When should I start looking for scholarships?

Most Australian scholarship applications open 6–12 months before the intended study start date. For government-funded programs like Australia Awards, applications typically open between February and April for study commencing the following year. University-specific scholarships are often assessed alongside your course application. Starting your research early gives you the best chance of meeting deadlines.

Can I get a full scholarship to study in Australia?

Yes — fully funded scholarships exist, particularly through the Australia Awards program (for students from eligible developing countries) and university research scholarships for PhD students. These typically cover full tuition, flights, and a living allowance. However, they are highly competitive. Partial scholarships (tuition fee reductions of 15–50%) are more widely available and less competitive.

Do I need to apply separately for university scholarships?

It depends on the university and scholarship. Many Australian universities assess international students for merit scholarships automatically when they apply for a course — no separate application is required. Others have dedicated scholarship applications with their own deadlines. Check each university's scholarship page for specific requirements.

Are there scholarships specifically for students from my country?

Yes — many scholarships are targeted at students from specific countries or regions. Australia Awards are available to citizens of eligible developing countries. Some universities offer country-specific scholarships (e.g. for Indian, Chinese, or Southeast Asian students). See our country-specific scholarship guides for India, Nepal, and China linked below.

Can I work while on a scholarship in Australia?

Generally yes — if you hold a Subclass 500 student visa, you are permitted to work a specified number of hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, regardless of whether you hold a scholarship. Some scholarships (particularly Australia Awards) may have specific conditions about work — check the terms of your scholarship agreement.

Scholarships for International Students in Australia

Australia offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students, from the Australian Government's flagship Australia Awards program to individual university merit scholarships and state government funding initiatives. Scholarships range from partial tuition fee waivers of AUD $5,000–$10,000 to fully funded awards covering tuition, flights, and living costs. Most scholarship applications open 6–12 months before the intended study start date — early research is essential.

Let's Go Study Australia is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration assistance or migration advice as defined by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Information on this website is general in nature. For advice about your specific visa situation, consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au or an Australian legal practitioner.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are the Australian Government's flagship international scholarship program, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They provide full financial support for students from eligible developing countries to undertake undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities.

Awards typically cover full tuition fees, return economy airfare, a contribution to living expenses (establishment allowance), an introductory academic program, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the scholarship. Some awards also include supplementary academic support and fieldwork allowances.

Applications usually open between February and April each year, with study commencing the following January or February. Eligibility is restricted to citizens of participating countries, and the selection process is competitive. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit, professional potential, and a commitment to contributing to their home country's development after graduation.

Australia Awards Scholarships are administered by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For full eligibility criteria, application requirements, and current deadlines, visit australiaawards.gov.au. This information is general only.

University Scholarships

Most Australian universities offer their own scholarship programs for international students. These typically fall into two categories: merit-based scholarships (awarded based on academic achievement, usually a tuition fee reduction of 15–50%) and research scholarships (covering full tuition plus a living stipend for PhD and research master's candidates).

Typical university merit scholarship amounts range from AUD $5,000 to $10,000 per year, though some institutions offer 100% tuition waivers for exceptional candidates. Many universities assess scholarship eligibility automatically when you submit your course application — no separate application is required. Deadlines generally align with admission rounds. The Australian Government's official scholarship database at studyaustralia.gov.au lists all available awards across institutions.

Scholarship Directory

The following scholarships are sourced from publicly available information on university and government websites. Amounts, eligibility, and deadlines are subject to change — always verify with the official source before applying.

Scholarship	Type	Coverage	Eligibility	Deadline	Link
Australia Awards Scholarships	Government	Full (tuition + flights + living allowance)	Citizens of eligible developing countries	Varies by country (typically February–April)	Official site
Destination Australia Program	Government	Partial — AUD $15,000/year	International and domestic students studying in regional areas	Rolling — apply through participating institutions	Official site
Research Training Program (RTP)	Government	Full tuition + stipend for research degrees	All nationalities — PhD and Research Masters applicants	Varies by university	Official site
UNSW Scientia Scholarship	University	Full tuition + AUD $40,000/year living allowance	High-achieving PhD applicants in all disciplines	Varies — typically May and September rounds	Official site
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships	University	Full tuition + living allowance stipend	All nationalities — research degree applicants	31 October annually (main round)	Official site
Monash International Leadership Scholarship	University	100% tuition fee scholarship	Outstanding international undergraduate applicants	Check Monash scholarship portal	Official site
University of Queensland International Excellence Scholarship	University	Partial — 25% tuition fee waiver	High-achieving international undergraduates and postgraduates	Rolling — assessed with application	Official site
University of Sydney International Research Scholarship	University	Full tuition + living allowance	International research degree applicants	30 April and 31 October annually	Official site
ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship	University	Up to 50% tuition fee reduction	High-achieving international undergraduates	Assessed with application — no separate deadline	Official site
RMIT International Excellence Award	University	Partial — AUD $5,000 per year	International students with strong academic results	Assessed with application	Official site
Curtin International Merit Scholarship	University	Partial — 25% tuition fee reduction	International students meeting academic criteria	Rolling — assessed with application	Official site
Adelaide University International Scholarship	University	Partial — 15–50% tuition fee reduction	International students based on academic merit	Assessed with application	Official site
Macquarie University International Scholarship	University	Partial — up to AUD $10,000	International students with strong academic records	Assessed with application	Official site

Scholarships by Country

Some scholarships are targeted at students from specific countries. See our country-specific guides for more details.

Scholarships for India Students

Country-specific guide

Scholarships for Nepal Students

Country-specific guide

Scholarships for China Students

Country-specific guide

Frequently Asked Questions

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