AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT (DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE)
Australia Awards Scholarships
full · bachelors, masters, phd
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Australian universitiesHost country
- ~1,000+ / yearAwards
- Indo-Pacific focusEligible regions
- Bachelor’s–PhDStudy levels
- 2-year return ruleCondition
At a glance
full
Funding
€60k
Max amount
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
~30+ eligible developing countries (see your country's Australia Awards page)
Country
Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Provider
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development scholarships funded by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They enable people from eligible developing countries — predominantly across the Indo-Pacific — to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities. The awards are about development: recipients study in fields aligned with their home country's development priorities and commit to returning home for at least two years to apply their skills. More than ~1,000 awards are offered each year, covering full tuition, living costs, travel, health cover, and academic support. Applications are run country-by-country with their own timelines, eligibility nuances, and priority sectors. The awards are highly valued in partner countries and are a flagship of Australia's development cooperation.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full tuition for your degree at a participating Australian university.
- Return airfare — Return economy air travel to and from Australia.
- Living allowance — A contribution to living expenses (~AUD 30,000+/year, paid fortnightly).
- Establishment allowance — A one-off establishment allowance on arrival (~AUD 5,000).
- Health cover — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award.
- Academic support — Introductory Academic Program before study, plus supplementary academic support and (where needed) Pre-Course English.
How to apply
Apply online through the Australia Awards information and application portal (OASIS) during your country's application window. Each country sets its own opening dates, priority sectors, and supporting documents.
- Check your country profile — Read your country's Australia Awards page for eligibility, priority fields, and dates.
- Choose course & university — Select a course at a participating Australian university aligned with development priorities.
- Prepare documents — Gather your ID, transcripts, English test, references, and a development-impact statement.
- Apply via OASIS — Complete and submit the online application before your country's deadline.
- Assessment & interview — Eligible applicants are shortlisted; many countries include interviews and/or a written test.
- Selection & mobilisation — Selected awardees complete pre-departure briefings, English (if required), and visa steps.
Eligibility
CitizenshipCitizen of an eligible participating country (~30+ countries, mostly Indo-Pacific, plus parts of Africa and the Middle East).
ResidencyResident in and applying from your country of citizenship; not holding Australian/NZ citizenship or permanent residency.
Relationship ruleNot married to, engaged to, or a de facto partner of an Australian or New Zealand citizen/permanent resident.
Academic & EnglishMeet the academic entry and English-language requirements of your chosen course and university.
Return commitmentAgree to leave Australia for at least 2 years after completing the award (enforced by visa conditions).
Fields of study must align with the partner country's development priorities. Some applicants must first complete Pre-Course English. Each country runs its own competition and timeline.
Eligible countries
~30+ eligible developing countries (see your country's Australia Awards page)
Deadlines
Typical cycle (varies by country)2026-04-30
Selection
Selection is competitive and merit-based within each country, assessing academic ability, English, and — crucially — the development impact you will have on return home. Many countries use a combination of eligibility screening, written assessment, and interviews. Equity considerations (gender, disability, rural/remote background) are built into many country programmes.
Verified sources
- Australia Awards Scholarships — DFATdfat.gov.auofficial
About the provider
Australia Awards Scholarships are a flagship of the Australian Government's development cooperation, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They aim to develop the skills and knowledge of individuals from partner developing countries — predominantly across the Indo-Pacific — to drive change and build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are Australia Awards Scholarships?
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Long-term development scholarships funded by the Australian Government (DFAT) that fund full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at Australian universities for people from eligible developing countries — over ~1,000 awards a year.
Who is eligible?
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Citizens of ~30+ eligible countries (mostly Indo-Pacific) who meet academic and English requirements, are not partnered with an Australian/NZ citizen, and will return home for 2 years after study.
What do the awards cover?
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Full tuition, return airfare, a living allowance (~AUD 30,000+/year), a one-off establishment allowance, Overseas Student Health Cover, and academic support including an Introductory Academic Program.
Do I have to return to my home country?
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Yes — you must leave Australia for at least 2 years after completing your studies. This is a core development requirement, enforced through your visa conditions.
What can I study?
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Undergraduate or postgraduate degrees (including master's and PhD) at participating Australian universities, in fields aligned with your home country's development priorities.
When is the deadline?
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It varies by country — most competitions open ~February and close between ~April and ~June for study the following Australian academic year. Check your country's Australia Awards page.
How do I apply?
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Online through the Australia Awards OASIS portal during your country's window, with transcripts, English results, a CV, and a development-impact statement. Many countries add interviews or a written test.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive and country-dependent — popular countries have many applicants per place. Selection weighs academic merit, English, and the development impact you'll deliver at home.
Can I bring my family?
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Dependants may accompany you to Australia, but you must show separate financial support for them; the award is calculated for the scholar, not the family.
What is the Pre-Course English program?
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An English-language preparation program some awardees complete before their degree begins, funded by the award, to ensure they meet the academic English level required.
What is the Introductory Academic Program?
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A short program before formal study starts that helps awardees adjust to Australian academic culture, expectations, and study skills.
Are there equity measures?
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Yes — many country programmes actively support women, people with disability, and applicants from rural or remote areas as part of the awards' development and equity goals.