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Scholarships in Australia for International Students

AECC provides expert guidance to help you discover and apply for Australian scholarships, turning your educational goals into reality.

Last updated3rd Dec 2025
8 mins read
19.6K views
Nidhi Mehrotra
Published by Nidhi Mehrotra

Certified Australia & New Zealand Education Expert | Senior Manager

Australia is a popular destination for higher education for overseas students, renowned globally for its world-class universities, focus on quality, learning, and strong post-study work opportunities. While studying in Australia may require a significant investment due to high tuition fees and living expenses, numerous financial aid and scholarship options are available for international students.

Scholarships in Australia help manage the high cost of overseas education. Many government and private universities in Australia provide a range of scholarships to international students. These include grants that are either need-based or merit-based, as well as those that are selection-specific. Furthermore, reductions can range from 25% up to 50% or more for outstanding candidates.

Let us explore the most suitable scholarships in Australia for international students, along with examples of government-funded, non-government, and institutional options, as well as their requirements and application processes.

Types of Scholarships in Australia for International Students

Scholarships in Australia for international students may fall under any of these three main categories:

  • Government-Funded Scholarships: These are sponsored by the Australian Government to attract high-quality international students. They provide fee waivers, living allowances, and, in some cases, travel costs.
  • Non-Government Scholarships: These scholarships, offered by private Institutions, foundations, and nonprofit entities, are as diverse in their eligibility criteria as in their particulars of favourable benefits.
  • Institution-Specific Scholarships: Many universities and educational institutions in Australia have their own scholarships to attract and support international students. Such scholarships can also be merit-based, need-based, or specially focused on some academic programmes or achievements.

The various types of scholarships in Australia make opportunities possible and provide benefits that cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of international students pursuing higher education in Australia.

Wondering why you should pursue higher education in Australia? Read the benefits of studying in Australia for international students.

Top Government Scholarships in Australia

The prestigious government scholarships in Australia for international students, offered for their education, are listed below.

Scholarship NameDescriptionAward
Australia Awards ScholarshipHighly competitive, government-funded scholarship for postgraduate study. Aims to develop future leaders who can contribute to development in their home country.Full tuition fees, contribution to living expenses, OSHC, and air travel
Research Training Program (RTP)The primary government scheme to support domestic and international students pursuing research degrees (Master's/PhD). Provides tuition fee offsets and a stipend for living expenses.Offset for tuition fees, living allowance/stipend, and allowances for HDR costs

See Also:

Want to see which Australian Government scholarships perfectly match your profile? Speak with one of our counsellors for personalised guidance.

Top Non-Government Scholarships in Australia

Australia has many prestigious and privately funded scholarships to support international students in achieving their educational goals and aspirations. The following are the top non-government scholarships in Australia for international students:

Scholarship NameDescriptionAward
Rotary Peace FellowshipOffers funding for a master's degree in peace and conflict resolutionAt least AU $25,000 annually
Aga Khan Foundation International ScholarshipOffers postgraduate scholarships to students from developing countries50% of the total expenses + 50% as loan component
Fulbright ProgramProvides scholarships to international students studying in Australia and Australians in the USTuition fees, travel, and living expenses

There is another option for funding your education as an international student in Australia. The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship programme is designed to provide funding for students seeking education beyond the undergraduate level, particularly for postgraduate study. International students can get up to INR 20 Lakh. Please note that this is primarily offered as an interest-free loan, where repayment is expected. It is called a scholarship but is mainly an interest-free loan.

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University Scholarships in Australia

University scholarships in Australia for international students are institution-based, with the majority being targeted toward certain specific areas of study, need-based, or based on academic merit. The table below represents an overview of scholarships offered by different institutions in Australia.

Scholarship NameDescriptionAward
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship
University of Melbourne
In exchange for strong accomplishment, it waives tuition fees for overseas students.
  • AU $10,000 in the first year of an undergraduate programme reimbursement for tuition fees, or
  • 50% of fees waived throughout the three years while pursuing an undergraduate degree, or
  • Full reimbursement of fees for the same three years
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
University of Sydney
A scholarship for outstanding overseas studentsUp to AU $40,000
ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Australian National University
Undergraduate and postgraduate students from all over the world can apply for one of the many scholarships offered by the ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship.25% or 50% fee waiver of tuition for the entire study period
Monash International Leadership Scholarship
Monash University
It covers fully paid tuition fees for high-achieving international students.100% course fees 
UNSW International Scholarships
University of New South Wales
The University offers multiple scholarships to international students based on academic merit and financial needs.Complete tuition fee support for the length of your degree, or get an annual tuition fee contribution of AU $20,000

Also Read:

Know all about the top university scholarships in Australia available for your specific field of study. Our counsellors can curate a precise, customised list just for you.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Australia

The following are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a scholarship in Australia for international students:

  • Academic Excellence: High performance in previous studies measured through your GPA.
  • English Proficiency: Valid test scores in tests of English language proficiency, such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic.
  • Admission Offer: Students must present the full offer letter for coursework placement from an Australian Institution or University.
  • Field of Study: The applicant must be enrolled in a specific field of study or programme, as these scholarships are awarded only for certain fields or courses.
  • Nationality: Documentation proving citizenship or legal residency in your home country.
  • Financial Need: Proof of financial need is required for some scholarships in Australia.
  • Relevant Experience: Relevant work experience or experience in research for postgraduate and research scholarships.
  • Letter of Motivation: A Letter of Motivation, a Statement of Purpose, or a Scholarship Essay explaining the goals, achievements, and reasons for applying.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Letters of Recommendation from prior professional or academic authorities are usually required.
  • Application Deadlines: Students need to apply for a scholarship before the deadlines expire.

Related Links:

Ready to pursue higher education with a scholarship in Australia? Get a free, no-obligation evaluation of your profile by our expert counsellors to confirm your eligibility.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Australia?

How to study in Australia with a scholarship is a common query most students have. Applying for a scholarship in Australia involves several crucial steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Research Scholarships Available

  • Find scholarships available for your level of study
  • Check the eligibility criteria, deadlines, and specific requirements for every scholarship
  • Understand the intent behind the award being granted by the official scholarship providers to make your application for scholarships in Australia relatable

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

  • Academic certificates
  • English proficiency test scores: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic
  • Scholarship Essay or SOP
  • Reference letters from academic/professional authorities
  • Proof of your home country’s citizenship or proof of residency
  • Updated CV or resume
  • Proof of admission offer letter from any Australian University

Step 3: Check Specific Requirements

  • Closely examine the details of scholarships. These may have additional requirements regarding financial need, field of study, or specific essays.
  • Ensure that you meet the individual conditions for all the scholarships in Australia to which you are applying.

Step 4: Apply for Admission

  • Apply for admission to your preferred universities and attain an admission offer letter from the university.

Step 5: Complete Scholarship Application

  • Fill in the scholarship application form accurately.
  • Attach all necessary documents in support of the scholarship.
  • Write a strong personal statement relevant to the need set for the scholarship.

Step 6: Application Submission

  • Apply as soon as possible and follow the submission guidelines.
  • Keep a copy as your record of all documents and confirmations.
  • Apply to multiple scholarships in Australia to increase your chances of winning an award.

Step 7: Follow Up Regularly

  • Keep track of the application’s progress.
  • At any moment, be prepared for interviews and requests for more information.

Step 8: Wait for your Results

  • Normally, the scholarship results are announced after the deadline.
  • The successful applicants will be contacted via email through the scholarship portal.

Note that you can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship by carefully following the steps outlined above and applying to multiple scholarships in Australia.

Financial burdens can be reduced by scholarships to study in Australia, making it easier to access world-class education. Most scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and, in some cases, transportation expenses. Therefore, a scholarship in Australia for international students can fulfil their desire for world-class education and expose them to immensely valuable cultural and academic experiences in the country.

Maximise your chances of securing a scholarship in Australia. Go beyond the basics by connecting directly with one of our dedicated scholarship experts for tailored advice.

Scholarships in Australia for International Students​ FAQs

Nidhi Mehrotra
Published by Nidhi Mehrotra

Certified Australia & New Zealand Education Expert | Senior Manager

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With 18 years of dedicated experience in the study abroad industry, Nidhi Mehrotra is one of the most trusted and knowledgeable experts for students planning to study in Australia and New Zealand.

What truly sets Nidhi apart is her official certification as a Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC). This qualification is a seal of approval, ensuring that students receive the highest quality, most ethical advice for their Australian education journey. She has further deepened her expertise through specialised training, including a "Study Australia Work Readiness Course" and an "International Student Recruitment Partners Workshop" with Western Sydney University.

Nidhi's career has been built at industry-leading companies like AECC and IDP Education Ltd. In her current role as Senior Manager for Client Relations and Training (Australia and New Zealand) at AECC, she not only guides students but also trains other counsellors, ensuring the entire team operates with the same high standard of excellence.

Nidhi can help you with

  • Navigating the Australian/NZ System with a Certified Pro: Get advice from a QEAC-qualified expert to ensure your application is accurate, ethical, and has the best chance of success.
  • Choosing the Right University: Use her 18 years of experience to find the perfect course and university in Australia or New Zealand that fits your career goals.
  • Simplifying the Visa Process: Receive clear guidance on visa applications and documentation, a skill she has honed over many years.
  • Planning for Life After Graduation: Benefit from her specialized training in post-study work readiness in Australia to understand your career options.

When you read an article by Nidhi, you are getting advice from a certified, highly experienced professional who is dedicated to making your study abroad journey a success. 

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