Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They offer people from eligible developing countries across the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East the chance to undertake a full undergraduate or postgraduate qualification at an Australian university, with the aim of building skills and leadership that contribute to the development of their home countries.

The award is one of the most generous available. It covers full tuition for the duration of the course, return air travel, a one-time establishment allowance, a tax-free contribution to living expenses, overseas student health cover, and a compulsory introductory academic programme. Additional support can include pre-course English training, academic support, fieldwork allowances for research students, and reunion travel on longer awards.

Eligibility centres on citizenship of a participating country, a minimum level of work experience, and a commitment to return home for two years after finishing, and applicants must not already be living in Australia. Because rules and deadlines are set country by country, applicants begin by checking their own country’s page, reading the policy handbook, and applying through the OASIS portal before their national deadline. For talented professionals from developing nations, Australia Awards are a flagship route to a fully funded Australian degree.

• Citizens of participating developing countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Minimum of around two years of relevant work experience.
• Commitment to return to your home country for two years after completion.
• Not already living in Australia.
• Meet the academic and English requirements of your chosen course.

• Full tuition fees at an Australian university for the duration of the course.
• Return economy airfare to and from Australia.
• One-time establishment allowance (around AUD 5,000) for setting up.
• Tax-free contribution to living expenses (around AUD 3,400 per month).
• Compulsory introductory academic programme before study begins.
• Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of the scholarship.
• Pre-course English training (up to six months) and academic support if needed.
• Fieldwork allowance for research master's and PhD students, and reunion airfare on awards longer than two years.

• Valid passport and evidence of citizenship.
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts.
• Evidence of relevant work experience and an up-to-date CV.
• Research proposal (for research degrees).
• Two academic reference letters.
• English language test results where required.
• Statement of purpose or motivation letter.

• Select your country of citizenship on the participating-countries list for dates and country-specific rules.
• Read the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.
• Apply online via the OASIS portal (or by hard copy where required) before your country deadline.
• Attend shortlisting and interview if selected.