Looking for Undergraduate, Masters or PhD scholarships in Australia for international students? You’ve found it. Universities in Australia maintain two or three semesters/trimesters in the year – autumn (November-March), spring (February-June) and summer (June-November). Applications for scholarships in Australia are usually set a few months before the beginning of the summer session.
More undergraduate scholarships are offered by Australian universities, followed by research scholarships. The Australia Africa Awards are offered for Masters and PhD taught degrees. To get these scholarships, you are required to meet the English Language requirements. However, there are some scholarships which may conditionally be offered to eligible international students without IELTS/TOEFL.
Applying to Australian institutions is easy, although it will take some time and careful planning. Remember that you can ask for help and advice from the institution you are applying to, your local Australian visa office and education agents in your country.
Carefully research courses, universities and their locations. Consider the areas of specialization offered through different courses and which specializations will best suit your intended career path. Once you have decided on the best course, you need to find out which universities offer it and best suits your requirements. You should consider the size of the campus, the available facilities and the support services offered for international students.
Before you apply, check the academic and English language entry requirements to ensure you are eligible. Contact your institution, through their website and ask about their application requirements and deadlines, as these will differ for each university. Most times the information you need are already available of the university’s website. Make a note of important deadlines to make sure you meet them. International students usually apply directly to Australian institutions, either by post or online.
a summary of your employment experience (if applicable).
Most institutions charge a non-refundable application fee of around AUD$50 to $100 that must be included with your application. Some institutions waive this fee if the application is made online. If, at any time during the application process, you are uncertain about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact the university you are applying to — they are there to help you.
Once the university receives your application it will be assessed and you will be notified of the result. It may take a few weeks (longer for postgraduate applications) before your application is processed.
If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter of offer and an acceptance form. Before accepting the offer, you should carefully read the letter of offer and check any conditions that may apply. You will need to meet these conditions before the institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You may also be required to pay tuition fees before your institution issues a CoE. The institution will advise you of its requirements.
Once you have been accepted, it is time to apply for your student visa. You are able to apply for your student visa using either your letter of offer or your CoE, but you will need to supply evidence of your CoE before your student visa is granted.
Australia’s high-quality courses, supportive institutions, liveable cities and excellent lifestyle make it an economical option for international students. Please note that course fees can vary widely and should always be researched with the relevant institution. Your living costs will vary according to factors such as your lifestyle and location.
Undergraduate degrees cost AUS$15,000 to $33,000 per year, Masters degrees cost AUS$20,000 to $37,000 per year* whereas doctoral degrees cost AUS$14,000 to $37,000 per year depending on the institution. MBA programs cost AUS$11,000 to $121,000 per year. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) cost $4000 to $22,000 per year
Living costs in Australia, depending on your lifestyle cost AUS$230 to $940 per week. Above information is according to studyinaustralia.gov.au
There are a range of scholarships available for international students wishing to study in Australia. Scholarships in Australia for international students are typically offered by
Your Australian education institution: Contact the international student team or look through their website for institution-wide and faculty-specific international student scholarships.
Your accommodation provider: Some residential colleges and other accommodation providers offer scholarships for international students to assist with accommodation costs.
The Australian Government: The Australian Government offers an extensive range of scholarships for international students under the Australia Awards scheme for both achievement and development, including Endeavour Awards, Australia Awards Scholarships, Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships and Australia Awards Fellowships.
Organisations: This includes relevant organisations based in Australia and your home country, as well as international organisations, including charities, industry associations and large companies.
We have put together a comprehensive list of scholarships in Australia for International students. Be sure to bookmark this page because we will be updating it from time to time.
1. Australian Government Research Training Programme (RTP) Scholarships for International Students
On 31 December 2016, the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) ceased and was replaced by the Research Training Program (RTP). The Research Training Program (RTP) scheme is administered by individual universities on behalf of the Department of Education and Training.
Application Deadline: Varying by universities (usually May-October)
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of Award: Students can be offered RTP scholarships for one or more of the following:
tuition fees offset
stipend for general living costs
allowances related to the ancillary cost of research degrees.
Duration of Award: Two (2) years for a research masters degree and Three (3) years for a research doctorate degree.
2. Commonwealth Government University of Newcastle Scholarships for Masters & PhD Students
The University of Newcastle Australia offers University and Commonwealth government scholarships for Research Masters & PhD degree to international students.
Application Deadlines:
Round 1: 16th February
Round 2: 1st September.
Number of Scholarships: Several
Value of Scholarship: A scholarship funded by the University of Newcastle or the Commonwealth Government provides an annual living allowance of $27,082 per annum (2018 rate – indexed annually). The scholarships for international students cover the cost of tuition fees, and in some cases include the cost of compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover. All domestic students have their fees covered by the RTP, to a maximum of 4 years for PhD candidates and 2 years for MPhil students.
Duration of Scholarship: PhD scholarships are for three years and Masters scholarships are for two years.
3. University of South Australia (UNISA) Scholarships for International Students
The University of South Australia offers the following scholarships to international applicants.
Research Training Program international (RTPi) Scholarships
University President’s Scholarships (UPS)
International Research Tuition Scholarship (IRTS)
Application Deadlines:
Research Training Program international (RTPi) Scholarships: 31st August
University President’s Scholarships (UPS): 31st August
International Research Tuition Scholarship (IRTS): Rolling
Research Training Program international (RTPi) Scholarships: Research Training Program international (RTPi) Scholarships are funded by the Australian Government and awarded to international candidates on the basis of academic merit and research potential.
Value and Duration of Award:
An RTPi scholarship will cover your tuition fees and your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and provide a stipend (living allowance), but will not pay for travel expenses. A thesis allowance is funded to cover the cost of printing and binding the thesis.
At least $27,082 per annum for 3 years, with the possibility of one six-month extension.
University President’s Scholarships (UPS): University President’s Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit.
Value of Award:
A UPS will cover tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The living allowance must be provided by the University of South Australia centre, school, division where an applicant has applied. The minimum rate is the RTP Stipend base rate. In some cases, the living allowance may be provided by a sponsor or external funding provider.
The benefits and conditions are based on those applicable to the RTPi scholarship; however, they may be amended depending on the source of the living allowance; any offer made will detail the benefits and conditions that apply.
Travel expenses are not covered by the scholarship.
International Research Tuition Scholarship (IRTS): International Research Tuition Scholarships (IRTS) are awarded to international candidates on the basis of academic merit and demonstrated research capability, and who will be supported during their degree by a full living stipend supported by external funding.
Value and Duration of Award:
The IRTS will cover the international tuition fee for 3 years (plus a possibility of a 6 month extension) for a PhD student and the international tuition fee for 2 years for a research master’s student.
The scholarship does not cover overseas health cover and applicants are responsible for ensuring they have visa length overseas health cover for themselves and, if applicable, their family.
4. Vera Thiess Fellowship for Women in Developing Countries
The International River Foundation’s Vera Thiess Fellowship for Women gives women from developing countries the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through the IRF and its partners, with the goal of advancing women’s participation in water and river management. This fellowship goes not only towards supporting the selected candidate, but towards continuing the important work of bridging the gap in women’s participation in river basin management.
Application Deadline: 13th July.
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of Award: The recipient of the Vera Thiess Fellowship will be funded to attend the International River symposium in Sydney, where the fellowship will be formally awarded.
Duration of Programme: 5 days
5. JMC Academy International Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
To support passionate, talented and dedicated students to excel in their creative industry careers, JMC Academy offers international student scholarships. Each scholarship covers two trimesters of study. One scholarship will be awarded for each JMC Academy campus (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney). Scholarship recipients will become JMC Academy Student Ambassadors.
Application Deadline: 29th September
Number of Awards: 3
Value of the Program: Tuition waiver.
Duration of Program: Each scholarship covers two trimesters of study.
6. Curtin Business School Innovation Scholarship for International Students
The CBS Innovation International Scholarship is part of Curtin University’s commitment to innovation and excellence in teaching and research, for the benefit of students and the wider community. Students applying for the CBS Innovation International Scholarship are required to show insight and creative ideas in relation to their future profession and demonstrate a strong understanding of their chosen course of study.
Application Deadline: 17th November
Fields of Study:
Bachelor of Commerce (Business Information Systems) single major
Bachelor of Commerce (Business Information Technology) single major
Bachelor of Commerce (Business Information Technology and Systems) double major
Number of Awardees: 5
Value of Scholarship:
A total value of up to $9,000 paid as a cash stipend of $1,500 per semester.
The amount can be used at the recipient’s discretion to contribute towards educational related expenses.
Payments occur post census date each semester. Payments will be made approximately mid-end April and September each year.
Duration of Scholarship: A maximum of three years.
7. Sydney Scholar Awards for International Students
The Sydney Scholars Awards offers Year 12 (SS 3) students commencing their undergraduate studies the opportunity to apply for scholarships ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 in value and awarded in duration from one year, up to 5 years (combined degrees).
Application Deadline: 2nd October
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: Scholarships ranging from $6,000 to $10,000
Duration of Scholarship: From one year, up to 5 years
8. International Scholarship Program at University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide, Australia is offering a scholarship program for commencing international students undertaking undergraduate study.
The University of Adelaide offers a scholarship program to eligible applicants completing Foundation Studies or secondary studies overseas or in Australia, or those transferring into the later years of an undergraduate degree with advanced standing
Application Deadline: 19th January
Number of Awardees: Up to 40 scholarships available each year
Value of Scholarship: The scholarship will provide each successful candidate a waiver of 25% of the annual tuition fee for each year of the program for the full duration of the program.
Duration of Scholarship: Four(4) years
9. International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded based on a 3 component application process, which will result in the successful applicant being awarded a scholarship within one of the following bachelor programs: Hospitality Management, International Tourism, Event Management, Business Management, Sports Management, Property Management.
Application Deadline: 4th August
Number of Awardees: One (1)
Value of Scholarship: $25 000.00
Duration of Scholarship: Duration of course
10. Griffith University International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships
Griffith International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships are offered to outstanding international high school graduates applying for studies at Griffith University.
Griffith International offers Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships valued at $5,000 each to outstanding international high school graduates applying for undergraduate studies at Griffith University. Two payments of $2,500 will be made towards each recipient’s tuition fees in the first and second semester of the first year of their program.
Application Deadlines: 18th May and 7th September
Eligible African Countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria or Ghana
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: The scholarship covers 25 % of tuition fees that will be deducted from undergraduate tuition fees for the duration of the program.
Duration of Scholarship: Full duration of Program.
11. Griffith University A-Level Scholarships for International Students
Griffith International student A level Scholarships are offered to outstanding international high school graduates applying for studies at Griffith University.
Application Deadlines: 18th May and 7th September
Eligible Countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program: Scholarship covers 10 % of tuition fees in the first two trimesters of study.
12. UQ’s Academic Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
UQ’s Academic Scholarship program aims to reward the achievements of outstanding school leavers and gap year students. There are three categories of Academic Scholarship on offer; UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships, UQ Excellence Scholarships and UQ Merit Scholarships. Up to 150 scholarships are offered each year, including up to 50 Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships, 50 Excellence Scholarships and 50 Merit Scholarships.
Application Deadline: 31 October
Number of Scholarships: Up to 150 scholarships are offered each year, including up to 50 Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships, 50 Excellence Scholarships and 50 Merit Scholarships.
Three scholarships are available:
Value of the Program
UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships: $12,000 per year for up to 5 years for undergraduate and any subsequent postgraduate coursework study (if applicable).
UQ Excellence Scholarships: $6,000 per year for up to 4 years for undergraduate and any subsequent postgraduate coursework study (if applicable).
UQ Merit Scholarships: $6,000 for the first year of study
13. Melbourne Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
The International Undergraduate Scholarships were established by the University of Melbourne in recognition of the significant contribution made by international students to the diversity of the University’s student population.
Application Deadlines: There are five selection rounds:
November, December and January for students starting in Semester 1 or 2
April and May for students starting in Semester 2
Number of Awardees: 50
Duration of Scholarship: Full-time
Value of Scholarship: The International Undergraduate scholarship provides one of the following benefits:
one off $10,000 fee remission from tuition fees in the first year of an undergraduate degree; or
50% remission from tuition fees for the normal full-time duration of an undergraduate degree; or
100% remission from tuition fees for the normal full-time duration of an undergraduate degree.
14. Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships at University of Western Sydney
Each year, the University of Western Sydney, Australia awards the Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships for International students commencing their study Application Deadline: 4 May
Field of Study: Any CRICOS registered undergraduate degree (does not apply to the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery).
Number of Awardees: not specified
Value of Scholarship:
Fifty percent of tuition fees per annum up to a maximum three year.
The scholarship is a tuition fee waiver and does not cover costs associated living expenses, accommodation, transport, overseas student health cover or other costs associated with study.
Duration of Scholarship: Three years only
15. Africa Scholarships at Macquarie University
Under the Africa scholarships, Macquarie University will provide a specific amount annually to each successful student commencing in their study. As this scholarship is competitive, you are encouraged to accept your course and scholarship offers without delay to guarantee your eligibility to receive the scholarship.
Application Deadline: 30th June
Number of Scholarships: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: The University of Macquarie provides AU$5000 annually towards your tuition fees for the length of the course
Duration of Scholarship: The scholarship is awarded annually for on-campus study only.
16. University of Queensland Science International Scholarship
The University of Queensland scholarships are available for outstanding international students in undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs in science at UQ.
Application Deadlines: 1st June
Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: AU$3,000 or AU$10,000 depending on the award
17. Monash University Australia Full Merit Scholarship for International Students
Monash University, Australia offers up to 31 full scholarships to international students undertaking Undergraduate or Postgraduate (coursework) degree at the University.
Application Deadlines: several rounds in the year
Number of Awardees: 31
Value of Scholarship: 100% course fees paid until the minimum number of points for your degree are completed.
19. Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships at Macquarie University
The Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship provides a partial tuition fee scholarship for outstanding students to study at Macquarie University North Ryde campus. It has been designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance for international students. The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is country-specific and will be awarded progressively through the year to future applicants to Macquarie University.
Application Deadline: Session 2: 30th June. Session 1: 31st January
Eligible Field of Study: Priority areas include Engineering, Environment, Human Science, Media, Linguistics, and Education.
Number of Scholarships: not specified
Value of the Program: a Partial Scholarship of up to AUD$10,000 and it will be applied towards your tuition fee.
Duration of Scholarship: The Scholarship is a single scholarship and not available to be renewed.
20. Australia Awards Post-Doctoral Fellowship for African Academics
The Australia Awards – Africa program offers Post-Doctoral Fellowships in partnership with the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN). The Pilot Post-Doctoral Fellowship program seeks to develop on-going educational, research and professional linkages between individuals and universities that are members of the AAUN, in Australia and Ghana, Kenya or South Africa
Application Deadline: 30th November
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program: include fees that are common for all Awardees and costs that may be applicable depending on individual fellowship conditions.
Duration of Program: Fellowships will be up to two years in total, comprised of research components in both Australia and Ghana, Kenya or South Africa but limited to 12 months in Australia.
21. University of Queensland Master of Leadership in Global Development Scholarship for Developing Countries
The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage and support international students from low to middle income countries with demonstrated frontline experience of working on development projects. Applicants must have a stated desire and purpose to bring frontline learning to higher levels of aid organizations and development policy arenas. Applicants must have been educationally disadvantaged as a result of their financial circumstances.
Application Deadline: 6th November
Number of Awards: Not specified
Value of the Program: The value of the scholarship is $36,688 (indexed annually)
22. IWC Master’s Scholarships in Australia for International Students
The IWC Masters Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded annually to high calibre candidates who clearly demonstrate potential to become future water leaders. Scholarships are available to study the IWC Master of Integrated Water Management (MIWM). The scholarship targets future water leaders from developing countries in Asia-Pacific, Africa, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle-East.
Application Deadline: 1st August
Number of Scholarship: Up to two full tuition
Value of the Program: Each scholarship is valued at AU$92,645and will cover:
Full tuition fees for full-time study (up to AU$52,500 for 18 months of study)
Living expenses stipend (valued at AU$36,000 for 16 months)
Return air travel to Australia
UQ Student Services and Amenities Fee (valued at AU$145)
Cost of Student Visa for a single student (valued at AU$550)
Cost of the Overseas Student Health Cover for a single student (valued at AU$950 for 18 months).
