Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term awards administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to contribute to the development needs of partner countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. They offer opportunities for people from developing countries to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study (including Masters and PhD) at participating Australian universities and TAFE institutions. The scholarships aim to develop skills and knowledge for individuals to drive change and contribute to development in their home countries upon return.
The scholarships cover the minimum period necessary to complete the academic program, including preparatory training. Benefits generally include: full tuition fees, single return economy class airfare, establishment allowance (one-off for accommodation, textbooks, etc.), fortnightly Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE), Introductory Academic Program (IAP), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the award holder, pre-course English (PCE) if needed, supplementary academic support, and fieldwork support for research awards. Awardees must sign a contract agreeing to leave Australia for at least two years post-scholarship or repay the costs.
Applications are submitted through country-specific portals (mostly OASIS online system), with dates varying slightly by country but generally opening 1 February and closing 30 April for the 2027 intake. Selection emphasizes academic merit, leadership potential, and development impact. Country-specific priority areas and additional requirements apply.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a minimum of 18 years old on 1 February of the commencement year.
- Be a citizen of and residing/applying from a participating country (specific developing countries listed on participating countries page).
- Not be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand, nor married/engaged/de facto to such a person (some exceptions).
- Not applying for permanent residency in Australia.
- Not current serving military personnel (country-specific).
- Not have previously held a long-term Australia Award unless resided outside Australia for twice the award duration.
- Meet country-specific criteria (e.g., minimum work experience, often 2-5 years post-graduate; age minimums like 25 in some regions; English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 no band <6.0 or equivalent).
- Applying to upgrade qualification (not at same or lower level already held).
- Satisfy admission requirements of the Australian institution, including English.
- Meet health and security checks for Student visa (subclass 500).
- No conflicts of interest with program staff.
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.