Studying in Australia is a dream for millions of students around the world, but the cost can be daunting. The good news? Australia is one of the most generous countries in the world when it comes to funding international students. Between government-funded awards, university merit scholarships, and research stipends, there are more opportunities than most people realise.
This guide compiles the most important scholarships available to international students in 2026, including what each covers, who qualifies, deadlines, and exactly how to apply.
Why Study in Australia?
Before diving into the scholarship list, it helps to understand what makes Australia worth the effort.
Australia is home to seven universities ranked in the global top 100, including the University of Melbourne (ranked 37th), the University of Sydney (53rd), Australian National University, UNSW, Monash, the University of Queensland, and the University of Western Australia. The country offers post-study work rights, a multicultural environment, and one of the highest standards of living in the world.
For international students, tuition fees typically range from AUD $20,000 to $50,000 per year depending on the course and institution. That is where scholarships make a transformative difference.
Types of Scholarships Available
There are four main categories to know about:
Government-funded scholarships are awarded by the Australian Government and cover full costs including tuition, living expenses, flights, and health insurance. These are the most prestigious and most competitive.
University merit scholarships are offered directly by institutions to attract high-achieving international students. Some require a separate application; many are awarded automatically when you apply for admission.
Research scholarships are specifically for students pursuing a Master’s by Research or PhD. These typically include a full fee waiver plus a living stipend.
Private and bilateral scholarships are funded by organisations, corporations, or partner governments and are often tied to specific fields or nationalities.
Full Scholarship List for International Students 2026
1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
Type: Government-funded, fully funded Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD Deadline: April 30, 2026 (country-specific; applications for the 2027 intake opened February 1, 2026)
The Australia Awards Scholarships are the flagship international scholarship program funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Each year, more than 1,000 students receive this award.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy class airfare
- Establishment allowance (one-off contribution toward accommodation, textbooks, and study materials)
- Fortnightly Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP) before studies begin
- Academic and language support where needed
Who is eligible:
- Citizens of a participating country in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, or the Middle East
- Minimum age of 18 on February 1 of the year the scholarship commences
- Must not be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or applying for permanent residency
- Must be residing in and applying from your country of citizenship
- Must not be currently serving military personnel
- Must not have previously received a long-term Australia Award
Important condition: Scholars must leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing their studies. Failure to comply results in a debt for the full cost of the scholarship.
How to apply: Applications are submitted through country-specific portals. Most countries use the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS); Indonesia and the Philippines use separate portals. Check your country profile on the DFAT website for exact instructions and documents required.
Note for 2026: AI tools may only be used for basic tasks like spelling and grammar checking. AI must not be used to write or paraphrase any part of your application. Misuse may result in disqualification.
Official website: dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards
2. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
Type: Government-funded research scholarship Level: Master’s by Research, PhD Deadline: Rolling (varies by university and intake)
The RTP is funded by the Australian Government and administered through universities. It supports both domestic and international students undertaking research higher degrees.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee offset for the duration of the degree
- Living stipend (approximately AUD $32,000 to $39,500 per year depending on university)
- Relocation allowance in some cases
- Health cover in some cases
Who is eligible:
- International students enrolled or commencing a Master’s by Research or PhD at an Australian university
- Strong academic record and a viable research proposal
- English language proficiency meeting institutional requirements
How to apply: Apply through your chosen university’s graduate research office. You are typically considered automatically when applying for admission, but some universities require a separate RTP nomination. Check with each institution.
3. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
Type: University research scholarship Level: Master’s by Research, PhD Deadline: Multiple rounds throughout 2026 (varies by faculty)
The University of Melbourne offers approximately 600 graduate research scholarships per year, integrating RTP funding with university top-up support.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee remission
- Annual living stipend of approximately AUD $39,500 (2026 rate)
- Relocation grant
- Health cover
Who is eligible:
- International students applying for a Master’s by Research or PhD at the University of Melbourne
- Outstanding academic record (typically first-class honours or equivalent)
How to apply: Apply for admission to a research degree through the University of Melbourne’s graduate research portal. Eligible students are automatically considered for scholarship funding. No separate application is required.
Official website: scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
4. University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship (USydIS)
Type: University research scholarship Level: Master’s by Research, PhD Deadline: September 11, 2026 (for research periods 1 and 2 in 2027); December 18, 2026 (for research periods 3 and 4 in 2027)
What it covers:
- Annual stipend of approximately AUD $42,754 (based on 2025 award values)
- Tuition fee offset
- Available for up to 14 research periods (full-time) for a PhD, or 7 research periods for a Master’s by Research
Who is eligible:
- International students with an unconditional offer of admission or currently enrolled in a research degree at the University of Sydney
- High academic achievement
How to apply: Apply for admission through Sydney Courses and submit the separate scholarship application form by the relevant deadline listed on the University of Sydney scholarships website.
Official website: sydney.edu.au/scholarships
5. UNSW International Scientia Coursework Scholarship
Type: University merit scholarship Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate (coursework) Deadline: June 18, 2026 (AEST, for Term 3 2026 intake)
UNSW’s most prestigious award for coursework students, recognising academic excellence and leadership potential.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees or AUD $20,000 per year paid directly toward tuition fees for the minimum duration of the program
Who is eligible:
- New international students commencing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate coursework at UNSW Sydney
- High academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and extracurricular involvement
How to apply: A separate application is required. Register through the UNSW Scholarship Application Online portal. You must provide supporting documentation evidencing academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
Official website: unsw.edu.au/study/your-future/international-scholarships
6. UNSW International Student Award
Type: University merit scholarship (automatic) Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate (coursework) Deadline: Assessed automatically upon admission application
What it covers:
- 20% contribution toward tuition fees for every year of your program
- Can be combined with other UNSW scholarships
Who is eligible:
- New international students from eligible countries commencing full-time study at UNSW in 2026 or 2027
- Must be commencing a UNSW undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program on campus
How to apply: No separate application required. Eligible students are automatically assessed when applying for admission. If eligible, you will be invited to submit a personal statement of up to 500 words explaining your motivation to study at UNSW. You typically receive scholarship confirmation within two days of receiving your admission offer.
7. UNSW Australia’s Global University Award
Type: University merit scholarship (automatic) Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate Deadline: Automatic; no separate application
What it covers:
- One-off payment of AUD $10,000 applied toward tuition fees in the second term of the first year
Who is eligible:
- New international students with high academic merit as demonstrated in their UNSW admissions application
- No separate application required
8. ANU Vice-Chancellor’s International Achievement Award
Type: University merit scholarship Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate (coursework) Deadline: Assessed automatically upon admission; no separate application required
The Australian National University’s flagship merit award for high-achieving international students.
What it covers:
- Partial tuition fee reduction (percentage varies depending on academic profile)
- Available to students from China (including Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR), Japan, Mongolia, South Korea, and North Korea under a dedicated stream; a separate award is available for students from other countries not eligible for the primary stream
How to apply: No separate application is required. Eligible students are automatically assessed when applying for admission to ANU for undergraduate, honours, graduate certificate, Master’s, or postgraduate coursework programs.
Official website: anu.edu.au/study/scholarships
9. Monash Graduate Scholarship
Type: University research scholarship Level: PhD, Master’s by Research Deadline: Rolling; multiple rounds annually
What it covers:
- Living stipend of approximately AUD $37,000 or more per year
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Also includes merit-based awards for international coursework students
Who is eligible:
- International students with a strong academic record who have received a Monash offer for a research degree
- Excellent academic standing (typically equivalent to a distinction average or above)
How to apply: Apply through the Monash University graduate research application portal. Visit monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships for full details on the 2026 intake rounds.
10. University of Western Australia Global Excellence Scholarship
Type: University merit scholarship Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate Deadline: Rolling; check UWA’s official website for 2026 intake deadlines
What it covers:
- Up to AUD $48,000 over four years for undergraduate students
- Up to AUD $24,000 for postgraduate students
Who is eligible:
- High-achieving international students applying to eligible courses at UWA
- Strong academic record from previous studies
How to apply: Apply through UWA’s international scholarship portal. Many students are automatically considered upon admission application; check the UWA website for programs requiring a separate application.
11. Australia for ASEAN Scholarships
Type: Government-funded Level: Master’s degree Deadline: Check country-specific deadlines on the Study Australia website
A newer scholarship initiative from the Australian Government specifically for students from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, focusing on four priority areas aligned with the ASEAN Outlook for the Indo-Pacific: maritime affairs, connectivity, economic development, and sustainable development goals.
What it covers:
- Full funding for a Master’s degree at an eligible Australian university
Who is eligible:
- Citizens of ASEAN member states or Timor-Leste
- Applying for a Master’s program in one of the four priority areas
Official website: studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/scholarships
12. Quad Fellowship (STEM)
Type: Government bilateral scholarship Level: Postgraduate (STEM) Deadline: Annual; check quadfellowship.org for 2026 dates
A joint initiative of the governments of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States designed to build ties among the next generation of scientists and technologists.
Who is eligible:
- Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents of Australia, India, Japan, or the United States, or citizens of ten eligible Southeast Asian countries
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a STEM field
Official website: quadfellowship.org
13. Northcote Postgraduate Scholarship (UK Students)
Type: Bilateral scholarship Level: Postgraduate (higher degree) Duration: Up to three years
Specifically for students from the United Kingdom who wish to pursue a higher degree at an Australian university.
Who is eligible:
- UK citizens
- Applying for a postgraduate research or coursework degree at an Australian institution
How to apply: Applications are submitted in the UK. Check the Northcote Trust’s official website for 2026 round dates.
14. Charles Darwin University (CDU) Global Merit Scholarship
Type: University merit scholarship (automatic) Level: TAFE, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Higher Degree by Research Deadline: Automatic; assessed on admission application
What it covers:
- 30% reduction on tuition fees for select courses
Who is eligible:
- New international students commencing at CDU in 2026
- Must meet academic and English language entry requirements
How to apply: No separate application required. All eligible international applicants are automatically assessed when they apply for admission.
Official website: cdu.edu.au/international/how-apply/scholarships
Quick Reference: Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship | Level | Coverage | Deadline | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards (AAS) | UG / PG / PhD | Fully funded | April 30, 2026 | Separate via OASIS |
| Australian RTP | Research | Fees + stipend ~AUD $32k-$39.5k/yr | Rolling | Via university |
| UoM Graduate Research | Research | Fees + stipend ~AUD $39.5k/yr | Multiple 2026 rounds | Automatic |
| USydIS (U. Sydney) | Research | ~AUD $42.7k/yr | Sep 11 / Dec 18, 2026 | Separate form |
| UNSW Scientia | UG / PG | Full fees or AUD $20k/yr | June 18, 2026 | Separate application |
| UNSW Int’l Student Award | UG / PG | 20% off fees | Automatic | Auto + 500-word statement |
| UNSW Global University Award | UG / PG | AUD $10,000 one-off | Automatic | Automatic |
| ANU VC Achievement Award | UG / PG | Partial tuition reduction | Automatic | Automatic |
| Monash Graduate Scholarship | Research | Fees + stipend ~AUD $37k+/yr | Rolling | Via university |
| UWA Global Excellence | UG / PG | Up to AUD $48k (UG) / $24k (PG) | Rolling | Auto or via portal |
| Australia for ASEAN | Master’s | Fully funded | Country-specific | Via DFAT |
| Quad Fellowship | PG STEM | Fully funded | Annual | Via quadfellowship.org |
| CDU Global Merit | All levels | 30% tuition reduction | Automatic | Automatic |
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Research Your Options Early
Scholarship deadlines in Australia often fall months before the semester begins. For example, the Australia Awards Scholarships for the 2027 intake opened in February 2026 and closed April 30, 2026. Plan your research at least 12 months in advance.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Before Anything Else
Every scholarship has specific eligibility criteria around nationality, academic level, field of study, and English proficiency. Some are restricted to students from particular regions. Do not invest time in an application you are not eligible for.
Step 3: Prepare Your Core Documents
Most Australian scholarship applications require some combination of the following:
- Academic transcripts (all previous study)
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge)
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Two to three academic or professional reference letters
- Proof of citizenship and identity (passport)
- Research proposal (for research degrees)
- Evidence of work experience or community leadership (for government awards)
Step 4: Choose Your University and Course First
For university scholarships, you typically need an offer of admission (or at least a pending application) before a scholarship can be assessed. Use the Study Australia course search tool at studyaustralia.gov.au to find eligible programs and institutions.
Step 5: Apply Separately Where Required
Many university scholarships are automatic upon admission, but high-value awards like the UNSW International Scientia Scholarship and the Australia Awards require a separate, dedicated application. Read the requirements carefully. Submit a separate application wherever one is needed and meet the stated deadlines exactly.
Step 6: Write a Strong Personal Statement
For competitive scholarships, your personal statement or motivation letter is critical. A strong statement:
- Clearly explains why you want to study in Australia and at that specific institution
- Demonstrates leadership, community impact, or research potential
- Connects your academic goals to a broader purpose (career, community, development)
- Is written entirely in your own words
For the Australia Awards specifically, AI tools are only permitted for basic grammar and spelling checks. Writing generated or paraphrased by AI is grounds for disqualification.
Step 7: Apply for Multiple Scholarships
There is no rule against applying to multiple scholarships simultaneously, and some can even be combined. UNSW, for example, explicitly allows the International Student Award to be combined with other UNSW scholarships. Cast a wide net.
Step 8: Track Your Applications
Use a simple spreadsheet to track each scholarship, its deadline, required documents, and the status of your application. Missing a deadline by even one day typically means automatic disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get a full scholarship to study in Australia? Yes. Government-funded programs like the Australia Awards Scholarships and some university research scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, flights, and health cover. University of Melbourne, UNSW, and the University of Sydney all offer fully funded research scholarships.
Do I need to apply separately for all scholarships? Not always. Many university merit scholarships (including UNSW’s International Student Award, ANU’s Vice-Chancellor’s award, and CDU’s Global Merit Scholarship) are assessed automatically when you apply for admission. Others, like the Australia Awards and the UNSW Scientia Scholarship, require separate applications with additional documentation.
What GPA or grades do I need? Requirements vary. Research scholarships at Group of Eight universities typically expect the equivalent of a distinction average or above (roughly 3.5/4.0 GPA or above). Coursework merit scholarships may have lower thresholds. Government scholarships like the Australia Awards also weigh leadership potential and development impact, not just academic grades.
Can I work while on a scholarship in Australia? Students on a Subclass 500 student visa are permitted to work a limited number of hours per week during the term. Specific scholarship conditions may impose additional restrictions. Always check the terms of your individual scholarship.
What happens if I do not maintain the scholarship conditions? Most scholarships have ongoing eligibility requirements, including maintaining a minimum GPA, full-time enrolment, and compliance with visa conditions. Failing to meet these can result in the scholarship being suspended or withdrawn. The Australia Awards scholarship also requires scholars to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their studies.
Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
Strong applications share a few common qualities. They are specific, not generic. Instead of saying you want to “contribute to your country’s development,” describe the exact problem you want to solve and how your proposed study directly equips you to solve it.
Start early. Applications that are rushed show it. The strongest candidates begin preparing documents, requesting references, and drafting personal statements months before the deadline.
Tailor every application. Do not submit the same personal statement to every scholarship. Each award has a different focus. The Australia Awards prioritise leadership and national development. University research scholarships prioritise academic rigour and research potential. Match your language and examples to what each scholarship values.
Get your English test done early. Most scholarships require IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent. Book your test well in advance, since slots fill up and results take time to process.
Finally, do not overlook smaller scholarships. A 20% or 30% tuition reduction from a university merit award can save you AUD $5,000 to $15,000 per year and significantly ease your financial load while you pursue other opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Australia offers one of the richest scholarship landscapes in the world for international students. From fully funded government awards to automatic merit discounts from leading universities, there is something for students at every level and from nearly every country.
The key is to start early, do your research, and apply to everything you are eligible for. Deadlines are firm, competition is high, and the best awards go to students who plan ahead.
Your Australian education does not have to wait for the perfect financial moment. The funding is there. Go find it.
Sources: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Study Australia, University of Melbourne, UNSW, University of Sydney, ANU, Monash University, Charles Darwin University, Scholars4Dev, IDP Education. All scholarship details are accurate as of May 2026 but are subject to change. Always verify directly with the official scholarship provider before applying.