Australia is funding your degree with one of the most generous government scholarships on the planet. The Australia Awards Scholarships offer a sponsored student visa pathway, full tuition, a monthly living stipend, and paid return flights.
If you are from an eligible developing country and want a Masters or research degree in Australia, this is your fast lane. No application fee. Strong academic support. A government-backed program built to upskill future leaders for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
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Australia Awards Scholarships are funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They are designed to build skills, strengthen institutions, and boost development impact in participating countries. Recipients receive comprehensive financial support, pre-departure and on-arrival assistance, plus mentoring and academic support throughout the program.
It is not just funding. You also receive a structured introduction to the Australian academic system, health insurance for the duration of your study, and a clear visa route as a full-time international student. Graduates return home with a recognised Australian qualification and a network that opens doors.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Australia Awards Scholarships are fully funded. Here is what is typically included for successful awardees starting in 2026/2027:
Funding Item
What’s Included
Tuition Fees
Full tuition for the approved course at a participating Australian institution
Flights
Return air travel to and from Australia at the start and end of the scholarship
Establishment Allowance
One-off payment to help with setup costs such as accommodation, textbooks, and study materials
Living Stipend
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) paid regularly to cover day-to-day costs
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Health insurance for the scholarship holder for the duration of the visa
Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
Mandatory orientation covering academic skills, life in Australia, and support services
Pre-Course English (if required)
English language training before study commences where applicable
Supplementary Academic Support
Tutoring and academic help where needed to ensure success
Fieldwork/Research Support
Approved travel and research support for eligible research students
Note: Benefits are administered according to DFAT policy. Exact inclusions and timing are confirmed in your offer letter.
Study Levels, Fields and Institutions in Australia
The Australia Awards primarily fund Masters degrees and research programs at the postgraduate level. In a limited number of participating countries, undergraduate study may be offered. Short courses and fellowships may also be available under related Australia Awards programs.
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Fields are aligned with each country’s priority sectors. Typical areas include public policy, governance, health, education, engineering, climate change, agriculture, water, environmental management, gender, disability inclusion, infrastructure, and economic development. You must select a course that matches your country’s priority fields as listed in its country profile.
Scholarships are tenable at participating Australian institutions approved by DFAT. Leading universities regularly host awardees, including (examples) the Australian National University, University of Melbourne, Monash University, University of Queensland, UNSW Sydney, University of Sydney, University of Western Australia, Queensland University of Technology, and many others. The full list of participating institutions is published by DFAT.
Eligible Countries and Applicants
The program is open to citizens of eligible developing countries across the Indo-Pacific, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Regions commonly included are:
South and West Asia: for example Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Southeast Asia: for example Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
Pacific: for example Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu
Africa: select countries in East, West, Central and Southern Africa
Middle East: select countries as specified by DFAT
Each participating country has its own country profile with specific priority fields, eligibility rules, and deadline. Always check your country’s page before applying.
Be a citizen of a participating eligible country and be residing in and applying from your country of citizenship, unless otherwise stated in the country profile
Be at least 18 years old by the start of the scholarship in the 2026/2027 academic year
Not be a current citizen or permanent resident of Australia and not be applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently
Meet the admission requirements of your chosen Australian university and course
Meet English language proficiency requirements set by DFAT and the institution; some candidates may receive pre-course English if eligible
Select courses in the priority fields listed for your country profile and at the approved study level
Provide verified academic transcripts, degree certificates, passport or national ID, curriculum vitae, and professional references as requested
Have relevant work experience if required by your country profile or selected course
Agree to the program’s return requirement: awardees must leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship
Meet all visa requirements for the Australian Student visa (subclass 500)
Important: Some countries set extra rules, such as service obligations, specific age caps, sector priorities, or additional documents. Follow your country profile closely.
How to Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships
Review your country profile: Confirm eligibility, priority fields, and the 2026/2027 timeline for your country. Start at the official scholarship page.
Choose your course and institution: Select an approved program at a participating university that aligns with your country’s priority fields. Check course details on the CRICOS register.
Prepare your documents: Gather transcripts, degree certificates, passport/ID, updated CV, work references, research proposal (if required), English test results or proof of eligibility for pre-course English, and a strong statement addressing development impact.
Create an OASIS account: Register and complete the online application via DFAT’s portal: oasis.dfat.gov.au. There is no application fee.
Complete application questions carefully: Demonstrate how your study will contribute to your home country’s development priorities. Be specific and show measurable impact.
Submit before your country’s deadline: Upload all required documents. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
Selection and interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for tests or interviews and may receive conditional offers pending admission and visa outcomes.
Accept your award and arrange departure: Successful candidates receive a formal offer with funding details, pre-departure briefing, flights, OSHC, and student visa guidance.
Deadline for 2026/2027 Cycle
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Application timelines vary by country and are updated annually. For the 2026/2027 intake, country deadlines usually fall between February and April 2026, with study commencing in 2027 for most programs. Visit your country profile for exact dates.
Q: Do I need IELTS or an English test for the Australia Awards Scholarships?
A: You must meet the English language requirements of both DFAT and your university. Many applicants submit IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. In some cases, eligible candidates may receive pre-course English. Always check your country profile and institution rules.
Q: Can I bring my family or dependants to Australia on this scholarship?
A: The scholarship does not fund dependants. Visa rules may allow you to bring family members at your own cost, subject to financial capacity and health insurance requirements. DFAT funding is only for the awardee unless stated otherwise.
A: No. Applying through the OASIS portal is free of charge.
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Q: What is the two-year return requirement?
A: After completing your studies, you must depart Australia for at least two years. This is a core condition of the award and of your visa pathway. Not complying may affect future Australian visa eligibility.
Q: Can I work while studying in Australia?
A: Student visa holders are typically allowed limited work hours during teaching periods and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to current Australian immigration settings. Check the latest rules before you travel.
Q: Are all study fields eligible?
A: No. You must choose courses listed as priorities for your country profile and approved by DFAT. Proposals outside these fields are unlikely to be funded.
Q: Can I apply if I live outside my country of citizenship?
A: In most cases you must apply from and reside in your country of citizenship. Some exceptions exist and are detailed in individual country profiles.
Australia Awards Scholarships: Key Tips for a Strong Application
Anchor your study plan to clear development outcomes for your home country. Use data, policy links, and measurable targets.
Show leadership and community impact in your past work. Concrete results beat generic claims.
Choose a course that fits both your background and your country’s priority fields. Misaligned choices weaken your case.
Secure strong referees who can evidence your achievements and potential.
Proofread your statements and keep your story consistent across the application, CV, and references.
Apply early on OASIS to avoid last-minute document or portal issues.
Ready to move? Start your Australia Awards Scholarships 2026/2027 application on the official portal. Review your country profile, shortlist eligible courses, and submit a compelling, impact-focused application via oasis.dfat.gov.au. Seats fill fast and deadlines vary, so act early.
