Australia Awards Scholarships For 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in studying in Australia. Throughout this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the Australia Awards Scholarship, its benefits and how to apply for one.
Several scholarships are available for international students under the Australia Awards Scholarships 2026-2027 program. Students can apply for these scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies. They are available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies and provide full tuition fees, travel allowances, living expenses, and establishment allowances.
Scholarships offered by Australia Awards encourage international students to apply if they are interested in pursuing higher education at participating Australian universities. Australia Awards Scholarships are designed to assist Australia’s partner countries in achieving their development objectives, in accordance with bilateral and regional agreements. Applicants for these awards must be nominated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Summary of Scholarships
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
- Institution(s): Participating Australian institutions
- Study at: Australia
- Opportunity Focus Areas:
| Engineering & Technology | Arts |
| Business & Law | Medical and Applied Sciences |
| Nursing and Midwifery | Human, Health and Social Sciences |
- Program Duration: Depends on the chosen degree.
- Deadline: Please click here to see the country-specific deadlines.
Coverage of Scholarships
Following are some of the benefits recipients receive from Australia Awards Scholarships:
- Fees for full tuition
- The contribution is intended to cover the costs of accommodation, textbooks, and study materials
- The cost of a one-way return flight between Australia and the United States in economy class over the most direct route to and from the country
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) – an amount determined by the department that is paid fortnightly to cover basic living expenses.
- Fees for pre-course English (PCE)
- The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides coverage for basic medical expenses (except those caused by pre-existing conditions) for the duration of the award (for award holders only).
- The Introduction to Academic Program (IAP) provides information about living and studying in Australia before commencing formal academic study
- There may be opportunities available for scholars to receive supplemental academic support to ensure their academic success or to enhance their academic experience
- For eligible research students (for research awards or Masters by coursework that have a compulsory research component), fieldwork may be offered as part of a return economy class airfare to their country of citizenship or within Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia Awards Scholarships
To apply for the Australia Awards Scholarships, candidates must fulfill the following conditions:
- Language Requirement: Applicants must know English.
- Eligible Countries: You must be a citizen of one of the participating countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, or the Middle East. (You can find the full list of eligible countries on the official website.)
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old by 1 February of the year your scholarship starts.
- Citizenship Restrictions:
- You must not be an Australian citizen, hold Australian permanent residency, or be applying for permanent residence in Australia.
- You must be a citizen of a participating country and apply from that country.
- Relationship Restrictions: You cannot be married to, engaged to, or in a de facto relationship with anyone who holds or is eligible for Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency during the entire application and award process.
(Note: People from the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau who have New Zealand citizenship may apply, but must apply for a Student visa [subclass 500]). - Previous Awardees: If you’ve previously received a long-term Australia Award, you must have lived outside Australia for double the time you were in the country before applying again.
(Example: If you studied in Australia for 4 years, you must live outside Australia for 8 years to be eligible again). - Military Status: Applicants must not be actively serving in the military.
- Home Country Criteria: You must meet any extra conditions required by your home country’s government or the Australia Awards Program in your region (like work experience in a relevant field).
- Visa Requirements: You must meet all the requirements for getting a Student Visa from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
(If you cannot meet these requirements, the award may be withdrawn.) - University Admission: You must be eligible for admission to the institution where you plan to study.
(If not, the award may be cancelled once the university placement process begins.) - Academic Level: You cannot apply for a qualification that is lower than the one you already have.
(For example, applying for a Master’s degree if you already hold a PhD is not allowed.) - Disclosure: You must inform the program if you have any relationships or connections with employees of the Program Area or contractors, to ensure transparency in the selection process.
How to Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships?
To apply for the Australia Awards Scholarships, please follow the steps below:
- Online Application: Visit the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS). When you create your online profile, you’ll need to answer a few questions to check if you meet the eligibility criteria. After registering, you’ll receive a unique registration ID, along with your username and password.
- You don’t have to complete the application right away. You can begin a draft application and continue editing or uploading your supporting documents until the application deadline mentioned on your country’s official profile page.
- Once you submit your application, no changes can be made. Therefore, it’s recommended to apply well before the deadline, as OASIS can become slow due to high traffic in the final days.
- If you need assistance during the process, you can refer to the Applicant’s Online User Manual for guidance.
- Offline (By Mail) Application: If you cannot apply online, you may apply by post. Check your country’s profile page for contact details to request a paper application form and other required documents like referee reports (if needed).
FAQs About Australia Awards Scholarships
Who is eligible to apply for the Australia Awards Scholarships?
Applicants must be citizens of participating countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, or the Middle East. They should be at least 18 years old by February 1 of the scholarship year and not hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency. Additional eligibility criteria may apply based on the applicant’s home country.
What expenses are covered by the Australia Awards Scholarships?
The scholarships cover full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowances, contribution to living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), pre-course English (PCE) fees, and supplementary academic support. For research students, fieldwork expenses may also be included.
How can I apply for the Australia Awards Scholarships?
Applicants should visit the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) to register and complete their application. It’s recommended to start early, as the system experiences high traffic close to the deadline. Some countries may require hard-copy applications; applicants should refer to their country’s specific guidelines.
Conclusion
The Australia Awards Scholarships offer a remarkable opportunity for individuals from developing countries to pursue higher education in Australia. By covering comprehensive expenses and providing academic support, these scholarships empower recipients to gain valuable knowledge and skills. Graduates are expected to contribute to the development of their home countries, fostering global partnerships and sustainable growth.
