Australia is a popular destination for international students because of its universities, research opportunities, diverse study programs, and range of scholarship options.

International students can find scholarships through the Australian Government, universities, research institutions, and other public and private organizations. The Australian Government confirms that scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available through several different sources.

Some opportunities provide substantial financial assistance, while others cover only part of tuition or living expenses. This means students should always check exactly what a scholarship provides before applying.

This guide explains how to find scholarships in Australia, the major government scholarship programs, university scholarships, research funding, eligibility requirements, application steps, and ways to avoid scholarship scams.

Why Study in Australia?

Australia offers a wide range of higher education programs for international students.

Students can find courses in areas such as:

Business and management
Engineering
Computer science
Information technology
Medicine and health
Education
Law
Environmental science
Social sciences
Arts and humanities
Agriculture
Natural sciences

Australia also has universities and institutions that offer research opportunities at Master’s and doctoral levels.

For students interested in postgraduate research, the Australian Government’s Research Training Program supports eligible domestic and international students undertaking research Master’s and research doctorate degrees.

Are Scholarships Available for International Students in Australia?

Yes.

International students can access scholarships from several sources, including:

Australian Government programs
Australian universities
Education providers
Research programs
Public organizations
Private organizations
Foundations and other institutions

Study Australia confirms that scholarships, grants, and bursaries are offered by the Australian Government, education providers, and public and private organizations.

The availability of a scholarship depends on your nationality, degree level, academic background, field of study, university, and other eligibility requirements.
If you’re just beginning your scholarship search, start with our guide on How to Find Scholarships Online.

Major Scholarships in Australia for International Students

1. Australia Awards Scholarships

The Australia Awards Scholarships are Australian Government scholarships managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

They provide opportunities for citizens of participating countries to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian institutions.

However, Australia Awards are not available to students from every country.

Eligibility varies according to the applicant’s country, and applicants should check their country’s official profile for:

Eligible courses
Priority fields
Academic requirements
English requirements
Supporting documents
Application instructions
Closing dates

The Australian Government specifically states that Australia Awards eligibility requirements vary by country.

Australia Awards 2027 Applications

For study commencing in 2027, the general application period for many participating countries opened on February 1, 2026 and closed on April 30, 2026.

For Pakistan, the official published dates were also February 1 to April 30, 2026.

Students planning for a future intake should check the official Australia Awards website for the next application cycle rather than relying on old deadlines.

2. Australia for ASEAN Scholarships

Australia also offers scholarships specifically for students from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.

The Australia for ASEAN Scholarships support eligible students undertaking Master’s-level study in Australia and focus on priority areas connected with regional development.

Because this program has specific nationality requirements, students should check the official eligibility information before preparing an application.

3. Research Training Program (RTP)

The Research Training Program, commonly called RTP, is one of the most important Australian Government funding programs for international research students.

It supports eligible students undertaking:

Research Master’s degrees
Research doctorate degrees

The program can provide one or more forms of support, including:

Tuition fee offset
Living-cost stipend
Other research-related allowances

The Australian Government confirms that international students may be eligible for RTP scholarships when enrolled in an accredited research Master’s or research doctorate at an eligible Australian university.

How Do You Apply for RTP?

An important point is that students do not apply directly to the Australian Department of Education.

Applications are handled by participating universities.

If you are interested in an RTP scholarship, you should contact the postgraduate research office or scholarship office of your chosen university and ask about its RTP application process.

4. University Scholarships in Australia

Australian universities offer many scholarships directly to international students.

These may be based on:

Academic achievement
Leadership
Research potential
Financial circumstances
Specific countries
Specific academic subjects
Particular degree programs

Some scholarships may provide a percentage reduction in tuition fees, while others may provide larger financial packages.

Study Australia recommends searching education-provider scholarships and contacting the university’s admissions team or international office if you cannot find suitable funding information.

5. Research Scholarships

Students planning to pursue a research Master’s or PhD should pay particular attention to research scholarships.

Research funding can come from:

Universities
Australian Government programs
Research institutions
Faculties and departments
Individual research projects
Other organizations

The Research Training Program is one major source of government-supported research funding. Universities are responsible for selecting and offering RTP scholarships.

A strong research proposal and suitable academic background can be important for research scholarship applications.

Scholarships for Bachelor’s Students in Australia

International undergraduate students can find scholarship opportunities through Australian universities and selected government programs.

Possible sources include:

University merit scholarships
International student scholarships
Country-specific scholarships
Subject-specific awards
Australia Awards for eligible participating countries

However, not every government scholarship is available for Bachelor’s students.

For example, Australia Awards Scholarships can support eligible undergraduate or postgraduate study, but eligibility and available courses vary by participating country.

Students should therefore check the specific scholarship rather than assuming that every opportunity is open to undergraduate applicants.

Scholarships for Master’s Students in Australia

Australia has many scholarship opportunities for Master’s students.

Students can search for:

University scholarships
Australia Awards
Australia for ASEAN Scholarships
Research scholarships
Faculty scholarships
International student awards

Course type matters.

A coursework Master’s scholarship may have very different requirements from a research Master’s scholarship.

Students should clearly identify whether their intended degree is a coursework or research program before searching for funding.

Scholarships for PhD Students in Australia

Australia can be an attractive destination for international doctoral researchers.

PhD students can explore:

Research Training Program scholarships
University doctoral scholarships
Faculty funding
Research project funding
Government-supported research opportunities
Other research grants

The RTP specifically supports eligible research doctorate students and can include tuition fee offsets, stipends, and other allowances.

For international PhD applicants, contacting the university’s research office early can be particularly useful.

Are Australian Scholarships Fully Funded?

Not every scholarship in Australia is fully funded.

This is an important distinction.

Some scholarships may cover:

Full tuition
Living expenses
Travel
Health insurance
Research costs
Other approved expenses

Others may only provide:

A tuition reduction
A fixed financial award
A partial fee waiver
A living allowance

The Research Training Program, for example, can provide a tuition fee offset, stipend, and/or certain allowances depending on the scholarship offered by the university.

Therefore, never assume that a scholarship covers every expense simply because it is advertised as a “full scholarship.”
If you’re comparing fully funded and partially funded opportunities, read our Complete Guide to Fully Funded Scholarships.

Always read the official funding details.

What Can an Australian Scholarship Cover?

Scholarship benefits vary considerably.

Tuition Fees

Some scholarships can cover all or part of tuition fees.

Living Expenses

Some programs provide a stipend to help with everyday living costs.

The RTP, for example, can include a stipend for general living costs.

Research Expenses

Research scholarships may provide allowances related to the costs of completing a research degree.

Travel

Some scholarship programs may include travel benefits, but this depends on the individual scholarship.

Health Insurance

Some scholarship programs may provide health-related support or allowances, while others do not.

Always check the official scholarship benefits before making financial plans.

Scholarships for Pakistani Students in Australia

Pakistani students can explore several types of Australian scholarship opportunities.

These include:

Australia Awards Scholarships
University scholarships
Research scholarships
International student scholarships
Faculty-level scholarships

Pakistan is listed as a participating country for Australia Awards Scholarships. For the 2027 intake, the published application period for Pakistan was February 1 to April 30, 2026.

Pakistani students should check the official Australia Awards Pakistan information for country-specific eligibility, priority fields, English requirements, and supporting documents.

For future application rounds, always check the newest dates rather than relying on previous years.

Scholarships for Students From Developing Countries

Australia Awards Scholarships are particularly important for students from participating developing countries.

The program is designed to provide educational opportunities to emerging leaders from eligible developing countries and support development-related skills and knowledge.

However, being from a developing country does not automatically make someone eligible.

Each participating country has its own:

Eligibility requirements
Priority areas
Eligible courses
Application process
Documentation requirements

Students should always check their country profile.

What Are the Requirements for Australian Scholarships?

There is no single eligibility standard for all scholarships.

Depending on the program, requirements may include:

Citizenship
Academic qualifications
Minimum grades
Degree level
Field of study
English-language proficiency
Work experience
Leadership experience
Research experience
Admission to an Australian university
Research proposal

Australia Awards requirements are country-specific, while university scholarships may have their own criteria.

Do You Need IELTS for Australian Scholarships?

There is no single IELTS requirement for every Australian scholarship.

English-language requirements can depend on:

Scholarship
University
Course
Country
Degree level

For Australia Awards, the Australian Government states that English-language requirements differ by institution and country, so applicants should check both their chosen institution and country-specific profile.

Some universities may accept other recognized English-language tests.

Never assume that a scholarship is “without IELTS” unless the official university or scholarship provider confirms the requirement.

How to Find Scholarships in Australia

A systematic search can save you time.

Step 1: Choose Your Degree

Decide whether you want to study:

Bachelor’s
Master’s
PhD
Research
Another postgraduate program

Step 2: Choose Your Subject

Identify your intended academic field.

For example:

Computer science
Engineering
Business
Medicine
Education
Law
Environmental science

Step 3: Select Universities

Create a list of Australian universities offering your preferred program.

Step 4: Check University Scholarships

Visit each university’s official scholarship and international-student pages.

Step 5: Check Government Programs

Look at Australia Awards, RTP, and other official programs for which you may qualify.

Step 6: Check Your Country Eligibility

This is particularly important for government scholarships.

Step 7: Compare Funding

Write down exactly what each scholarship covers.

Step 8: Check the Deadline

Add every relevant deadline to a calendar or spreadsheet.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Australia

The application process depends on the scholarship.
For more help preparing your application, visit our Scholarship Application Guides.

A typical process looks like this.

Step 1: Research the Scholarship

Read the official scholarship information carefully.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Make sure you meet the academic, nationality, language, and other requirements.

Step 3: Choose Your Course

Some scholarships require you to select an eligible course or institution.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

You may need:

Passport
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
CV
Personal statement
Motivation letter
Recommendation letters
Research proposal
English-language test
Admission documents

Step 5: Submit the Application

Follow the scholarship’s official application process.

For Australia Awards, application instructions depend on the applicant’s participating-country profile, and online applications are generally submitted through the relevant system.

Step 6: Keep Your Application Information

Save:

Application number
Confirmation email
Submitted documents
Deadline
Scholarship name

This can help if you need to follow up later.

Important: Australia Awards and AI Applications

Applicants should pay attention to the current Australia Awards rules concerning artificial intelligence.

The Australian Government’s current application guidance states that applicants may use AI for basic tasks such as spelling, grammar, and organizing ideas, but AI must not be used to write, improve, or paraphrase parts of the Australia Awards application. Applicants are required to provide their own original responses.

This is particularly important for students preparing essays or application responses.

Students should read the current Australia Awards guidance before submitting an application.

Documents You May Need

Different scholarships require different documents.

Common requirements include:

Academic Documents

Degree certificate
Academic transcript
Previous qualifications

Identification

Passport
National identification documents where required

Application Documents

CV
Personal statement
Motivation letter
Scholarship essays

Supporting Documents

Recommendation letters
Employment evidence
Research proposal
English-language certificate

University Documents

Depending on the scholarship:

Admission letter
Offer letter
Course information
Research supervisor information

Always check the official scholarship requirements because not every program requires all of these documents.
For additional guidance on preparing application materials, see our Personal Statement & Documents guide.

How to Improve Your Chances

Australian scholarships can be competitive.

You can strengthen your application by:

Choosing scholarships that genuinely match your profile
Starting early
Researching the university carefully
Preparing documents in advance
Writing clearly about your goals
Demonstrating relevant achievements
Showing leadership or community involvement where relevant
Preparing a strong research proposal for research programs
Following every application instruction
Checking your application before submission

Don’t simply copy a generic scholarship essay for every application.

Your application should reflect your own education, experience, goals, and reasons for choosing the program.
For more practical advice, explore our Scholarship Tips for Students.

Create a Scholarship Tracker

If you’re applying for several Australian scholarships, create a simple spreadsheet.

Scholarship	University	Degree	Deadline	Funding	Status
Scholarship A	University	Master’s	Date	Full/Partial	Researching
Scholarship B	University	PhD	Date	Research	Preparing
Scholarship C	University	Bachelor’s	Date	Partial	Submitted

Also record:

Official website
Application link
Required documents
English requirement
Admission requirement
Recommendation letters
Application status

This can help prevent missed deadlines.

How to Avoid Scholarship Scams

International students should be careful when searching for scholarships online.

Be suspicious if someone says:

You have won a scholarship you never applied for
Your scholarship is guaranteed
You must pay money before receiving the scholarship
You must send bank details immediately
You need to pay a large “processing fee”
You are guaranteed admission

Always verify the opportunity through the official university, Australian Government, or scholarship-provider website.

A social media post can help you discover an opportunity, but it should not be your final source of information.

Don’t Rely on Old Scholarship Information

Scholarship deadlines and eligibility requirements can change from one year to another.

For example, Australia Awards dates for the 2027 intake are already published, but that does not mean those dates will apply to the following intake.

Before applying, always check:

Current deadline
Current eligibility
Current funding
Eligible countries
Eligible courses
Application method
Required documents

Use the latest official information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students get scholarships in Australia?

Yes. International students can access scholarships from the Australian Government, universities, education providers, and other organizations.

What is the Australia Awards Scholarship?

Australia Awards Scholarships are Australian Government scholarships for citizens of participating countries. They provide opportunities for eligible students to undertake undergraduate or postgraduate study at Australian institutions.

Can Pakistani students apply for Australia Awards?

Yes. Pakistan is a participating country. The 2027 intake application period for Pakistan was February 1 to April 30, 2026. Students should check the next official application round for future opportunities.

What is the Research Training Program?

The RTP is an Australian Government program supporting eligible domestic and international students undertaking research Master’s and research doctorate degrees. Support can include tuition fee offsets, stipends, and certain allowances.

Can international students apply for RTP?

Yes. Eligible international students enrolled in accredited research Master’s or research doctorate programs at eligible Australian universities may be considered. Universities manage the application and selection process.

Are Australian scholarships fully funded?

Some provide extensive financial support, but not all scholarships are fully funded. Students should check the exact benefits of each scholarship.

Do Australian scholarships cover tuition fees?

Some do, while others provide partial support. RTP scholarships can include a tuition fee offset, depending on the university and scholarship arrangement.

Do I need IELTS?

Not necessarily for every scholarship. Requirements vary by scholarship, university, course, and country. Australia Awards applicants should check their country profile and chosen institution.

Can I apply for an Australian scholarship without university admission?

It depends on the scholarship. Some scholarships have specific admission requirements, while others have separate scholarship and admission processes. Always check the official instructions.

Where can I find Australian university scholarships?

Start with the official scholarship pages of the universities you’re interested in. Study Australia also provides information about education-provider scholarships.

Final Thoughts

Australia offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students, from government-funded programs to university scholarships and research funding.

The best place to start is by understanding your academic profile, choosing your preferred degree and subject, and then searching official university and government sources.

Australia Awards can be particularly valuable for eligible students from participating countries, while the Research Training Program is an important option for students pursuing research Master’s and doctoral degrees.

Don’t assume that every scholarship covers all expenses. Carefully compare tuition support, living allowances, travel benefits, insurance, research allowances, and other costs.

Most importantly, always verify the latest information through the official scholarship provider before applying.

Start early, keep your documents organized, and apply only to scholarships that genuinely match your qualifications and goals.
You can also compare Australia with other popular destinations through our guides to Scholarships in the UK for International Students, Scholarships in Canada for International Students, and Scholarships in Germany for International Students.

For more scholarship resources, explore our Scholarship Guides for help finding opportunities, preparing applications, writing essays, organizing documents, and improving your scholarship search.