Scholarships are one of the best ways of studying in any country of your choice and Australia remains a top destination for international students due to its world-class universities, rich cultural experiences, and vibrant student life. For many foreign students, the cost of education and living expenses in Australia can be a concern.
There are several scholarships in Australia for international students available to help mitigate these costs. Whether you’re looking for fully funded scholarships or those that cover only tuition fees, there are numerous opportunities to make your academic dreams a reality.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top scholarships for international students in Australia, covering undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs.
1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
The Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade aimed at building lasting links between Australia and developing nations. These fully funded scholarships in Australia cover tuition, return airfare, establishment allowance, and living expenses.
There is a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia applicants need to sign declaring that they will comply with the conditions of the scholarship. Scholars are required to leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship.
The application can be done online but before this, check the opening and closing dates for your country here.
2. University of Sydney International Research Scholarships (USydIS)
This is a postgraduate research scholarship funded by the University of Sydney and valued at up to $143,881. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs and to be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- be a commencing or enrolled international student
- have an outstanding record of academic achievement and research potential
- have an unconditional offer of admission or be currently enrolled in a master’s by research or PhD at the University of Sydney.
When applying, interested persons should take note of the following:
- Those who wish to commence in Research Period 1 (1 January) or Research Period 2 (1 March), you must submit your research degree application in September of the year prior.
- Those who wish to start in Research Period 3 (1 July) or Research Period 4 (1 October), you must apply in December of the year prior.
3. International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)
The International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) program enables international students to undertake a postgraduate research qualification in Australia and gain experience with leading Australian researchers.
To be eligible for this award, applicants must meet the following:
- Be an overseas student who meet the international student visa requirements as specified by the DIAC
- Have undertaken study in a subject area identified by the HEP as one of its areas of research concentration
- Not have held an AusAID scholarship within the two years prior to commencing the IPRS
Applications must be made directly to a participating Universities/Higher Education Providers (HEPs) in Australia. HEPs are responsible for determining the selection process by which scholarships are allocated to applicants.
4. Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS)
This scholarship is offered to high-achieving international and domestic students who are enrolling in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. The benefits of the scholarship includes Fee Offset and Stipend.
To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- have applied for and meet the requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or
- be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne
Students who are ranked highest by relevant selection panels based on their academic results for previous study and their research potential in their field of study are offered the scholarship.
5. University of Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to international students commencing in an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification who have received academic merit in their studies. To be eligible, applicants must have a University of Adelaide offer or admission (full or conditional) as a full-fee paying international student.
6. Monash International Leadership Scholarship
This is a 100% tuition sponsorship awarded to International students from all countries who have received an undergraduate course offer from Monash will automatically be considered for the Monash International Leadership Scholarship.
Below are some of the criteria’s that applicants must meet to be eligible to apply for the scholarship:
- You must intend to enroll full-time in an undergraduate degree at a Monash campus in Australia
- You are not eligible for this scholarship if you are:
- a current Monash students
- studying Australian Year 12. You may be eligible for the Monash International Scholarship for Excellence.
- are commencing in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honors) course or the Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD).
- in Monash Pathway programs (e.g. Monash College and Monash University Foundation Year).
- transferring from another Monash campus or applying to Monash from another Australian University.
To maintain the scholarship, candidates must maintain a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 each semester and you’re also required to participate in the Monash Global Ambassadors program from your second semester of study for the duration of the scholarship.
7. Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to reward academic excellence and attract high performing students to study at Macquarie University either in Bachelor’s or Master’s level.
This scholarship is limited and provides up to AUD $10,000 applied towards your tuition fee. Applicants must achieve a minimum WAM equivalent of 65 for postgraduate applications; or a minimum ATAR equivalent of 85 for undergraduate applications to be eligible for the scholarship.
8. Griffith Remarkable Scholarship
Griffith Remarkable Scholarship rewards exceptional students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degree programs at the institution. To be eligible, applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirements for their country in addition to the following:
- Be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand.
- Have applied to study at Griffith by the scholarship application closing date.
- Satisfy all academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program.
9. Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (FIPRS)
The Flinders International Research Scholarship (FIPRS) is a scholarship specifically intended to support international students that covers international tuition fees and also provides a stipend.
The beneficiary gets to enjoy student tuition fees charged by Flinders University for a research higher degree In addition, a generous living allowance paid at the rate of $33,990 per annum.
10. ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship
The ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship offers an opportunity for students from around the world to access one of multiple scholarships available to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
This scholarship is awarded to the following levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate coursework, Flexible double degree, Graduate Certificate, and Master Degree with the exception of the following:
- Doctor Of Medicine and Surgery (MChD)
- Master Of Military and Defence Studies
Conclusion
Australia offers a wide variety of scholarships for international students in, ranging from fully funded scholarships in Australia to partial tuition fee waivers. Whether you’re looking for undergraduate scholarships or funding for PhD scholarships in Australia, these programs can help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. Start your application early to ensure you don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities!