Are you looking to study in Australia for free while gaining global skills and contributing to your country’s development?
The Australia Awards Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international students from developing countries to study at leading Australian universities. It’s designed to empower future leaders, strengthen international ties, and promote lasting partnerships.
The Australia Awards Scholarship is a long-term development award offered by the Australian Government. It aims to support students from developing nations to study full-time in Australia at undergraduate or postgraduate levels. The focus is on fields that align with their country’s development needs.
Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Available to students from Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East
Offered annually with rigorous selection criteria
Covers full tuition, airfare, living expenses, and more
Targets future leaders and changemakers
Focuses on fields like health, education, governance, and agriculture
Includes preparatory programs and support services
Emphasizes return and reintegration to home country
Promotes gender equality and inclusion
Supports regional stability and global cooperation
Who Can Apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship?
To be eligible, candidates must meet both general and country-specific requirements. Selection is merit-based but also considers equity and development goals.
Must be a citizen of an eligible country
Not an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Must reside in the home country during application
Have a minimum of two years of work experience
Apply for a course aligned with their country’s development needs
Be 18 years or older
Meet Australian university entry requirements
Fulfill English language proficiency standards (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
Be committed to returning home after study
Not previously received a long-term Australia Award
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is a comprehensive, fully funded package that eliminates financial barriers to studying in Australia.
Full tuition fees for the duration of the program
Return economy-class airfare
Establishment allowance on arrival
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE)
Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Pre-course English (PCE) if required
Fieldwork allowance (for research students)
Supplementary academic support
Networking and leadership events
Reintegration workshops before returning home
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Eligibility depends on Australia’s development priorities in specific regions. Over 50 countries are included.
Countries in South and West Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal
Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines
Pacific: Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa
Africa: Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa
Middle East: Palestinian Territories
Countries must meet DFAT partnership criteria
Selection quotas may apply per country
Targeted at low and lower-middle-income countries
Some fields may have country-specific priorities
Updated annually on DFAT country profiles
Applicants must apply through their national intake
How to Apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship
The application process is rigorous and transparent. It requires careful preparation and timely submission.
Review country-specific eligibility on official portal
Select an eligible course at a participating Australian university
Prepare required documents (academic transcripts, ID, work experience)
Submit online application via OASIS portal
Address all selection criteria in your responses
Provide a development impact plan
Demonstrate leadership potential
Include valid English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
Meet deadlines (usually February to April)
Await interview and further steps if shortlisted
Participating Universities in Australia
Australia Awards Scholarship recipients can study at any of the participating institutions approved by the Australian Government.
University Name
Location
University of Melbourne
Victoria
Australian National University
Canberra
University of Queensland
Brisbane
Monash University
Melbourne
University of Sydney
Sydney
Curtin University
Perth
Griffith University
Brisbane
Deakin University
Victoria
University of New South Wales
Sydney
James Cook University
Queensland
Institutions must be DFAT-approved
Courses must align with development goals
Locations offer diverse learning environments
Universities offer extensive support for scholars
Access to high-quality education and research
Exposure to multicultural and global networks
Scholars can choose based on field and interest
Apply directly through Australia Awards system
University-specific deadlines may apply
Check accreditation and course relevance
Important Deadlines and Timeline
Australia Awards Scholarship has a strict annual cycle. It’s crucial to plan well in advance.
Application opens: February
Application closes: April (varies by country)
Document screening: May to June
Interviews: June to August
Notification of outcome: October
Pre-departure briefings: November to January
Travel to Australia: January to February
Start of academic year: February or March
Deadlines may change slightly by year
Country-specific calendars published annually
Early preparation is strongly advised
Late or incomplete applications are rejected
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Success depends on a strong, well-documented application. Competitive candidates demonstrate impact, leadership, and clarity of goals.
Start preparing 6 to 8 months in advance
Align your course with national development priorities
Choose a relevant, high-impact field
Highlight work experience and achievements
Provide clear, concise application responses
Show commitment to returning home
Demonstrate leadership potential and community impact
Double-check all documentation and test scores
Practice interview techniques if shortlisted
Seek feedback from mentors or alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of study is funded?
The scholarship supports full-time undergraduate or postgraduate (master’s and some PhDs) programs.
Is there an age limit to apply?
There is no official upper age limit, but applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, but dependents are not funded. You must cover all costs for accompanying family members.
What are the English language requirements?
Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or equivalent. Requirements vary by course and university.
Do I need to apply to the university separately?
No, the scholarship includes placement. If selected, your placement is arranged as part of the award process.
Can I work while studying in Australia?
Yes, scholars can work part-time per Australian visa rules, but academic performance must remain a priority.
How competitive is the scholarship?
Highly competitive. Only a small percentage of applicants are awarded, based on merit and development alignment.
Can I reapply if rejected?
Yes, you can apply again in subsequent years, provided you continue to meet all criteria.
Will I get help with settling in?
Yes, scholars receive an Introductory Academic Program and settlement support upon arrival.
Is the scholarship renewable?
It is awarded for the full duration of the approved course. Extensions are rare and only for academic reasons.
Conclusion
The Australia Awards Scholarship offers more than just education – it’s a life-changing opportunity to grow, connect, and contribute. If you meet the criteria, this could be your gateway to becoming a leader for change.
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