Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are the Australian Government's flagship international scholarship, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as part of the aid programme. They are not a tuition discount offered by a university — they are a development programme, and that shapes who can apply and what is expected afterwards.

An award covers a full master's degree at a participating Australian university, and in some partner countries a bachelor's degree as well. The package is a complete one: full tuition, return air travel, an establishment allowance, a contribution to living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover, and an introductory academic programme before study begins.

Who it is for

Applicants must be citizens of a participating partner country and must apply from outside Australia. Beyond the academic and English requirements, there is a commitment that sets this scholarship apart from most others: recipients undertake to return home for at least two years after finishing. The scholarship exists to build skills that go back to the partner country, and that obligation is taken seriously.

How the application cycle works

There is no single global deadline. Application windows are set country by country, and the country profile on the DFAT site is the authority on yours. As a general pattern, most windows open around February and close in April or May — but treat that as orientation, not as a date to plan around, and read your own country profile.

Before you apply

Check the country profile first, because eligible courses, eligible fields of study and priority areas differ between partner countries. Confirm the current requirements and closing dates on the official page below before preparing anything.

• Be a citizen of an eligible country as specified by the Australian Government (and resident in that country except as otherwise permitted).
• Apply for a course of study that is aligned with the development priorities of their home country and the program's partner governments.
• Meet admission requirements of the intended Australian university and course of choice.
• Meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements set by DFAT and the host institution (typically demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE results).
• Not hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency status.
• Not be married to, engaged to, or a de facto of a person who has, or is eligible for, Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
• Have not previously received an Australia Awards Scholarship unless they have resided outside Australia for a period specified by the program after their last award.
• Meet any additional criteria set by the country program, including minimum work experience, age requirements, or relevant qualifications.
• Demonstrate a commitment to contribute to the development of their country of citizenship upon completion of studies.

• Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the eligible program at a participating Australian university.
• Return air travel between the home country and Australia at the beginning and end of the study period.
• Establishment allowance to help with initial costs of settling in Australia.
• Regular living stipend to assist with accommodation, food, and living expenses.
• Overseas Student Health Cover for the total duration of the award, providing health insurance while in Australia.
• Introductory Academic Program to support academic and cultural adjustment in Australia.
• Supplementary academic support and fieldwork allowances if required by the course.
• Assistance for meeting visa requirements and student support services throughout the academic journey.

• Research Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria on the official Australia Awards Scholarships website to confirm if you and your intended course/country are eligible.
• Choose a Course and University: Select an appropriate program from a participating Australian institution in line with your development goals and Australia's priorities for your home country.
• Prepare Documentation: Gather academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of citizenship, English proficiency results, references, and a compelling development impact plan or statement.
• Apply Online: Register on the designated online application portal (usually OASIS) and complete all required sections, uploading certified copies of your documents.
• Submit Application: Carefully review your application before submitting it electronically by the country-specific deadline.
• Undergo Assessment: Await assessment, which may involve interviews or further evaluation based on academic merit, leadership potential, and alignment with development themes.
• Receive Notification: If selected, accept the scholarship formally and follow instructions to facilitate your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with the chosen university.
• Apply for Visa: Use your CoE to apply for the Australian subclass 500 student visa, ensuring all health, character, and financial requirements are met.
• Pre-Departure Preparations: Attend pre-departure briefings and complete any final documentation required for your travel and relocation to Australia.