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.
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 Name | Description | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarship | Highly 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 Name | Description | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Rotary Peace Fellowship | Offers funding for a master's degree in peace and conflict resolution | At least AU $25,000 annually |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Offers postgraduate scholarships to students from developing countries | 50% of the total expenses + 50% as loan component |
| Fulbright Program | Provides scholarships to international students studying in Australia and Australians in the US | Tuition 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.
Related Reads:
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 Name | Description | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship University of Melbourne | In exchange for strong accomplishment, it waives tuition fees for overseas students. |
|
| Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship University of Sydney | A scholarship for outstanding overseas students | Up 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.
