Scholarships to Study in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking quality higher education. The country boasts of high-quality institutions, a diverse and multicultural society, and a vibrant and dynamic economy. Every year, thousands of students from different countries and backgrounds flock to Australia to study in various fields and disciplines. However, studying in Australia can also be quite expensive, owing to the high tuition fees and equally high living expenses. This poses a heavy financial burden on many students, especially those who come from developing or low-income countries. For such students, scholarships are one of the best ways they can eliminate their financial worries and pursue their education with peace of mind. Fortunately, Australia offers several scholarships to bright and deserving students who want to study in its institutions. These scholarships to study in Australia cover various aspects of the student’s education, such as tuition fees, accommodation, travel, health insurance, and living allowance. Some of these scholarships are offered by the Australian government, while others are offered by universities, organizations, or foundations. 

This article will shed light on some of the most prominent scholarships for international students in Australia, their eligibility criteria, application process, coverage, and benefits. 

Types of Scholarships in Australia 

Government scholarships: Government scholarships are a way for the Australian Government to support and attract international students who have the potential to contribute to Australia’s academic, cultural, and economic development. These scholarships cover various fields of study and levels of education, from vocational training to doctoral research. They also provide different kinds of assistance, such as tuition fee waivers, living allowances, travel costs, health insurance, and academic support. Some scholarships may require a nomination from the home government, while others may be open to self-nomination. Some scholarships may have specific deadlines, while others may accept applications throughout the year. 

Education Provider Scholarships: Education provider scholarships are one of the most common and diverse types of scholarships in Australia for international students. They are offered by various Australian education providers, such as universities, colleges, vocational education and training (VET) institutions, and English language schools. The main purpose of these scholarships is to attract and support talented international students who want to pursue their academic goals in Australia. These scholarships can have different eligibility criteria and application processes, depending on the education provider and degree. Some of the factors that may influence the selection of scholarship recipients are academic merit, financial need, country of origin, field of study, level of study, and duration of study. The amount and duration of these scholarships also vary widely, ranging from partial tuition fee waivers to full scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. Some of these scholarships are renewable, while others are one-off awards.

Private scholarships: These are scholarships that are not sponsored by the Australian Government, but by other entities that have a stake or interest in promoting international education and exchange. These scholarships can target specific groups of students, such as women, minorities, refugees, or students from developing countries. They can also focus on specific areas of study, such as STEM, arts, humanities, or social sciences. These scholarships can vary in amount, duration, and benefits, depending on the funding source and the purpose of the scholarship.

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Top Scholarship in Australia 

Australia Award Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term awards funded by the Australian government. They aim to contribute to the development needs of Australia’s partner countries, especially those in the Indo-Pacific region. They provide opportunities for people from developing countries to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. 

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees, including a pre-course English language course (if required) 
• Return air travel, and fieldwork travel (for students undertaking research) 
• A one-off establishment allowance, and a fortnightly living stipend (Contribution to Living Expenses) Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the scholarship duration and to cover basic medical expenses 
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP), a compulsory program before the commencement of formal academic studies 
• Supplementary academic support, if needed Reunion airfare, for students whose family remains in their home country 

Eligibility 

• Citizens and residents of a participating country like India, Bangladesh etc. 
• Not a permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand 
• Over 18 years of age on February 1 of the scholarship’s commencement 
• Proficiency in the English language, with a recent score of IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE 
• Satisfying the entry requirements of the chosen Australian university 
• Fulfilling the Australia visa requirements of the Department of Home Affairs 
• Not have previously been a recipient of Australia Awards unless they have lived outside Australia for double the period of staying in Australia 
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contribute to their home countries’ development after graduation

Destination Australia  

The Destination Australia scholarship program is a federal government initiative that aims to attract and support students who choose to live and study in regional communities. The program was launched in 2019 as part of the National Strategy for International Education 2025. The program’s objective is to support regional and remote Australian tertiary education providers by promoting activities that contribute to growth and sustainability and offer students from Australia and overseas the opportunity to undertake high-quality education, training, and research, and to experience life in regional and remote Australia. The program offers scholarship funding of up to 15,000 AUD per student, per year, for approximately 550 domestic and international students commencing their studies in 2024. The program has funded over 3,000 scholarships since its inception.  

Benefits: 

• Students can pursue a range of courses from Certificate IV to PhD with a duration of one to four years in regional campus locations across Australia. 
• Students can enjoy a lower cost of living, a more relaxed lifestyle, and a closer connection with the local community in regional areas.
• Students can access high-quality education and research facilities, and gain valuable skills and experience in regional industries and sectors. 

Eligibility:  

• Commence a new course of full-time study with an approved provider in the 2024 academic year. 
• The course is one of the Australian Qualifications Framework levels from Certificate IV to PhD with a duration of one to four years. 
• Reside in a regional area at the commencement of and during the study period. 
• For an international student, maintain a valid student visa and accept an offer of a full-time study program registered on CRICOS. 

Australian Research Training Program

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) is a funding scheme that supports both domestic and international students undertaking research degrees at Australian universities. The RTP was introduced in 2017, replacing the previous programs of the Australian Postgraduate Awards, International Postgraduate Research Scholarships, and the Research Training Scheme. The RTP aims to provide flexible funding arrangements, deliver graduates with the skills required for various careers, and support collaboration between universities and industry.  According to the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, the RTP allocated about 1.1 billion AUD to eligible higher education providers (HEPs) in 2020, supporting around 40,000 students. The number of RTP beneficiaries varies each year depending on the performance of each HEP in attracting research income and supporting students to complete their degrees. The RTP Scholarships are awarded to students of exceptional research potential and merit, based on their academic qualifications, research outputs, and research experience2. Individual higher education providers (HEPs), who have their own application and selection processes administer the RTP Scholarships. Students need to contact HEPs directly to apply for an RTP Scholarship.

Benefits

• An RTP stipend of 40,109 AUD  to assist students with their living costs while undertaking a higher degree by research. 
• An RTP Fees Offset pays for the tuition fees of a higher degree by a research (HDR) student that would otherwise have been paid by the student. 
• RTP allowances to assist students with ancillary costs of a higher degree by research (HDR), such as relocation costs, thesis printing and academic publication costs, and overseas health cover. 

Eligibility 

• You must be a commencing or enrolled international postgraduate research student. 
• You must have an outstanding record of academic achievement and research potential. You must have an unconditional offer of admission or be currently enrolled in a master’s by research or PhD at the University of Sydney. 
• You must be undertaking a higher degree by research (research doctorate or research master) for which at least two-thirds of your time should be spent on research work at an approved university. 
• Coursework degrees do not qualify as a higher degree by research. 
• You must not be receiving income from another source to support your general living costs while undertaking your course of study if that income is greater than 75 percent of your RTP stipend rate.

Rotary Peace Fellowship Program

The Rotary Peace Fellowship Program is a prestigious and competitive program that offers academic training, practical experience, and global networking opportunities to peace and development professionals. The program was launched in 2002 by Rotary International, a global service organization that aims to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.  The program has two types of fellowships: a master’s degree and a professional development certificate. The master’s degree fellowship is for candidates who want to pursue a full-time, 15- to 24-month course of study at one of the six Rotary Peace Centers at leading universities around the world. The professional development certificate is for experienced professionals who want to enhance their skills and knowledge through a one-year, blended learning program that combines online courses, contact sessions, and field study.  Since its inception, the program has trained more than 1,700 fellows from over 140 countries, who now work in various sectors and organizations to promote peace and address the root causes of conflict. 

Benefits:  

• It covers the full cost of tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses for the fellows. 
• It provides access to a diverse and dynamic network of academics, practitioners, and Rotary members who are committed to peace and development. 
• It equips the fellows with the theoretical and practical tools to analyze and address the complex challenges of today’s world. 
• It offers opportunities for career advancement and leadership development for the fellows. 

Eligibility:  

• For the master’s degree fellowship, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, be proficient in English, have at least three years of full-time relevant work experience, and demonstrate a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace. 
• For the professional development certificate, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, be proficient in English, have at least five years of full-time relevant work experience, and demonstrate a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace.
• Candidates must not be active Rotary members or employees of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity. 
• Candidates must have a gap of at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program and their intended start date for the fellowship. 
• The program application process is online and requires the endorsement of a Rotary district.

University Scholarships 

Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by Deakin University to high-achieving international students who enroll in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree. The scholarship covers 100% or 50% of tuition for the duration of the course. 

Griffith Remarkable Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by Griffith University to exceptional international students who enroll in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree. The scholarship covers 50% of tuition for up to eight semesters. 

Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by Swinburne University of Technology to outstanding international students who enroll in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree. The scholarship covers 10% to 75% of the tuition fees for the duration of the course

Suggested Reading: A Guide to Working as a Student in Australia

Tips for Applying for Scholarships to Study in Australia 

Research Extensively: Begin your scholarship search early and explore all available options. Look for scholarships offered by universities, government bodies, private organizations, and international institutions.  

Understand Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship to ensure you meet the criteria. Scholarships may be based on academic merit, financial need, leadership qualities, community involvement, or other specific criteria.  

Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents well in advance, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores), and a well-crafted personal statement or essay.  

Tailor Your Application: Customize your application for each scholarship opportunity. Highlight relevant achievements, experiences, and aspirations that align with the scholarship’s objectives and selection criteria.  

Meet Deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines and submit your materials ahead of time to avoid any last-minute rush. Missing deadlines could disqualify you from consideration, so it’s essential to stay organized.  

Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from university advisors, professors, or mentors who can provide valuable insights and assistance with your scholarship applications.  

Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Cast a wide net by applying for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of success. However, ensure that you meet the requirements and prioritize scholarships that best match your profile.  

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement or essay is an opportunity to showcase your strengths, motivations, and aspirations. Be genuine, articulate, and concise in expressing why you deserve the scholarship and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.  

Highlight Leadership and Extracurricular Activities: Emphasize any leadership roles, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills, values, and potential contributions to the academic community.  

Follow Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the application instructions and ensure that you provide all required information accurately. Any missing or incomplete information could jeopardize your chances of being considered for the scholarship.

Suggested Reading: Post-Study Work Visa in Australia 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, there is no shortage of scholarships to study in Australia. However, this list is not exhaustive and there are many more opportunities to explore. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits. Therefore, it is important to do proper research, plan, and seek guidance from reliable sources before applying. By doing so, you can make a balanced and informed decision that suits your academic goals and financial needs. Additionally, you can also improve your chances of getting a scholarship by preparing a strong application, highlighting your achievements and motivations, and demonstrating your potential contribution to Australia and your home country. Furthermore, you can also network with other international students, alumni, and scholarship providers to get more insights and tips on applying for scholarships in Australia. For more information and assistance regarding the same, feel free to reach out to our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!