Australian Government Scholarships provide funding opportunities for eligible international students who want to study in Australia. Australia offers several scholarship opportunities for international students who want to study at its universities and higher education institutions.
Some are funded directly by the Australian Government, while others are administered by universities using government funding.
Three programmes worth understanding are the Australia Awards Scholarships, the Destination Australia program and the Research Training Program (RTP). However, they are not all currently accepting new applicants.
The Australia Awards Scholarships provide funding for eligible students from participating developing countries. The Destination Australia program no longer offers new scholarship funding, while the Research Training Program supports eligible domestic and international students undertaking research Master’s and doctoral degrees at participating Australian universities.
This guide explains what each programme offers, who can apply, the available funding and how international students can find current opportunities.
Australian Government Scholarships Available to International Students
The main programmes covered in this guide are:
| Scholarship programme | Current status | Main study level |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | 2027 application round closed | Undergraduate and postgraduate, depending on country |
| Destination Australia | No new funding rounds | Previously supported eligible courses at regional institutions |
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Ongoing university-based opportunities | Research Master’s and PhD |
These programmes have different purposes and eligibility requirements. Applicants should identify the one that matches their nationality, qualification and intended course before preparing an application.
1. Australia Awards Scholarships for International Students
The Australia Awards Scholarships, formerly known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), are long-term awards administered by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
They support people from eligible developing countries, particularly countries in the Indo-Pacific region, who want to undertake approved full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
The programme aims to develop the skills and knowledge of people who can contribute to the development of their home countries after completing their studies.
Are Australia Awards Scholarships Open for 2027/2028?
The 2027 intake application round has closed.
For most participating countries, including the African programme, applications opened on 1 February 2026 and closed on 30 April 2026. Some country programmes had different dates.
As of November 2026, the next general application dates for the 2028 intake have not been confirmed on the official opening and closing dates page.
Applicants interested in the next round should monitor the official Australia Awards application dates and their country’s information page.
Australia Awards Scholarship Benefits
Australia Awards Scholarships generally provide the following benefits:
- Full tuition fees: Covers approved tuition fees for the duration of the scholarship.
- Return air travel: A single return economy-class airfare to and from Australia through the most direct route.
- Establishment allowance: A one-time contribution towards accommodation, textbooks and study materials.
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE): A fortnightly contribution towards basic living expenses at a rate determined by the Australian Government.
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP): A compulsory programme before formal academic studies begin, covering information about living and studying in Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Basic health cover for the scholarship holder during the award.
- Pre-course English training: May be provided where necessary.
- Supplementary academic support: Additional assistance may be available to support academic performance.
- Fieldwork support: Eligible research students may receive assistance for approved compulsory fieldwork.
The exact benefits and conditions should be checked in the applicable scholarship handbook and country information.
Australia Awards Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Australia Awards Scholarships are not open to every international student. Applicants must be citizens of participating countries and satisfy the general and country-specific eligibility conditions.
The general requirements include:
- Be a citizen of an eligible participating country.
- Apply from and normally reside in the country of citizenship, subject to the applicable country rules.
- Meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years by 1 February of the year the scholarship commences.
- Not be an Australian citizen or hold Australian permanent residency.
- Meet the academic, employment and professional requirements established for the applicant’s country.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected Australian institution.
- Meet the Australian Government’s student visa requirements.
- Meet the scholarship’s integrity, character and other award conditions.
Some participating countries also require applicants to have a specified amount of professional experience or work in particular sectors.
For this reason, applicants should not rely on a general eligibility list alone. The country profile provides the specific academic requirements, priority study areas, application documents and selection conditions.
Which Countries Can Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships?
The programme is available to citizens of selected participating countries, rather than all international applicants.
For example, the 2027 African programme included countries such as:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Ethiopia
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Mauritius
- The Gambia
This is not a complete list of all Australia Awards participating countries. Eligible countries in Asia and the Pacific have their own programme arrangements.
Applicants should visit the official Australia Awards participating countries page to confirm whether their country is included.
How to Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships
The application process depends on the applicant’s country.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Check your country’s eligibility.
Visit the official participating countries page and select your country of citizenship. Read its country profile to understand the eligible study areas and local requirements.
Step 2: Check the application dates.
Each country programme publishes its application opening and closing dates. Do not assume that every country follows the same schedule.
Step 3: Review the scholarship handbook.
Read the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook to understand the eligibility requirements, selection process, funding conditions and responsibilities of successful applicants.
Step 4: Prepare your documents.
Depending on your country, you may need academic certificates, transcripts, references, proof of employment, identification documents and other supporting information.
Step 5: Submit your application.
Applications are generally submitted online through the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS). Some countries provide alternative application arrangements. Indonesia and the Philippines use their own country-specific portals.
The 2027 application round has closed. Applicants preparing for a future round should wait for the next official dates and requirements rather than use an expired application deadline.
Important Australia Awards Scholarship Conditions
Successful applicants must sign a scholarship contract and follow the conditions of the award. One important condition is the requirement to leave Australia for at least two years after completing the scholarship. A scholar who does not meet this requirement may become liable for the total accrued cost of the scholarship.
Applicants should understand this condition before accepting an award.
2. Destination Australia Scholarships
The Destination Australia program was introduced to encourage domestic and international students to study at regional Australian education providers.
Under the previous programme, eligible students could receive scholarships worth up to AUD $15,000 per year to help with study and living expenses at participating regional campuses.
However, the Australian Government has announced that there will be no further Destination Australia funding rounds from 1 July 2024.
Existing scholarship recipients can continue receiving support for the remainder of their approved studies, for up to four years, provided they continue to meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
This means new international students should not treat Destination Australia as an available scholarship for 2027 or 2028.
Students interested in studying in regional Australia should instead check the scholarship opportunities offered directly by their chosen universities. For the official programme status, visit the Australian Government’s Destination Australia page.
3. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
The Research Training Program (RTP) is an Australian Government funding programme that supports domestic and international students undertaking higher degrees by research at eligible Australian universities.
It is particularly relevant to international applicants who want to undertake a research Master’s degree or a PhD in Australia.
Unlike Australia Awards, RTP scholarships are administered by individual universities. Students do not submit their applications directly to the Australian Department of Education.
What Does the RTP Scholarship Cover?
An RTP scholarship may provide one or more of the following forms of support:
1. RTP Fees Offset
This covers the applicable tuition fees for an eligible research degree. The university must fully offset the relevant research tuition fees when it awards this type of support.
2. RTP Stipend
This provides financial support towards the student’s general living costs while undertaking research.
3. RTP Allowances
These help with additional research-related expenses. Depending on the university’s award, they may include:
- Relocation costs associated with starting a research degree.
- Thesis printing and research publication costs.
- Overseas Student Health Cover costs for eligible international recipients and their dependants.
Not every RTP recipient automatically receives all three forms of support. The university determines which support is included in an individual scholarship offer.
2027 RTP Scholarship Stipend Rates
The Australian Department of Education has published the following full-time RTP stipend rates for 2027:
| RTP stipend category | Annual amount |
|---|---|
| Base stipend rate | AUD $35,550 |
| Maximum stipend rate | AUD $55,537 |
These figures are the published 2027 base and maximum rates. The amount offered to an individual student depends on the university’s scholarship arrangements and selection process.
Applicants should check the stipend stated in their university offer rather than assume that every RTP scholarship pays the maximum amount.
How Long Does an RTP Scholarship Last?
The period of support depends on the research degree and study load.
| Research qualification | Full-time support | Part-time support |
|---|---|---|
| Research Master’s | Up to 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| Research doctorate (PhD) | 3–4 years | 6–8 years |
Universities determine the exact support period within the permitted limits.
RTP Scholarship Eligibility for International Students
International students can apply for RTP support if they meet the relevant requirements.
The general eligibility conditions include:
- Be a domestic or international student.
- Be enrolled in an accredited research Master’s or research doctorate degree.
- Be studying at an Australian university eligible to administer RTP scholarships.
- Meet the university’s academic and selection requirements.
- Meet any additional conditions set out in the university’s RTP scholarship policy.
The programme is intended for higher degrees by research. It does not provide general funding for ordinary undergraduate degrees or taught Master’s programmes.
Universities may consider academic results, previous research, publications, relevant experience, referee reports and the quality of the proposed research when selecting candidates.
How to Apply for an RTP Scholarship
Applications must be made directly to participating Australian universities.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Find an eligible Australian university.
Identify universities offering research degrees in your subject area.
Step 2: Check the research degree requirements.
Review the university’s entry requirements for the research Master’s or PhD programme. Check whether you need to identify a supervisor or submit a research proposal.
Step 3: Review the university’s RTP scholarship policy.
Each university has its own application dates, selection criteria and scholarship arrangements.
Step 4: Prepare your application documents.
These may include academic transcripts, certificates, a research proposal, curriculum vitae, referee reports and evidence of English-language proficiency.
The exact documents depend on the university and research programme.
Step 5: Submit your application to the university.
Follow the university’s application instructions. Some institutions allow applicants to apply for admission and scholarship consideration together, while others require separate applications.
You can contact the university’s postgraduate research office for clarification.
Are RTP Scholarships Available to Applicants from All Countries?
The RTP framework allows eligible international students to receive support. Unlike Australia Awards, it does not rely on a single list of participating nationalities.
This makes RTP relevant to international research applicants from a wider range of countries, including applicants from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
However, availability is competitive and depends on the university’s funding, research priorities and selection rules. International applicants should confirm that their chosen university offers RTP support to overseas students in their research area.
For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Research Training Program page.
Which Australian Government Scholarship Should International Students Choose?
The right programme depends on your nationality, qualification and intended course of study.
| Your situation | Programme to investigate |
|---|---|
| You are from a participating developing country and want an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate course | Australia Awards |
| You want to study a research Master’s degree in Australia | Research Training Program |
| You want to pursue a PhD in Australia | Research Training Program |
| You want to study at a regional Australian campus through Destination Australia | Check university scholarships instead; new Destination Australia rounds have ended |
| You are from a country not covered by Australia Awards | Research Training Program, if you meet the university’s requirements, or university-specific scholarships |
Applicants should compare the actual funding conditions before deciding. A scholarship that covers tuition fees alone is different from an award that also provides a living stipend and travel support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Government Scholarships
Are Australian Government scholarships available for international students?
Yes. Australia Awards Scholarships are available to citizens of selected participating countries, while the Research Training Program supports eligible domestic and international research students at participating universities. Not every programme is open to all nationalities.
Are Australia Awards Scholarships open for 2027/2028?
The 2027 Australia Awards application round has closed for the countries listed in the official schedule. The next intake dates should be checked on the DFAT website when announced.
Is Destination Australia still available for international students?
No new Destination Australia funding rounds will be offered from 1 July 2024. Existing recipients may continue receiving support under the programme’s conditions.
Can international students apply for RTP scholarships?
Yes. International students can apply for RTP scholarships if they meet the requirements for an accredited research Master’s or PhD programme at an eligible Australian university.
How much is the RTP scholarship stipend in 2027?
The published 2027 full-time RTP stipend rates range from AUD $35,550 to AUD $55,537 per year. The amount offered depends on the university’s scholarship arrangements.
Does RTP cover full tuition fees?
An RTP Fees Offset fully offsets the applicable tuition fees for an eligible higher degree by research. However, an RTP scholarship offer may include a stipend, allowances or a combination of support. Check the actual offer from the university.
Can I apply for an Australian Government scholarship without IELTS?
There is no single IELTS requirement that applies to every Australian Government scholarship. Australia Awards and RTP applicants must meet the English-language conditions of their relevant country programme, university and course.
Do I apply for RTP through the Australian Government?
No. RTP applications are handled directly by eligible Australian universities. Each university sets its own application process and deadlines.
Can applicants from Nigeria apply for Australian Government scholarships?
Nigerian citizens were eligible for the 2027 Australia Awards Africa programme, but that application round closed on 30 April 2026. Nigerian applicants can also investigate RTP opportunities at Australian universities if they intend to pursue a research Master’s or PhD and meet the university’s requirements.
Applicants should check the official government websites for the latest eligibility requirements, application dates and funding conditions.
Students interested in additional funding opportunities can explore Nkedugists’ guide to Australian university scholarships.
