Australia Awards Scholarship : Eligibility, Benefits & Application Process

Australia offers some of the most prestigious scholarship programs for international students, with funding provided by the Australian Government. These scholarships aim to support future global leaders by offering opportunities for study, research, and professional development in Australia.

Additionally, various scholarships are available through universities, educational institutions, and state governments in Australia. These are typically awarded based on merit, with candidates being nominated by an eligible agency in their home country and then assessed by a selection panel in Australia.

If you are seeking financial assistance for your education in Australia, consider the following top scholarships, awards, and grants available.

The Australia Awards Scholarships provide financial support for students from developing countries to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Australian institutions.

Eligible Countries:

Asia

• ASEAN (Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand)
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Maldives
• Mongolia
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Sri Lanka
• Timor-Leste
• Vietnam

Pacific

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Marshall Islands
• Nauru
• Papua New Guinea
• Republic of Palau
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• Wallis and Futuna

Africa

• Botswana
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Zambia

Middle East

• Palestinian Territories (West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem)

To be considered for an Australia Awards Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old by February 1 of the year they start the scholarship.
• Be a citizen of a participating country as listed on the Australia Awards Scholarship website.
• Not hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or be applying for permanent residency in Australia.
• Not be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship with someone who holds or is eligible to hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency during the application period.
• Not be currently serving in the military.
• Not have previously received an Australia Award unless they have lived outside of Australia for twice the length of their previous stay.
• Have no criminal liabilities in their home country.
• Meet any specific criteria set by their home country’s government.
• Satisfy the admission requirements of the institution where they will undertake their award.
• Meet all the requirements to obtain an Australian student visa.
• Not apply for a lower level of study than they have already completed.
• Inform the relevant program areas or managing contractors if there are any changes in their situation.

The Australia Awards Scholarships cover a wide range of expenses:

• Academic Fees: Covers all compulsory academic fees.
• Travel Expenses: Includes a single economy class airfare from the home country.
• Visa and Medical Checks: Covers visa processing fees and related medical exams.
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP): A mandatory 4- to 6-week program for awardees arriving in Australia.
• Establishment Allowance: A one-time payment of AU$5,000 to cover expenses such as rental bonds, textbooks, study materials, and insurance.
• Living Expenses: Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) paid at a rate determined by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Basic health insurance.
• Completion Travel: A single economy class airfare upon completion of the scholarship.

To apply for the Australia Awards Scholarships, follow these steps:

1. Check Application Dates: Visit the DFAT website for the latest opening and closing dates, which may vary by country.
2. Read the Policy Handbook: Thoroughly review the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook for detailed information on eligibility, the selection process, benefits, and responsibilities.
3. Submit Your Application: Depending on your country, you may apply online through the Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) or via mail by contacting your country’s eligibility agency for the necessary forms and documents.

A wide range of Australian institutions participate in the Australia Awards Scholarships program, including:

Australian Catholic University	Aviation Australia	Bond University
Box Hill Institute TAFE	Bureau of Meteorology	Canberra Institute of Technology
Carnegie Mellon University	Central Queensland University	Charles Darwin University
Charles Sturt University	Chisholm Institute of TAPE	Curtin University of Technology
Deakin University	Edith Cowan University	Federation University
Flinders University	Griffith University	Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
James Cook University	Kangan Institute	La Trobe University
Macquarie University	Melbourne Polytechnic	Monash University
Murdoch University	Queensland University of Technology	RMIT University
Southern Cross University	Swinburne University of Technology	TAFE NSW
TAFE Queensland	TAFE SA	Tasmanian Polytechnic
The Australian National University	The Gordon Institute of TAFE	The University of Adelaide
The University of Melbourne	The University of New England	The University of New South Wales (including ADFA)
The University of Newcastle	The University of Queensland	The University of Sydney
The University of Western Australia	University College London	University of Canberra
University of South Australia	University of Southern Queensland	University of Tasmania (including the Australian Maritime College)
University of Technology Sydney	University of the Sunshine Coast	University of Wollongong
Victoria University	Western Sydney University	William Angliss Institute of TAFE

Recipients of the Australia Awards Scholarships must agree to several conditions, including:

• Starting the scholarship in the academic year for which it is awarded.
• Participating in pre-departure briefings and the institution’s Introductory Academic Program.
• Enrolling in the course offered and adhering to the institution’s rules.
• Abiding by Australian laws.
• Remaining in Australia for the duration of the scholarship, except for approved holidays, reunion visits, or fieldwork.
• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress and good conduct.
• Communicating regularly with DFAT and informing them of any incidents or changes.

For those interested in studying in Australia, numerous scholarships are available to make the process more affordable. Explore the options available on government and educational provider websites, and begin your journey towards studying in Australia by applying for a scholarship today.