by Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) · Participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Vocational Education and Training (VET)🌍 Australia📌 Government-funded / Merit-based
Full tuition plus variable living and travel allowances
Duration
The minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the higher education institution
Deadline
April 30 (Annual deadline for most countries)
Level
Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Acceptance
Varies by country-specific quota and applicant pool
Difficulty
Very High
Quick Summary
Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) offers Australia Awards Scholarships, a fully funded opportunity designed for international students heading to Australia. The award covers Covers full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, living stipend, health insurance, and academic support for the duration of the course. and is open to undergraduate, masters, phd, vocational education and training (vet) students studying priority areas for development identified in the applicant's home country profile (e.g., health, education, environment, infrastructure, governance, gender equality). The scholarship runs for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the higher education institution. Eligibility is generally based on open to citizens of eligible countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to their country's development. The application deadline is April 30 (Annual deadline for most countries), with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies by country-specific quota and applicant pool. Applicants are encouraged to review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting their application.
✨ Should I Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Highly Competitive; estimated to be less than 5% depending on the country
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Full tuition plus variable living and travel allowances
⏳
Duration
The minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the higher education institution
📅
Deadline
April 30 (Annual deadline for most countries)
🏥
Fields
Priority areas for development identified in the applicant's home country profile (e.g., Health, Education, Environment, Infrastructure, Governance, Gender Equality)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 1,000 to 2,000 awards are granted annually across all participating countries
🌏
Study Country
Australia
🏛️
Provider
Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
📊
Acceptance
Varies by country-specific quota and applicant pool
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They aim to contribute to the development needs of Australia's partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements. They provide opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those located in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards Scholarships develop the skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to development in their own countries.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to citizens of eligible countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to their country's development.
🏛️ Host University
Participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions
🤝 Sponsor
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australian Government
🏥 Fields of Study
Priority areas for development identified in the applicant's home country profile (e.g., Health, Education, Environment, Infrastructure, Governance, Gender Equality)
✨ Key Benefits
Covers full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, living stipend, health insurance, and academic support for the duration of the course.
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing partner countries
Varies significantly by country; typically tens of thousands globally
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 1,500-2,000 globally in recent cycles
Winners
Varies by country-specific quota and applicant pool
Acceptance Rate
Highly Competitive; estimated to be less than 5% depending on the country
Competition Level
Win Probability
8%
Match Score
60%
Competition
95%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
100%
Living Stipend
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) paid at a rate determined by the department, typically fortnightly
Total Award
Full tuition plus variable living and travel allowances
✈️ Travel: Return economy class airfare to and from Australia at the start and end of the scholarship🏠 Accommodation: A one-time establishment allowance of approximately AUD 5,000 to assist with accommodation and initial costs💊 Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the scholarship🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100%
🏠 Living Stipend
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) paid at a rate determined by the department, typically fortnightly
🏡 Accommodation
A one-time establishment allowance of approximately AUD 5,000 to assist with accommodation and initial costs
✈️ Travel Allowance
Return economy class airfare to and from Australia at the start and end of the scholarship
💊 Health Insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the scholarship
🎁 Other Benefits
Introductory Academic Program (IAP), Pre-course English (PCE) fees, Supplementary Academic Support, Fieldwork allowance for research students
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable; the scholarship covers the full duration of the approved course only and cannot be extended for further study
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a citizen of a participating country, minimum 18 years old, meet English proficiency requirements, meet all requirements of the host university, and commit to returning home for at least two years after completion
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Vocational Education and Training (VET)
📊 Minimum GPA
Varies by country and university; generally equivalent to a B average or 3.0/4.0 scale
🗣️ English Requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with no band less than 6.0; or TOEFL iBT 84; or PTE Academic 58
🍢 Age Limit
Minimum 18 years at the time of commencement; no specific upper age limit though applicants must be at a career stage to influence development
💼 Work Experience
Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience is generally required or strongly preferred
🏆 Leadership
High; applicants must demonstrate professional and personal leadership attributes and potential for impact
💰 Financial Need
Low priority compared to development impact potential, but socio-economic background may be considered in some country contexts
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing partner countries
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes; includes a Statement of Purpose and a detailed Development Impact Plan
Rec Letters
Yes; typically two references (one academic and one professional)
Interview
Yes; shortlisted candidates must undergo a panel interview
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes; typically two references (one academic and one professional) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with no band less than 6.0; or TOEFL iBT 84; or PTE Academic 58
Interview: Yes; shortlisted candidates must undergo a panel interview
Min GPA: Varies by country and university; generally equivalent to a B average or 3.0/4.0 scale
📋 Application Process
Read the 'Country Profile' for your specific nation carefully. Clearly articulate how your chosen course aligns with your country's development priorities and your future career goals.
💡 Insider Tip: Start the application early in the OASIS system. Ensure all supporting documents are certified as per the specific requirements of your home country's Australia Awards office.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
February 1 (Annual opening)
⏰ Deadline
April 30 (Annual deadline for most countries)
🎤 Interview
Yes; shortlisted candidates must undergo a panel interview
🎓 Study Starts
January or July of the year following the application
February 1 (Annual opening)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
April 30 (Annual deadline for most countries)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes; shortlisted candidates must undergo a panel interview
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
January or July of the year following the application
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic competence, potential outcome (specifically the contribution to development outcomes in the home country), and leadership attributes
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Australia Awards ScholarshipsCurrent
Australia
Full Funding
Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Open to citizens of eligible countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to their country's development.
This scholarship covers: Covers full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, living stipend, health insurance, and academic support for the duration of the course.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is April 30 (Annual deadline for most countries). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Highly Competitive; estimated to be less than 5% depending on the country. Acceptance rate: Varies by country-specific quota and applicant pool. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with no band less than 6.0; or TOEFL iBT 84; or PTE Academic 58, Yes; typically two references (one academic and one professional) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.