Australia scholarships for international students include government-funded programmes and awards offered directly by universities. Depending on the scholarship, students may receive full tuition fee coverage, a living allowance, relocation support or a reduction in their university fees.
Some opportunities are available to applicants from many countries, while others are restricted to particular nationalities, academic qualifications or fields of study. Research scholarships also have different requirements from undergraduate and taught postgraduate awards.
This guide covers Australian Government scholarship programmes and selected university scholarships for students considering study in Australia in 2027. It explains what each opportunity offers, who can apply and where to find the current application requirements.
Australian Scholarships Available for International Students
The following programmes and university awards are worth exploring:
| Scholarship | Main study level | Type of support |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Undergraduate and postgraduate, depending on country programme | Tuition, living and other approved expenses |
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Research Master’s and PhD | Tuition offset, stipend and possible allowances |
| University of Sydney RTP Scholarships | Research Master’s and PhD | Stipend and tuition support |
| Macquarie University $5,000 Regional Scholarship | Undergraduate and postgraduate coursework | Tuition fee reduction |
| Griffith Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship | Undergraduate and postgraduate coursework | 50% tuition fee reduction |
| University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | Research Master’s and PhD | Tuition offset and possible stipend |
| Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship | Undergraduate and postgraduate coursework | 50% tuition fee reduction |
| Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship | Research Master’s and PhD | Tuition fees and living allowance |
| Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship | Undergraduate and postgraduate coursework | 50% tuition fee reduction |
| UNSW International Scholarships | Undergraduate and postgraduate | Different awards and tuition support |
The awards are not interchangeable. A student applying for a research degree, for example, should pay particular attention to RTP and university research scholarships rather than assume that a coursework scholarship will cover their programme.
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards is one of the Australian Government’s major international development scholarship programmes. It gives citizens of participating developing countries the opportunity to study at Australian universities and other approved institutions.
The programme is particularly relevant to applicants from Africa, Asia and the Pacific. However, it is not a general scholarship for everyone who wants to study in Australia.
What does the Australia Scholarships for International Students cover?
Successful recipients generally receive:
- Full tuition fees.
- Return economy-class air travel.
- An establishment allowance.
- A contribution towards living expenses.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- An Introductory Academic Program.
- Approved supplementary academic support.
- Pre-course English training where applicable.
- Approved fieldwork travel for eligible research students.
The exact benefits are subject to the scholarship policy and individual award conditions.
Who can apply for Australia Scholarships for International Students?
Applicants must meet the requirements for their country programme. These can include:
- Citizenship and residency conditions.
- Academic qualifications.
- Relevant professional experience.
- English language requirements.
- Specific fields of study and development priorities.
- Additional country-specific eligibility conditions.
For the 2027 intake, participating African countries included Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia and several others.
Applicants should not rely on this short list alone. Each participating country has its own profile explaining eligible courses, priority areas and application requirements.
When can students apply?
The 2027 application round for the African programme opened on 1 February 2026 and closed on 30 April 2026. Applications for that intake are now closed.
The Australia Awards Africa programme states that applications for the 2028 intake will open in February 2027. Applicants should check the programme’s announcements for the exact opening and closing dates.
Students can review the Australia Awards Scholarships and the participating countries and eligibility requirements before preparing an application.
2. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
The Research Training Program is a different type of government scholarship. Rather than funding ordinary undergraduate or taught Master’s degrees, it supports students undertaking higher degrees by research at eligible Australian universities.
International students can be considered for RTP support when applying for an eligible research Master’s or doctoral programme. The university, not the government department, manages the application and selection process.
What financial support is available?
An RTP award may provide one or more of the following:
- A tuition fee offset.
- A living allowance paid as a stipend.
- Allowances for eligible expenses, such as relocation.
For 2027, the Australian Government has published these full-time stipend rates:
| RTP stipend rate | 2027 amount |
|---|---|
| Base rate | AUD $35,550 per year |
| Maximum rate | AUD $55,537 per year |
Universities choose the actual stipend they offer within the permitted range. Therefore, the amount a student receives can differ between institutions.
An RTP award should not automatically be described as a fully funded scholarship. Applicants must check whether their university offer includes a tuition fee offset, a stipend and any additional allowances.
Eligiblity for Australia Scholarships for International Students?
International applicants generally need to:
- Apply for an eligible research Master’s or PhD.
- Meet the university’s academic admission requirements.
- Demonstrate research ability and potential.
- Meet the institution’s English language requirements.
- Satisfy the university’s scholarship selection criteria.
Universities may consider previous academic results, research experience, publications, references and the quality of the proposed research.
How do students apply?
There is no single national RTP application form for international students. Applicants apply through the university where they intend to undertake their research degree.
The Australian Government Research Training Program explains the programme and its published stipend rates. Applicants should then follow the research scholarship instructions of their preferred university.
3. University of Sydney Research Scholarships
The University of Sydney offers research scholarships for outstanding domestic and international students undertaking higher degrees by research.
Its international research scholarship arrangements include Australian Government RTP support and equivalent university-funded awards. These are suitable for applicants interested in a research Master’s or PhD, rather than a standard coursework degree.
Scholarship benefits
The University of Sydney’s published 2027 RTP stipend rate is AUD $44,293 per year. Eligible international students may also receive a tuition fee offset. Other approved support can include relocation and thesis allowances, depending on the award.
What does the university look for?
Applicants must meet the entry requirements for their proposed research degree and demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential.
A competitive application should clearly show the applicant’s previous academic preparation and suitability for the proposed research area.
Application process
Students should first identify a suitable research degree and check the admission requirements. They should then follow the university’s research scholarship application instructions.
Application periods depend on the research intake and scholarship round. Do not rely on the old 2022 deadline in the original version of this article.
You can check the University of Sydney’s international RTP scholarship for the current stipend, eligibility and application details.
4. Macquarie University $5,000 Regional Scholarship
Macquarie University offers a $5,000 Regional Scholarship to eligible international students commencing undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees in 2027 and beyond.
It is a tuition fee reduction, not a living allowance. The award is intended for applicants from a specified group of countries, so students should check the nationality requirements before applying.
Scholarship value
The scholarship provides AUD $5,000 per year towards tuition fees for the standard duration of an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s coursework degree.
The university credits the scholarship towards tuition fees rather than paying the money directly to the student.
Who can apply?
Applicants must generally:
- Be international full-fee-paying students.
- Be citizens of a country included in the scholarship’s eligible-country list.
- Commence an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree full-time in 2027 or later.
- Accept their offer and pay the required commencement fee by the acceptance deadline.
- Meet the course’s academic and English language requirements.
Nigeria is included in the eligible-country list. However, not every nationality is covered, and some courses are excluded.
How to apply
Eligible applicants are automatically assessed after submitting an application for an eligible course. A separate scholarship application is not required.
The Macquarie University $5,000 Regional Scholarship contains the complete nationality list and course exclusions.
5. Griffith University Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Griffith University offers the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship to exceptional international students starting undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programmes.
Unlike a research stipend, this award reduces the tuition fees students must pay during their degree.
Scholarship value
Successful applicants receive a 50% reduction in tuition fees for the duration of their eligible programme, provided they continue to meet the scholarship conditions.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must generally:
- Be citizens of countries other than Australia and New Zealand.
- Be new students commencing an eligible programme.
- Have received an offer to study at Griffith University by the scholarship deadline.
- Have a minimum GPA of 6.0 on a 7-point scale, or an equivalent result.
- Meet the academic and English language requirements.
- Enrol as full-time students.
2027 application deadlines
Griffith publishes deadlines according to the trimester in which students intend to begin their studies.
For students commencing in 2027, the published dates include:
- Trimester 1: 28 November 2026.
- Trimester 2: 10 April 2027.
Applicants should confirm the applicable deadline and any separate arrangements for particular qualifications before applying.
To apply, students first need an offer for an eligible course and then submit the scholarship application with the required academic records and personal statement.
Visit the Griffith University Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship for the full conditions and application instructions.
6. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
The University of Melbourne offers Graduate Research Scholarships to high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking eligible research degrees.
The programme includes the Melbourne Research Scholarship and Australian Government Research Training Program awards. These scholarships are relevant to students planning a Master’s by Research or PhD.
Scholarship benefits
Depending on the award, students may receive:
- Full tuition fee support.
- A living allowance.
- A relocation grant.
- Overseas Student Health Cover for eligible international students.
The university’s published 2027 Research Training Program stipend rate is AUD $41,100 per year.
The fee offset can cover up to two years of a Master’s by Research or up to four years of a doctoral degree. Stipend support can be available for up to two years for a research Master’s or up to 3.5 years for a PhD, subject to the scholarship conditions.
Eligibility and selection
Applicants must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for an eligible graduate research degree, or already be enrolled in one.
A separate scholarship application is generally not required for new students who apply for an eligible research course by its application deadline. The university automatically considers eligible applicants.
However, receiving admission does not guarantee a stipend. Stipend awards are competitive and depend on academic achievement and research potential.
Students should review the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships before submitting their course application.
7. Adelaide University Academic Excellence Scholarship
The former University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship should not be confused with the current Adelaide University award. Adelaide University now offers the Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship to outstanding international students commencing eligible coursework degrees.
The scholarship is available for undergraduate and postgraduate students who achieve excellent results in their previous studies.
Scholarship value
Successful applicants receive a 50% reduction in tuition fees for the standard full-time duration of their eligible programme.
The award is highly competitive and has limited places.
Who can apply?
Applicants must generally:
- Be international students.
- Apply for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree.
- Meet the required academic standard.
- Satisfy the university’s course admission requirements.
- Not be receiving an excluded sponsorship or tuition fee waiver.
The published academic requirements include a minimum ATAR of 99 or international equivalent for undergraduate applicants, or a GPA of 6.7 out of 7.0 or equivalent for eligible applicants.
Some programmes are excluded, so students should read the full conditions before applying.
How to apply
The university requires applicants to complete the appropriate scholarship application form. Applications opened on 24 August 2026, and scholarship places are limited.
Students can check the Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship requirements before applying.
8. Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship
The Flinders University Scholarship for International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (FIPRS) supports international students undertaking higher degrees by research at Flinders University.
It is intended for applicants with strong academic records and research potential. The university considers research training and research outputs as part of its selection process, making this award particularly relevant to candidates with previous research experience.
Scholarship benefits
The published 2026 FIPRS package includes:
- Payment of international research tuition fees.
- A living allowance of AUD $36,061 per year.
- An establishment allowance of up to AUD $1,485 for eligible relocation expenses and airfares.
The doctoral scholarship can run for up to 3.5 years, subject to the award conditions.
Eligibility
Applicants generally need to:
- Be citizens of an overseas country other than New Zealand.
- Meet the admission requirements for a higher degree by research.
- Intend to commence full-time research study in Australia for the first time, subject to the stated exceptions.
- Meet the university’s English language requirements.
- Apply in an area of research concentration at Flinders.
Selection is based on academic merit, research training and research outputs. The university also gives priority to applicants undertaking a higher degree by research for the first time.
Application process
Applicants should first apply for admission to an eligible research degree. They must then complete the international research scholarship application and provide the required supporting documents.
The 2026 application round opened on 30 April and closed on 18 June 2026. Applicants interested in a later intake should check the university’s next published scholarship round.
The Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship provides the current conditions and application checklist.
9. Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship
Charles Darwin University offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship to international students with outstanding academic results.
It supports eligible undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students and is particularly attractive to applicants with excellent previous examination results.
Scholarship benefits
The award covers 50% of tuition fees for the eligible course’s minimum duration, provided the recipient continues to meet the scholarship conditions.
Eligibility
Applicants must generally:
- Be international students paying international tuition fees.
- Apply to commence an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programme in 2027.
- Meet the university’s academic and English language entry requirements.
- Have a minimum overall score of 95% in their highest completed qualification.
- Not hold another scholarship from an Australian or foreign sponsoring agency.
Recipients must also maintain satisfactory academic progress and comply with the university’s ongoing conditions.
2027 application deadlines
The published closing dates are:
- Semester 1, 2027: 31 January 2027.
- Semester 2, 2027: 4 July 2027.
Applicants must first apply for admission and then submit a separate scholarship application. The university also requires a supporting statement explaining why the applicant should receive the award.
Check the Charles Darwin University international scholarship page for the application form and full requirements.
10. UNSW International Scholarships
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) offers several scholarship opportunities for international students. Some recognise academic achievement and leadership, while others provide tuition fee support to students from eligible countries.
Two opportunities worth examining are the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship and the International Student Award.
International Scientia Coursework Scholarship
This award is intended for high-achieving international students with strong academic records, leadership skills and extracurricular involvement.
Successful applicants may receive either:
- Full tuition fee support for the minimum duration of their programme; or
- AUD $20,000 per year towards tuition fees.
The scholarship requires a separate application. Applicants must check the relevant commencement round, eligibility requirements and closing date.
International Student Award
The International Student Award provides a 20% contribution towards tuition fees for eligible international students commencing in 2026 or 2027.
It is available only to students from participating countries, so applicants should confirm that their nationality and chosen programme qualify.
How to apply
The application process differs between UNSW awards. Some require a separate scholarship application, while others assess eligible students through their course application.
Students can compare the available awards on the UNSW international scholarships page before choosing a programme.
Other Australian Government Scholarship Opportunities
Students may come across the Destination Australia Program when searching for Australian scholarships. However, the Australian Government announced that there would be no further funding rounds from 1 July 2024.
Existing recipients can continue receiving support for the remainder of their eligible studies, but new applicants should not treat Destination Australia as an available scholarship for 2027.
Students looking for regional study funding should instead check the current scholarships offered directly by Australian universities.
How to Choose the Right Australian Scholarship
The best scholarship to consider depends on the course you want to study, your academic background and your nationality.
For example:
- Undergraduate applicants: Look at coursework awards from Griffith, Macquarie, Adelaide University, Charles Darwin University and UNSW.
- Coursework Master’s applicants: Check university tuition reduction scholarships and confirm whether your intended programme is included.
- Research Master’s applicants: Compare RTP opportunities and university research scholarships.
- PhD applicants: Examine RTP, University of Sydney research awards, Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships and Flinders FIPRS.
- Applicants from participating developing countries: Check Australia Awards before considering other university funding options.
A 50% tuition scholarship does not necessarily cover accommodation, food, travel or health insurance. Likewise, a research scholarship with a stipend may have different conditions from a coursework tuition award.
Before accepting an offer, calculate the remaining tuition fees and living expenses you will need to cover.
Documents International Students May Need
The documents required depend on the university and scholarship. Applicants may be asked to provide:
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- Proof of identity and nationality.
- English language test results, where required.
- A curriculum vitae or résumé.
- A personal statement or scholarship essay.
- Recommendation letters.
- A research proposal for research degree applications.
- Evidence of research experience or publications, where applicable.
Research scholarship applicants should pay particular attention to the research proposal, academic references and evidence of previous research work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australia Scholarships
Are there Australian Government Scholarships for international students?
Yes. The Australian Government provides opportunities such as Australia Awards Scholarships and the Research Training Program. Australia Awards supports eligible citizens of participating countries, while RTP supports eligible domestic and international higher-degree research students through Australian universities.
Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Australia?
Yes. Some Australian scholarships cover tuition fees and provide a living allowance. However, other awards only reduce tuition fees. Students should check the complete benefits rather than assume that every scholarship covers all expenses.
Can Nigerian students apply for Australian scholarships?
Yes. Nigerian students can apply for awards that accept Nigerian applicants. Nigeria is included in the Australia Awards Africa participating-country list and is also eligible for Macquarie University’s $5,000 Regional Scholarship. Applicants must still meet the individual scholarship and course requirements.
Are Australian scholarships available for undergraduate students?
Yes. International undergraduate students can explore awards offered by universities such as Griffith, Macquarie, Adelaide University, Charles Darwin University and UNSW. Eligibility, academic requirements and funding amounts vary.
Can international students apply for the Research Training Program?
Yes. International students can apply for RTP support when seeking admission to eligible research Master’s and doctoral programmes at participating Australian universities. Each university manages its own scholarship selection process.
Is Destination Australia available for new applicants in 2027?
No. The Australian Government announced that there would be no further Destination Australia funding rounds from 1 July 2024. Existing recipients may continue to receive support while they meet the programme’s conditions.
Where to Find More Australian Scholarship Opportunities
Australian universities offer different scholarships throughout the year, and some awards are not included in this guide. Students should check the scholarship pages of their preferred institutions to find opportunities that match their course, nationality and academic qualifications.
For more funding options, explore Nkedugists’ guide to Australian university scholarships and browse the wider Nkedugists scholarship.
