Scholarships in Australia for International Students 2026

Scholarships are one of the most powerful ways to reduce the cost of studying in Australia. With tuition fees ranging from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year and living costs adding AUD 1,600 to AUD 3,200 per month depending on your city, financial support can make a significant difference to what is achievable. The good news is that Australia offers more scholarship funding for international students than most competing destinations — through government programmes, individual universities, and subject-specific awards.

This guide covers every major scholarship available to international students in 2026, including full award values, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and which nationalities can apply. Whether you are planning an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate qualification, or a research program, there are funding options worth exploring before you apply.

Before reviewing scholarships, it helps to understand the full financial picture. See our guide to the cost of studying in Australia for a complete breakdown of fees and living expenses by city and course type.

Types of Scholarships Available in Australia

There are five main categories of scholarships for international students in Australia. Understanding which type you qualify for helps you prioritise applications and focus your effort where it is most likely to succeed.

Government scholarships

Funded by the Australian Government and aimed at students from eligible partner countries. These are typically the most generous awards, often covering full tuition, living expenses, and return flights. The Australia Awards programme is the flagship offering.

University merit scholarships

Offered directly by Australian universities based on academic achievement. These are the most widely accessible for international students and range from one-off payments of AUD 5,000 to full tuition fee waivers for the duration of a degree.

Subject and faculty scholarships

Targeted at students in specific fields such as engineering, nursing, law, or business. Some are funded by industry partners and include work placement components alongside financial support.

Research training scholarships

Designed for postgraduate research students (master’s by research and PhD). These typically cover tuition fees, provide a living stipend, and include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The Australian Government Research Training Program is the primary vehicle for this category.

Regional and destination scholarships

Awards specifically for students who choose to study in regional Australia (outside major metropolitan areas). Studying regionally also unlocks additional post-study work rights on the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), making these awards doubly valuable for students with long-term migration goals. See our guide to PR pathways in Australia for more detail.

Australian Government Scholarships for International Students 2026

1. Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards is the Australian Government’s flagship international scholarship programme, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It is one of the few fully-funded scholarships available to students from developing nations, covering the complete cost of study and living in Australia.

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees for the duration of the course
• Return airfare from your home country to Australia
• Establishment allowance on arrival
• Contribution to living expenses (approximately AUD 30,000–35,000 per year)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full visa period
• Pre-course English language training if required

Degree levels: Undergraduate, postgraduate (coursework and research), and some vocational qualifications at TAFE institutions

Eligible nationalities: Students from Indo-Pacific partner countries including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and others. The eligible country list is confirmed annually by DFAT.

Key eligibility conditions:

• Must not hold Australian or New Zealand permanent residency
• Must be at least 18 years of age by the scholarship start date (1 February)
• Must meet English language requirements for the chosen course
• Must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs requirements for a student visa
• Scholars must return to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship

Application deadline: Typically April–May each year for the following February intake. Deadlines vary by country — check the DFAT website for your country’s specific closing date.

Value: Fully funded (tuition + living + flights + OSHC)

2. Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP)

AGRTP scholarships support international students undertaking higher degrees by research at Australian universities. They are one of the most competitive and sought-after research funding options in the country.

What it covers:

• Full tuition fees for the duration of the research degree
• Living stipend of approximately AUD 32,500 per year (tax-free)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Allowances for thesis examination and relocation

Degree levels: Master’s by research and PhD

Eligible nationalities: All international students

Key eligibility conditions:

• Must be applying for or enrolled in a research degree at an Australian university
• Must demonstrate strong academic performance (typically first-class honours or equivalent GPA)
• Must secure a supervising academic before application in most cases

Application deadline: Varies by university — most research intake rounds are October–November for a February start. Some universities also accept mid-year research enrolments.

Value: Full tuition + AUD ~32,500/year stipend + OSHC

3. Destination Australia Scholarships

Destination Australia is a government-funded programme specifically for students who choose to study at regional campuses of Australian universities and TAFE institutes.

What it covers: Up to AUD 15,000 per year toward tuition and living costs

Degree levels: Undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational education

Eligible nationalities: All international students

Key eligibility conditions:

• Must be enrolled at a participating regional campus (not a metropolitan campus)
• Regional study also unlocks additional years on the Subclass 485 post-study work visa

Application deadline: Applications open through individual participating institutions. Check with your university directly.

Value: Up to AUD 15,000/year

University Scholarships for International Students in Australia

Most Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships that are open to all international applicants. The following awards are among the most accessible and well-funded options available in 2026.

Scholarships by Subject Area

If you already know your field of study, targeting subject-specific scholarships significantly increases your chances of receiving funding. The following awards are available for students in Australia’s highest-demand disciplines.

Engineering scholarships in Australia

Engineering is one of Australia’s skills shortage fields, and multiple universities and industry bodies offer scholarships specifically for engineering students. Key awards include university merit scholarships at RMIT, Monash, and the University of Wollongong, as well as industry-linked bursaries from organisations such as Engineers Australia. Regional engineering students may also qualify for Destination Australia funding of up to AUD 15,000/year.

Typical total support available: AUD 10,000 – 40,000 over the degree. See the best engineering universities in Australia.

Nursing and healthcare scholarships in Australia

Nursing remains one of Australia’s most critically short-staffed professions, and scholarship support reflects this. Key options include the Rural Australia Medical Undergraduate Scholarship (RAMUS), which provides AUD 10,000/year for students studying medicine in regional areas, and university-level awards at Griffith University (ranked #1 in Australia for Nursing and Midwifery) and CQUniversity. Healthcare graduates also benefit from priority points in the skilled migration system after graduation.

Explore nursing courses in Australia or find affordable nursing course options.

Business and MBA scholarships in Australia

Business schools at Macquarie, QUT, and Melbourne offer merit scholarships for high-achieving international students in MBA and postgraduate business programs. The Macquarie Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (AUD 10,000–20,000/year) is one of the most accessible for business applicants. Some MBA programs also offer partial fee waivers for applicants with strong GMAT scores or significant professional experience.

See the best MBA universities in Australia or explore Australia’s top business schools.

Accounting and finance scholarships in Australia

CPA Australia and CA ANZ both offer scholarships and bursaries for students enrolled in accredited accounting and finance programs. University-level awards at Macquarie and UNSW are regularly available to high-achieving international applicants in finance, actuarial studies, and accounting. Explore the best accounting and finance universities in Australia.

Computer science and AI scholarships in Australia

Technology is a priority growth sector in Australia, and scholarships for IT, computer science, and AI students are increasingly available. ANU, QUT, and RMIT all offer merit-based support for high-achieving students in technology disciplines. The Australian Government’s National AI Centre has also established funding programs supporting AI talent development. See the best computer science universities in Australia or explore AI courses in Australia.

Law scholarships in Australia

Law scholarships are competitive but available at most Group of Eight universities. The University of Melbourne, ANU, and the University of Sydney each offer merit scholarships for high-performing international law students. Some awards are specifically for students from developing nations where access to legal education is limited. See the best law universities in Australia.

Creative arts and design scholarships in Australia

RMIT University, which is ranked #1 in Australia for Architecture and Design, offers the RMIT International Excellence Scholarship (AUD 10,000 one-off) for eligible international students. QUT offers merit awards for students in its creative industries faculty. Private industry bodies in architecture and design also offer targeted bursaries for international students. Explore art and design universities in Australia.

Scholarships for Indian Students Studying in Australia

India is Australia’s largest source market for international students, and there are several scholarships and funding pathways specifically relevant to Indian applicants.

Australia Awards — India

Indian students are eligible for Australia Awards Scholarships, which are fully funded and cover tuition, living expenses, and flights. Applications from India typically open in March and close in April each year. Indian applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to India’s development upon return.

English language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent.

Academic equivalency: Indian students with 60–70% in their undergraduate degree (depending on the university and field) typically meet minimum entry requirements for Australian postgraduate programs.

New Colombo Plan Scholarship — outbound only

Note: The New Colombo Plan is an Australian Government scholarship programme for Australian students to study in the Indo-Pacific — it is not available for Indian or other international students to study in Australia. This is a common point of confusion.

University direct-entry scholarships open to Indian students

All university merit scholarships listed in this guide are open to Indian applicants. The most accessible for Indian students include:

• Griffith Remarkable Scholarship — 50% tuition reduction, open to all international students
• Macquarie Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship — AUD 10,000–20,000/year
• CQUniversity International Merit Scholarship — up to 25% tuition reduction
• La Trobe Academic Excellence Scholarship — 25% reduction, valid for up to 2 semesters

Qualification recognition for Indian students: Most Australian universities recognise Indian bachelor’s degrees (3 or 4 years) for postgraduate entry. Students from CBSE, ICSE, and state board systems are assessed individually. A CGPA of 6.5–7.0/10 or 60–65% aggregate is typically the minimum threshold for merit scholarship consideration.

For a full breakdown of requirements, see our guide to requirements to study in Australia.

Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia: Summary Table

How to Apply for a Scholarship in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide

The scholarship application process in Australia varies by award, but the following steps apply to most government and university scholarships. Starting early is the single biggest factor in a successful application.

Step 1: Identify the scholarships you are eligible for (12+ months before intake)

Begin by filtering scholarships based on your nationality, level of study, field, and academic record. Most university merit scholarships require a minimum GPA equivalent to 6.0–7.0/10 or 65–75% in your prior qualification. Government scholarships like Australia Awards have additional eligibility conditions related to nationality and professional background.

Use the tables in this guide as a starting point, then visit each university’s international scholarships page to confirm current eligibility criteria and values — these can change each academic year.

Step 2: Take your English language test (10–12 months before intake)

Most scholarships require a current IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL score as part of the application. Allow time to prepare and, if needed, resit. Minimum scores vary by scholarship:

• General university entry: IELTS 6.0–6.5
• Australia Awards: IELTS 6.5 overall
• Nursing and health programs: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 7.0)

See our full guide to requirements to study in Australia for a complete breakdown of language conditions by institution and course type.

Step 3: Prepare your supporting documents (8–10 months before intake)

Most scholarship applications require:

• Academic transcripts and certificates (certified and translated if not in English)
• English language test results
• A personal statement or scholarship essay
• Two academic or professional references
• A CV or resume
• Proof of identity (passport)
• For Australia Awards: a development impact statement explaining how your study will benefit your home country

Step 4: Apply to your chosen university and scholarship simultaneously (6–8 months before intake)

Many university scholarships require you to hold a conditional or unconditional offer of admission before the scholarship application can be processed. Apply to the university and the scholarship at the same time where possible. For Australia Awards, the scholarship application is separate from the university application and is submitted through the official Australia Awards portal.

Step 5: Respond to offers and confirm your place (3–4 months before intake)

Once an offer is made, you will typically have 2–4 weeks to accept and pay a deposit (or confirm scholarship acceptance). Scholarship offers may be conditional on maintaining a minimum GPA during your studies.

Step 6: Apply for your student visa (2–3 months before intake)

After accepting your offer and receiving your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), you can apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be arranged before the visa can be granted. See our Australia student visa guide for a full roadmap.

Do Scholarships in Australia Affect Your Visa or PR Pathway?

Scholarships do not negatively affect your student visa or post-study work rights. In fact, they can improve your long-term outcomes in several ways.

Studying on a fully-funded government scholarship confirms genuine student intent, which supports your Subclass 500 visa application. Regional scholarships such as Destination Australia are linked to regional campuses, which in turn qualify you for additional years on the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa after completing your degree — up to 4 years in some cases, compared to 2 years for metropolitan study.

For students considering permanent residency, studying in a skills shortage field (engineering, nursing, IT, accounting) and graduating with strong results gives you the best foundation for a skilled migration application. Scholarship holders often have higher academic averages and stronger employment outcomes, both of which improve your points score in the General Skilled Migration stream.

Read more about PR pathways for international students in Australia and explore the highest paying jobs in Australia for graduates in different fields.

Is Studying in Australia Worth It Even Without a Full Scholarship?

A full scholarship is not a prerequisite for a strong return on investment from an Australian degree. Even partial funding of AUD 10,000–15,000 per year combined with post-study work rights of 2–4 years can make Australian study financially compelling.

Graduate engineers in Australia earn a median starting salary of AUD 80,000–95,000. Registered nurses earn AUD 70,000–90,000. IT and data science graduates typically start at AUD 75,000–95,000. These salaries, combined with the right to work full-time after graduation, mean that many students recover the cost of their degree within 2–3 years of graduating.

FAQs

What are the best fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students?

The two most comprehensive fully funded scholarships are the Australia Awards Scholarships (government-funded, covering tuition, flights, and living costs for students from eligible developing nations) and the Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP, covering tuition and providing a living stipend of approximately AUD 32,500/year for postgraduate research students). At university level, the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship and La Trobe Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship both offer 100% tuition fee waivers on a merit basis.

Can I get a scholarship in Australia without IELTS?

Most scholarships require English language proficiency evidence, which typically means IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. However, some universities may waive the language test requirement if you have completed prior study in an English-medium institution for a minimum number of years (usually 2–3 years). This is assessed individually and is not guaranteed. Check with each university’s scholarships office directly if you believe you may qualify for an exemption.

What IELTS score do I need to apply for a scholarship in Australia?

The minimum varies by award. Most university merit scholarships follow general entry requirements: IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate programs. The Australia Awards Scholarship requires IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Nursing and healthcare scholarships typically require IELTS 7.0 with no individual band below 7.0.

Are Australian scholarships open to Indian students?

Yes. Indian students are eligible for Australia Awards Scholarships (applications typically close in April each year), and all university merit scholarships listed in this guide are open to Indian applicants. The most accessible options are the Griffith Remarkable Scholarship (50% tuition reduction), the Macquarie Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (AUD 10,000–20,000/year), and the CQUniversity International Merit Scholarship (up to 25% tuition reduction).

When should I apply for scholarships in Australia?

Scholarship applications typically open 6–12 months before your intended start date. For the February intake, most university scholarship deadlines fall between September and November of the prior year. Australia Awards deadlines for most countries fall in April–May for the following year’s intake. Starting your scholarship research at least 12 months in advance is strongly recommended.

Do scholarships in Australia cover living costs?

Government scholarships such as Australia Awards cover living costs in addition to tuition. Most university merit scholarships cover tuition only (either fully or partially) and do not include a living allowance. The AGRTP research scholarship includes both full tuition and a living stipend of approximately AUD 32,500/year.

Can I work in Australia while on a scholarship?

Yes. International students on a Subclass 500 student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks — regardless of whether they hold a scholarship. Australia Awards recipients have the same work rights as other student visa holders during their study period.

What GPA do I need for an Australian scholarship?

Most university merit scholarships require a minimum equivalent to a GPA of 6.0–7.0 out of 10 or approximately 65–75% in your most recent qualification. Highly competitive full-tuition scholarships such as the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s award typically require results significantly above the minimum. The Australia Awards programme does not use a strict GPA threshold but assesses applications holistically, including leadership potential and the likely development impact of the scholarship.

Related Study Guides

• Why study in Australia?
• Jobs in Australia after graduation
• Popular courses to study in Australia