Destination Australia Program

Destination Australia funds students to study at a regional Australian campus, and it is open to Australian and international students alike. It covers a wide span of study levels — from a Certificate IV right through to a doctorate — which makes it unusual among national scholarship programmes.

The award is worth up to A$15,000 per year towards study at a regional campus.

How it is awarded

Universities and other providers receive the funding and award it as named scholarships of their own. That is the key practical point: the eligible campuses and the eligible courses vary by provider, so the programme looks different depending on where you apply. There is no single list that answers "am I eligible" — the provider's own scholarship page does.

Conditions

You must study full-time and on-campus at a regional Australian campus, in a qualifying course. Online or distance study does not meet the intent of the programme, which exists to bring students into regional communities.

Applying

Apply through the participating provider rather than to the government. Each provider sets its own closing date, usually aligned to its main intake. Confirm the qualifying courses, the campus list and the closing date with that provider, and check the official programme page below for the current list of participants.

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or international student with the right to study in Australia.
• Be accepted into a full-time program of study at an eligible regional campus of a participating Australian institution.
• Apply for an eligible course as defined by the awarding university (vocational, undergraduate, or postgraduate levels).
• Intend to reside in a regional or remote area as defined by the Australian Statistical Geography Standard Remoteness Structure for the duration of the award.
• Meet all standard admission requirements set by the institution for your chosen course (academic, language proficiency, and other prerequisites).
• In some cases, demonstrate academic merit or community involvement, depending on the university's specific scholarship selection criteria.

• Financial assistance to help cover the cost of tuition, living, and study-related expenses during your time at a regional campus.
• Opportunities to experience regional Australian life, including small communities, unique local industries, and cultural environments.
• Enhanced student support services provided by participating institutions, including orientation and adjustment assistance.
• The chance to build networks with other students and professionals in regional areas, which may benefit future careers.
• Eligibility support for Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), required for international students seeking to apply for a student visa (subclass 500).

• Research eligible universities and courses: Explore participating institutions and confirm which regional campuses and programs offer the Destination Australia scholarship.
• Check course and campus eligibility: Review the official university or institution website to ensure your chosen program is covered by the scholarship scheme.
• Prepare application documentation: Gather academic transcripts, proof of citizenship or residency (if applicable), evidence of English proficiency, and any required statements or references.
• Apply for the program of study: Submit your academic application for the eligible course at the university's regional campus, following their admissions process.
• Complete the scholarship application: Fill out the dedicated Destination Australia scholarship application form, if separate from the admissions process, providing all required information and supporting documents.
• Submit applications by the institution's deadline: Note that timelines and submission portals differ; consult the specific university for accurate details.
• Follow up: Monitor communications from the institution regarding the progress of your application and be prepared to provide additional information or attend interviews if requested.
• Accept offer and enrol: If selected, formally accept the scholarship and, for international students, use the Confirmation of Enrolment to proceed with the Australian student visa application.