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.<\/p>\n
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*.<\/p>\n
Tuition for international students at Australian universities typically runs between AUD 30,000 and 50,000 a year (roughly \u20b920 to 34 lakh). That’s before rent, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), flights, and everyday expenses. Our cost of living guide for Indian students<\/a> breaks down that wider budget.<\/p>\n Even a partial award makes a real difference. A 25% scholarship on AUD 40,000 annual tuition saves AUD 10,000 a year, around \u20b96.8 lakh, or roughly \u20b913.6 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.<\/p>\n Most university scholarships reduce tuition only. Living costs still need to come from savings, family support, or part-time work<\/a>, which is capped at 48 hours per fortnight during term.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Australia Awards<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Research Training Program<\/a> 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 \u20b924 lakh), and many universities pay more. There’s no central application: you apply through each university’s research admissions round.<\/p>\n The Maitri Scholarships<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Australian universities nominate candidates, so approach your shortlisted university’s graduate research team rather than applying directly.<\/p>\n Destination Australia<\/a> is worth up to AUD 15,000 a year (around \u20b910.2 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.<\/p>\n
\nGovernment Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students<\/h2>\n
Australia Awards Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Research Training Program (RTP)<\/h3>\n
Maitri Scholarships Program<\/h3>\n
Destination Australia<\/h3>\n