If you’re aiming to study abroad, Australia is a strong option. This country is located in Oceania and lies between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is regarded as the smallest continent in the world. It not only attracts people from other countries because of its breathtaking places and views, but it also offers quality education for incoming undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies.
In this article, we will go over the best scholarships in Australia. We’ve also included scholarship stories for scholarships where we have scholarship recipients!
Top Scholarships in Australia for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| International Student Scholarship | Australian Catholic University | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Current ACU international scholarships include selected tuition reductions and a fully funded Ph.D. scholarship option |
| Chancellor’s International Scholarship | Australian National University | Bachelor’s, Master’s | 25% or 50% tuition fee reduction |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australian Government | Varies by country and award category | Full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses, OSHC, and other approved support |
| Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship | Deakin University | Bachelor’s, Master’s | 100% or 50% of tuition fees |
| Graduate School Scholarships | University of Queensland | MPhil, Ph.D., research-focused professional doctorate | Living stipend of AUD $37,500 per year tax-free, tuition fees, and Single OSHC |
| Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship | Macquarie University | Bachelor’s, Master’s | One-off award of up to AUD $10,000 |
| Graduate Research Scholarships | University of Melbourne | Master’s by Research, Ph.D. | Full fee offset, living allowance, relocation grant, and OSHC for eligible international students |
| Global Academic Excellence Scholarship | Adelaide University | Bachelor’s and Master’s coursework | 50% tuition fee reduction |
| Go Beyond Scholarship | Flinders University | Bachelor’s, Master’s coursework | 20%, 25%, or 50% tuition fee reduction |
| Global Excellence Scholarship | University of Western Australia | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Up to AUD $12,000 per year |
| Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarships | University of Tasmania | Master’s, Ph.D. | Annual stipend of AUD $34,315; tuition fee waiver may be offered to eligible international applicants |
| Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships | Charles Darwin University | Bachelor’s, Master’s coursework | 50% tuition fee reduction |
| International Stipend Scholarship | University of Sydney | Master’s, Ph.D. | AUD $42,754 annual stipend, relocation and thesis allowance; related tuition fee scholarship may apply |
| International Scholarship | Swinburne University of Technology | Bachelor’s, Master’s, pathway courses | 20% tuition fee reduction; 30% through the George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship for eligible students |
| Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) | Australian Government | Master’s, Ph.D. | Tuition fee offset, stipend, and/or HDR-related allowances, depending on the university award |
1. International Student Scholarship (Australian Catholic University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Current ACU international scholarships include selected tuition reductions and a fully funded Ph.D. scholarship option
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers several scholarships for international students. Current options include scholarships such as the ACU International Launch Scholarship, ACU Flourishing Lives International Scholarship, and ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship.
The ACU International Launch Scholarship provides eligible international students commencing selected new programs in 2026 with a 25% tuition fee reduction. The ACU Flourishing Lives International Scholarship guarantees a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible students from Latin America, the Pacific Islands, or Timor-Leste. For outstanding international Ph.D. applicants, the ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship offers a 100% tuition waiver, an indexed annual stipend, and additional allowances for health cover and relocation.
Because ACU’s scholarship offerings vary by course, intake, and student profile, applicants should check the official ACU scholarship page before applying.
2. Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Australian National University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 25% or 50% tuition fee reduction
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The Australian National University (ANU) offers scholarships to incoming international undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Chancellor’s International Scholarship is designed to attract high-caliber international students to Australia and provides tuition fee reductions to eligible overseas students.
The scholarship provides a 25% or 50% tuition fee reduction for the duration of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. There is no separate scholarship application, as eligible overseas students applying for admission to ANU are automatically considered. Recipients may also be guaranteed accommodation for their first year if they choose to take up that benefit.
One scholar’s journey: Ankit Patro did not submit a separate scholarship application: ANU automatically considered him through his admission application, and he credits consistent undergraduate grades and a strong selection rank with securing the merit-based award. He researched the program through ANU’s website and student forums, prepared his statement of purpose and supporting documents, and used official practice materials and mock tests for IELTS; in retrospect, he would have started earlier so he could connect with students or alumni and refine his statement further. With a bachelor’s background spanning economics, mathematics, and statistics, he went on to complete a Master of Applied Economics at Australian National University with the ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship. View More ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship recipients →
Here is what ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship recipients say:
“Scholarship: ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship – 25% to 50% Tuition Waiver.”
Yeshey Jamtsho
“There was no separate application process for the ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship.”
Ankit Patro
“My biggest advice is to focus on academics, since Australian universities place a lot of weight on grades.”
Humayra Tasnim Nooha
3. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australian Government)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses, OSHC, and other approved support
- Eligible Degree/s: Varies by country and award category
The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These scholarships provide educational opportunities to students from eligible partner countries and are generally offered for the minimum period needed to complete the approved academic program.
Benefits can include full tuition fees, return economy air travel, a one-time establishment allowance, a fortnightly contribution to living expenses, an Introductory Academic Program, Overseas Student Health Cover, pre-course English support where required, supplementary academic support, and fieldwork support for eligible research or coursework programs with a compulsory fieldwork component.
One scholar’s journey: Thalia was unsuccessful on her first Australia Awards application, then reapplied the following year after reflecting on her career goals, having alumni review her application, and doing mock interviews with them. For her successful attempt, she focused on explaining why a Master of Development Studies mattered to the contribution she hoped to make in Timor-Leste, while consistent IELTS practice and support provided to shortlisted candidates helped her prepare for the language requirement. Her experience shows how a second attempt, targeted alumni feedback, and interview practice can strengthen an application for the Australia Awards Scholarships. View More Australia Awards Scholarships recipients →
Outcomes for Recipients who’ve received Australia Awards scholarships: Mehak Masood, who returned to Pakistan and went on to lead climate-policy work, including serving as a National Project Officer at UN-IOM; Taufan, who moved from software engineering into product management after his MBA; and Stefanus Eduard Adrian, who moved into a higher-level IT role after completing his scholarship.
Here is what Australia Awards Scholarships scholars say:
“The scholarship covers full tuition fees along with a regular fortnightly stipend to help with accommodation and living expenses.”
Shavlin Singh
“The Australia Awards Scholarship opens annually, usually between February and April, and follows a highly competitive and rigorous selection process.”
Rhema Wijaya
“The most important thing to win Australia Awards is to be authentic to yourself and be confident in any academic and professional achievements you possess.”
Fendhi Birowo
“Attending information sessions held by the Australia Awards team and connecting with alumni were extremely helpful.”
Dany Koem
4. Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Deakin University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 100% or 50% of tuition fees
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Deakin University awards the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship to new international students enrolling in Deakin coursework degrees. To be eligible, applicants must meet the entry requirements for their course, including English language requirements, and must have achieved at least an 85% average, or equivalent, in previous studies.
The scholarship covers either 100% or 50% of tuition fees, depending on the scholarship outcome, and is available for the normal duration of the course. Recipients are also required to participate in the Vice-Chancellor’s Professional Excellence Program.
Kanta Sudlapa’s path to the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Kanta Sudlapa spent nights researching competitive scholarships and reviewing hundreds of personal-statement examples, eventually completing at least 17 full redrafts to present her academics, extracurriculars, and character as a coherent story. She says her application stood out by connecting interests such as music and teaching to tangible social contributions, including work on a nationally broadcast educational program, rather than simply listing achievements. She became the first Thai student to receive Deakin’s 100% award and is pursuing Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Deakin University through the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship. View More Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Deakin University) recipients →
Here is what Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship scholars say:
“Recipients are also granted exclusive access to the Vice-Chancellor’s Professional Excellence Program (VCPEP) with a private academic mentor and a variety of events with representatives of big companies (Bupa, PwC, Microsoft) for learning and networking.”
Anna Shustser
“It might sound cliché, but the most important thing is to be yourself and be confident in your story.”
Aryan Vadera
“I have just completed my first trimester at Deakin and was so delighted for all the support from academic staff and the connections I’ve made so far. It has truly been a precious experience.”
Ngoc Anh (Rachel) Phung
“The 100% Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship at Deakin University is the institution’s most prestigious award, granted to a highly limited number of students annually based on academic achievement, social engagement, and leadership skills.”
Kanta Sudlapa
5. Graduate School Scholarships (University of Queensland)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Living stipend of AUD $37,500 per year tax-free, tuition fees, and Single OSHC
- Eligible Degree/s: MPhil, Ph.D., research-focused professional doctorate
The Graduate School Scholarships at the University of Queensland support students completing a research project for a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy, or research-focused professional doctorate at UQ. These scholarships are available to domestic and international students and can fund tuition fees, a tax-free living stipend of AUD $37,500 per year for 2026, and Single Overseas Student Health Cover.
Applicants should first check their eligibility for the relevant research degree, identify a supervisor, prepare the required documents, and submit an expression of interest. UQ states that applicants do not need to apply separately for the Graduate School Scholarship when submitting the expression of interest.
A recipient’s path: Raphael Onuku approached his PhD search systematically: he targeted programs for research fit, read potential supervisors’ recent work, contacted relevant labs, spoke with current or former students when possible, and tracked applications, documents, deadlines, and follow-ups in a spreadsheet. Applying across the United States and Australia ultimately brought him five fully funded offers, including the Graduate School Scholarships at the University of Queensland; he chose a fully funded PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Michigan instead. His earlier Pharmacy training and research publications helped establish the research profile behind those applications. View More Graduate School Scholarships (UQGSS) recipients →
Here is what Graduate School Scholarships (UQGSS) scholars say:
“The scholarship value includes a living stipend of $36,400 (Australian dollar) per annum tax tax-free, and tuition fee coverage”
Raphael Onuku
“I wrote a compelling personal statement that connected my background to clear research goals.”
Raphael Onuku
6. Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Macquarie University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: One-off award of up to AUD $10,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship at Macquarie University is a highly competitive award for talented international students intending to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s coursework degree. It is awarded based on academic merit and provides up to AUD $10,000 applied toward tuition fees.
To be eligible, applicants must be full-time international students commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree and must meet the required academic threshold. Applicants must first receive a full offer to study at Macquarie University and then complete a short scholarship application form.
Anupam Sarkar’s path to the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Anupam Sarkar built his application around academic results, professional qualifications, and leadership achievements, tailoring those strengths to Macquarie’s priorities and explaining how he could contribute to its academic community. He researched through university websites, education fairs, and alumni, while preparing for IELTS with self-study, practice tests, and mock exams; looking back, he says he would have started applying to multiple universities and scholarships earlier. His professional accounting credentials and record of competition and leadership success helped him secure the highly competitive Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship and complete a Master of Accounting in Professional Practice at Macquarie University. View More Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Macquarie University) recipients →
Here is what Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship (Macquarie University) scholars say:
“I received the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship from Macquarie University, Sydney, awarded to the top 1% of international students.”
Anupam Sarkar
“The scholarship covered a significant portion of my tuition fees during my Master’s program and allowed me to pursue my studies in Australia with reduced financial pressure.”
Anupam Sarkar
7. Graduate Research Scholarships (University of Melbourne)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full fee offset, living allowance, relocation grant, and OSHC for eligible international students
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s by Research, Ph.D.
The University of Melbourne awards Graduate Research Scholarships to eligible students applying for or enrolled in a graduate research degree. The scholarship can include a full fee offset for up to two years for students undertaking a Master’s by Research degree or up to four years for students undertaking a doctoral degree.
The scholarship can also include a living allowance of AUD $39,500 per year pro rata for 2026, for up to two years for a Master’s by Research degree or up to 3.5 years for a doctoral degree. International students who require a student visa may also receive Overseas Student Health Cover, and relocation grants are available for eligible students moving from outside Victoria or outside Australia.
8. Global Academic Excellence Scholarship (University of Adelaide)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 50% tuition fee reduction
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s and Master’s coursework
International undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students can apply for the Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship (50%) at Adelaide University. This scholarship replaced the article’s previous University of Adelaide wording and recognizes international students commencing eligible coursework degrees who have achieved outstanding academic performance in their previous studies.
The scholarship offers a 50% tuition fee reduction for the standard full-time duration of the recipient’s undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program. To be eligible, applicants must be international students applying to a CRICOS-registered bachelor’s degree of at least 96 units or a CRICOS-registered master’s degree of at least 72 units, after any credit or recognized prior learning is applied.
9. Go Beyond Scholarship (Flinders University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 20%, 25%, or 50% tuition fee reduction
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s coursework
The Flinders Go Beyond Scholarship is intended for commencing international students applying for eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs. The scholarship is designed to support students pursuing their academic and professional goals at Flinders University.
The scholarship value is 20%, 25%, or 50% of tuition fees for the duration of the program, with payment applied by semester.
10. Global Excellence Scholarship (University of Western Australia)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Up to AUD $12,000 per year
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The University of Western Australia offers the Global Excellence Scholarship to high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate students across the globe who choose to study at UWA.
Students commencing eligible courses in 2026 can receive up to AUD $48,000 over four years on eligible undergraduate courses, up to AUD $36,000 over three years on eligible undergraduate courses, or up to AUD $24,000 over two years on eligible postgraduate courses. The scholarship is an annual tuition fee discount for the normal full-time duration of the awardee’s course, with the value based on the applicant’s equivalent ATAR or UWA weighted average mark. Since the award reduces tuition fees rather than covering all expenses, prospective students should also consider the cost of living in Australia when planning their study budget.
11. Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarships (University of Tasmania)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Annual stipend of AUD $34,315; tuition fee waiver may be offered to eligible international applicants
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s and Ph.D.
The Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarships (TGRS) are available across research disciplines at the University of Tasmania and are awarded to applicants with demonstrated research ability. The 2026 RTP and TGRS stipend rate is AUD $34,315 per year.
International candidates may be required to pay annual tuition fees unless they are awarded a tuition fee offset. The university states that a tuition fee waiver may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment. The TGRS does not cover costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee, Overseas Student Health Cover, or visa costs.
Dr. Albert Muleke’s path to the Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship: After completing a first-class-honours master’s, Muleke approached multiple potential PhD supervisors with personalized mini-proposal emails explaining how his research ideas could complement their projects. A positive response from a supervisor at the University of Tasmania led him to develop a project proposal for the Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship, backed by evidence including publications, conference presentations, research experience, referee recommendations, and his prospective supervisor’s support. He secured the scholarship for a PhD in Agricultural Science, building on a research profile that included two conference presentations and a thesis-based publication during his master’s. View More Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship recipients →
Here is what Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) scholars say:
“Both were fully funded scholarships, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and relocation costs.”
Dr. Albert Muleke
“I sent personalized, mini-proposal emails that introduced my background, expressed my genuine interest in their work, and briefly outlined how my research ideas could complement their project.”
Dr. Albert Muleke
12. Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships (Charles Darwin University)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 50% tuition fee reduction
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s coursework
The Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship at Charles Darwin University is available for eligible new international students applying to commence an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree in 2026. The scholarship covers 50% of the tuition fee for the full duration of the course.
Applicants must meet CDU’s academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen course, have a minimum overall score of 95% in their highest completed qualification, be international students paying international student fees, and not hold another scholarship from an Australian or foreign sponsoring agency. A separate scholarship application is required.
13. International Stipend Scholarship (University of Sydney)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: AUD $42,754 annual stipend, relocation and thesis allowance; related tuition fee scholarship may apply
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s and Ph.D.
The International Stipend Scholarship at the University of Sydney supports international students commencing or enrolled in a higher degree by research. The University of Sydney lists the University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship (USYDIS) at AUD $42,754 per year for 2026, with relocation and thesis allowance.
International students awarded a University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship are also associated with the University of Sydney Tuition Fee Scholarship, which can cover 100% of tuition fees for up to 14 research periods. Applicants must follow the university’s scholarship application deadlines and submit the required scholarship application form.
One scholar’s journey: Kevin Abimanyu Jatmiko prepared for his PhD application by defining his research topic, developing a proposal, and finding supervisors whose expertise matched the project; he also prepared for IELTS for three months and earned the required overall 7.0. His scholarship application ran alongside his PhD application without a separate registration or selection test, and he credits his research and fieldwork experience, academic performance, publication experience, and the novelty of his proposed research with strengthening his application. With the International Tuition Fee Scholarship and a companion stipend scholarship, he became a PhD researcher in Anthropology at the University of Sydney, studying food and agricultural sustainability in relation to Indigenous community livelihoods. View More University of Sydney International Tuition Fee Scholarship recipients →
Here is what University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship scholars say:
“University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship = $41,753 (per annum)”
Kevin Abimanyu Jatmiko
“Finding supervisors is another critical aspect for applying PhD program; therefore, we must carefully search for which supervisor who has expertise or research interest in the topic we are proposing for our research.”
Kevin Abimanyu Jatmiko
“IELTS is also required to apply for this program, and the overall score needed is 7.0 with no band below 6.5.”
Kevin Abimanyu Jatmiko
14. International Scholarship (Swinburne University of Technology)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 20% tuition fee reduction; 30% through the George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship for eligible students
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, pathway courses
The Swinburne International Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for international students commencing their studies for the first time at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus in an undergraduate course, postgraduate course, or eligible pathway course.
Eligible students can receive 20% off tuition fees for the standard course duration. Swinburne also offers the George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship, which provides 30% off tuition fees for eligible international students commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate course at the Hawthorn campus for the first time. Students comparing their study options can also explore the best universities in Australia to discover other institutions offering programs for international students.
No extra scholarship application is needed. When students apply to commence an eligible course, Swinburne automatically considers them for available international scholarships based on their previous grades. Excluded courses include Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting, Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting / Bachelor of Business, Master of Physiotherapy, Master of Occupational Therapy, master’s degrees by research, and doctorate degrees.
15. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Master’s by Research and Ph.D.: Tuition fee offset, stipend, and/or HDR-related allowances, depending on the university award
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s and Ph.D.
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) provides funding to eligible Australian higher education providers to support domestic and overseas students undertaking research doctorate and research master’s degrees.
Students can be offered RTP support in one or more forms: a tuition fee offset, a stipend for general living costs, and allowances related to the ancillary costs of a higher degree by research. Universities are responsible for application, selection, and offer processes, so applicants should contact their chosen eligible Australian university directly.
Debanjana Maity’s path to the Australian Government Research Training Program: Debanjana Maity first identified labs closely aligned with her research interests, contacted prospective supervisors with personalized emails connecting her previous work to theirs, and tailored research proposals to each institution. For her UQ RTP and top-up applications, she refined her research proposal, CV and personal statement, secured strong references, and highlighted publications alongside research experience across three countries; she credits a detailed, feasible proposal closely matched to her prospective supervisor’s lab as one factor that helped her stand out. She is now pursuing a PhD in Microbiology at the University of Queensland through the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) and a UQ top-up scholarship. View More Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) recipients →
Here is what Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholars say:
“These scholarships provide full tuition coverage and a living stipend, enabling me to focus entirely on my research, training, and broader academic involvement.”
Debanjana Maity
Looking for an unparalleled opportunity to pursue world-class higher education while exploring one of the most beautiful countries in the world? With several scholarships available, Australia can help turn your academic dreams into reality while opening doors to new experiences and professional networks that can shape your career and future.
We hope this article on the best scholarships in Australia for international students was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
