
- Most universities let you hold only one tuition scholarship at a time, so the highest-value award you qualify for is the one that applies.
Expert View
“Most Indian applicants are assessed for automatic scholarships the moment they apply, so your percentage or CGPA matters more than any essay. Check each university’s WAM threshold against your converted marks before you shortlist, because a few points can move you from a 15% award to a 25% one.” – Rajashree Devi, Counsellor, StudyIn.
Which Study Level Has the Best Scholarship Chance in Australia?
Undergraduate
Undergraduate scholarships are mostly partial tuition reductions of 20% to 30%, assessed on your Class 12 results from CBSE, ISC, or your state board. Full scholarships at bachelor’s level are rare. For parents, the realistic aim is a percentage reduction that applies for the full degree, which adds up over three or four years.
Postgraduate Coursework
Master’s applicants have the widest choice. Most of the university awards above apply to coursework master’s degrees and are assessed on your bachelor’s percentage or CGPA. If you’re weighing courses as well as funding, our guide to master’s degrees in Australia for Indian students covers fees, entry requirements, and outcomes.
Postgraduate Research
Research degrees offer the strongest funding odds. RTP, university research scholarships, and the India-specific Maitri program can together cover tuition and living costs in full. Research-active universities such as ANU, the University of Tasmania, and James Cook University regularly fund international research candidates.
Do Regional Universities Offer Better Scholarships for Indian Students?
Often, yes. Regional universities and campuses tend to attract fewer applicants for the same pool of funding, and many combine their own merit awards with Destination Australia. CQUniversity, for example, has paired AUD 15,000 a year from Destination Australia with a 25% tuition reduction for international students at its regional campuses, subject to a short personal statement.
Other universities worth checking include Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University, the University of Southern Queensland, the University of New England, and James Cook University. Living costs in Australia are usually lower outside Sydney and Melbourne too.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students in Australia
- Academic merit: Universities convert your Class 12 percentage or bachelor’s CGPA into their own scale, such as a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) or GPA. A few percentage points can move you between scholarship tiers.
- English proficiency: Most awards require you to meet your course’s English requirement, commonly IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (or the PTE or TOEFL equivalent), with minimum band scores.
- Citizenship: Some awards are open only to Indian citizens, such as Maitri, ANU’s India stream, and Macquarie’s India awards. Others cover South Asia more broadly, such as RMIT’s Future Leaders Scholarship.
- Course and intake: Many scholarships exclude certain programmes or apply only to specific intakes, so confirm your course is eligible before relying on an award.
- Leadership and experience: Competitive awards like the Australia Awards and Griffith’s 50% scholarship also weigh leadership, work experience, and your personal statement.
How and When to Apply for Australian Scholarships From India
Start at least 12 months before your intended intake. Most Indian students target the February or July intakes, and the strongest scholarships go to complete applications submitted early.
- Shortlist universities and check eligibility: Compare each scholarship’s value, its academic threshold, and whether it’s automatic or needs a separate application.
- Prepare your documents: Gather your transcripts, English test score, statement of purpose, references, and passport.
- Apply for your course: Automatic scholarships are assessed at this stage and shown on your offer letter.
- Submit separate scholarship applications: For awards like Macquarie’s or Griffith’s 50% scholarship, apply after receiving your offer and before the closing date.
- Accept your offer and plan your visa: Your scholarship letter forms part of your financial evidence for the student visa, alongside your Genuine Student (GS) requirement responses. Our Australian student visa guide for Indian students explains what you’ll need.
Government award dates are fixed. Australia Awards applications usually open in February and close on 30th April for study starting the following year, so the window for 2028 entry is likely to open in February 2027. University deadlines vary by intake. At the time of writing, for example, Griffith’s 50% award closes on 28th November 2026 for Trimester 1, 2027 entry.
Get Expert Scholarship Support From StudyIn
AI tools and search can list scholarships. They can’t tell you which ones your marks actually qualify for, or which university gives you the best real-terms outcome once tuition, living costs, and scholarship value are added up. StudyIn, formerly SI-UK, brings over 20 years of experience helping Indian students study abroad, now across multiple destinations including Australia.
Our Australia counsellors check your profile against each scholarship’s thresholds and build a shortlist that balances rankings, cost, and funding. They then support you through applications, scholarship submissions, visas, and pre-departure, and parents are welcome to join the session. For a wider view of universities and student life, see our guide to studying in Australia as an Indian student.
FAQs
What scholarships can Indian students get in Australia?
Indian students can apply for government awards such as the Australia Awards, the Research Training Program, and the India-only Maitri Scholarships. They can also apply for university scholarships worth 20% to 50% of tuition at universities including ANU, Macquarie, RMIT, and QUT, and for regional incentives such as Destination Australia.
Can Indian students get a fully funded scholarship in Australia?
Yes, but fully funded awards are limited and competitive. The Australia Awards, the Research Training Program, and the Maitri Scholarships are the main routes to full funding. They apply mostly to postgraduate and research students.
Is the Australia Awards Scholarship open to Indian students?
Yes. India is a participating country, though places are limited. The award covers tuition, airfare, a living allowance, and health cover. Recipients must return home for at least two years after completing their studies.
Do I need to apply separately for Australian university scholarships?
It depends on the scholarship. ANU, La Trobe, QUT, RMIT, and Wollongong assess most of their awards automatically when you apply for your course. Macquarie’s Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship and Griffith’s 50% scholarship need a separate application after you receive an offer.
Can I combine Destination Australia with a university scholarship?
Often, yes. Some regional universities pair Destination Australia with their own tuition reduction, but rules vary. Check your university’s terms, as most only let you hold one tuition scholarship at a time.
What percentage or CGPA do I need for a scholarship in Australia?
Thresholds vary by university. La Trobe starts its 15% award at a WAM of 60, while Wollongong’s postgraduate scholarship needs a WAM of 75 or above. Universities convert your Indian percentage or CGPA to their own scale.
Does a scholarship help my Australian student visa application?
A scholarship letter forms part of your financial evidence and can reduce the tuition funds you need to show. It doesn’t guarantee a visa, and you still need to meet the Genuine Student requirement and all other conditions.
*Based on around ₹68 to AUD 1 (August 2026 rates).
