The Australia Awards Scholarships fund full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study in Australia for students from eligible developing countries, covering tuition, travel, and living costs. It is one of the most competitive fully funded programs available: administered by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as part of its international development partnerships.
The key to success depends on strategic preparation, understanding the requirements, and crafting an application that clearly communicates your vision, passion, and commitment to development.
Australia awards scholarships application guide | Summary
- Sponsor: Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – DFAT)
- Host Institutions: 60+ Australian universities and TAFE institutions (full list below)
- Award Value: Fully funded
- Full tuition fees
- Return air travel
- Establishment allowance
- Living expenses (stipend)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
- Fieldwork support for research students (where applicable)
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate (Masters and PhD)
- Study In: Australia
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Eligibility
- Citizen of an eligible participating country (this varies: check your country’s specific Australia Awards page)
- Not an Australian permanent resident and not applying for an Australian residency visa
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for postgraduate applicants
- Meets English proficiency requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- Not more than two years into another scholarship program
- Willing to commit to returning to your home country for a minimum of two years after completing the award
Each country may have additional eligibility conditions. Visit your country’s specific Australia Awards page for tailored details.
How to Apply | Application Processes
Gaining a competitive scholarship like the Australia Awards requires painstaking planning. Below is a complete step-by-step breakdown:
Step i: Research and Confirm Eligibility
- Visit the official Australia Awards website or your local Australian Embassy’s page.
- Read your country profile and guidelines carefully.
Step ii: Choose Your Course and University
- Shortlist eligible courses and universities listed under Australia Awards.
- Make sure the course aligns with your country’s priority areas (mentioned in the guidelines).
Step iii: Prepare Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of citizenship (passport or national ID)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Reference letters (usually two)
- Statement of Purpose or Development Impact Statement
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE scores)
If you have not written one before, our Guide to Writing a Scholarship Statement of Purpose covers structure and includes a full worked example
Step iv: Online Application Submission
- Register and apply via the Online Australia Awards Information System (OASIS).
- Fill out the application form accurately and upload scanned copies of your documents: this is where clearly connecting your studies to your home country’s development priorities matters most
Step v: Await Shortlisting and Interview
- Successful applicants are shortlisted for an interview.
- Prepare to explain your study goals, career aspirations, and development impact if selected.
Step vi: Final Selection and Visa Application
- Selected candidates receive a formal scholarship offer.
- You will then proceed to apply for your Australian student visa.
If your referees need guidance on what to include, our Scholarship Recommendation Letter Guide covers who to ask and how to request it.
Participating Institutions
Australia Awards partners with a wide range of universities and TAFE institutions across Australia, including the Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, UNSW, Monash University, and dozens more: spanning both major research universities and vocational (TAFE) institutions depending on your field.
| Adelaide University | La Trobe University |
|---|---|
| Australian Catholic University | Macquarie University |
| Aviation Australia | Monash University |
| Bond University | Murdoch University |
| Box Hill Institute of TAFE | Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE |
| Canberra Institute of Technology | Queensland University of Technology |
| Central Queensland University | RMIT University |
| Chisholm University of TAFE | Southern Cross University |
| Charles Darwin University | Swinburne University of Technology |
| Charles Sturt University | TAFE NSW |
| Curtin University of Technology | TAFE Queensland Brisbane |
| Deakin University | TAFE SA |
| Edith Cowan University | The Australian National University |
| Federation University | The University of Melbourne |
| Flinders University | The University of New England |
| Griffith University | The University of New South Wales (UNSW) |
| Holmesglen Institute of TAFE | The University of Newcastle |
| James Cook University | The University of Queensland |
| Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE | The University of Sydney |
| La Trobe University | The University of Western Australia |
| Macquarie University | University of Ballarat |
| Monash University | University of Canberra |
| Murdoch University | University of Southern Queensland |
| Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE | University of the Sunshine Coast |
| Queensland University of Technology | University of Tasmania (incl. AMC) |
| RMIT University | University of Technology Sydney |
| Southern Cross University | University of Wollongong |
| Swinburne University of Technology | Victoria University |
| TAFE NSW | Western Sydney University |
| TAFE Queensland Brisbane | William Angliss Institute of TAFE |
| TAFE SA |
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Start early: OASIS applications are lengthy and benefit from multiple review passes
- Explicitly connect your study and career goals to your country’s stated development priorities, not just your personal interest in the field
- Tailor your essay responses and CV specifically to this scholarship rather than reusing generic material
- Ask a mentor or, ideally, a past Australia Awards recipient to review your application before submission
Application Status and Key Dates
- Applications for the 2027 academic intake are now closed (previous cycles ran from February 1 to April 30, 2026).
- Applications for the next intake (2028 intake) are scheduled to open on February 1, 2027.
- Always check with your local Australian Embassy or the Australia Awards country profile for correct deadlines.
FAQ
Can I apply if I already hold another scholarship?
Only if you are less than two years into it; check the specific rules for your situation with your country’s Australia Awards office
Does the scholarship cover dependents?
This varies by award and country thus, confirm directly through your country’s Australia Awards profile, as it isn’t guaranteed across all awards.
What happens if I don’t meet the minimum two-year return commitment?
This is a binding condition of the award; check your country’s specific terms before applying if you’re unsure you can commit to it.
Is a Development Impact Statement the same as a Statement of Purpose?
They serve a similar function, but Development Impact Statements specifically emphasize how your studies will benefit your home country’s development priorities. See our SOP writing guide for structuring either document.
Related Reading
If you are weighing this against other options, see the AAUW Fellowship (https://kukual.com/aauw-fellowship/) for a US-based alternative aimed at international and African women, or the [Türkiye Bursları Scholarships](https://kukual.com/turkiye-burslari-scholarships/) if you are open to studying outside Australia.
Apply directly via Official Page Australia Awards Scholarships
Kukual verifies scholarship details against official sponsor pages at the time of publication and on each update. Confirm current deadlines and terms for your specific country on DFAT’s official page before applying.
