Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the fully funded 2026 Australia Awards Scholarships, designed for individuals from developing nations who wish to pursue either full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia.
Program Overview
The Australia Awards Scholarships represent a prestigious initiative facilitated by the Australian Government, aimed at nurturing the future leaders of developing countries worldwide. These scholarships provide recipients with exceptional opportunities to engage in high-quality study and research programs in Australia, equipping them with the vital expertise and skills needed to effect meaningful change in their home countries. Additionally, the program fosters lasting connections between Australia and partner countries through people-to-people links.
Administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards that align with Australia’s bilateral and regional cooperation agreements. Their primary goal is to support the development priorities of Australia’s partner nations by offering citizens from these countries the chance to undertake full-time academic programs at recognized Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
These scholarships enable scholars to gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills through study and research, empowering them to become catalysts for development and progress in their respective countries.
Scholarship Benefits
The 2026 Australia Awards Scholarships will cover the minimum duration required to complete the nominated academic course as specified by the host Australian educational institution. This includes any necessary preparatory training before commencing the main study program. The scholarships typically encompass the following benefits:
- Full tuition coverage: Payment of all academic fees for the entire course duration.
- Return air travel: A one-time economy class airfare ticket covering travel to and from Australia, via the most direct route.
- Establishment allowance: A single payment designed to assist with initial accommodation costs, textbooks, and learning materials.
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE): A fortnightly stipend to help with basic day-to-day living costs, with the amount determined by the department.
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP): Mandatory orientation sessions prior to the commencement of studies, which provide essential information about living and learning in Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Health insurance covering basic medical expenses for the awardee during the scholarship tenure (excluding pre-existing conditions).
- Pre-course English (PCE) fees: Funding for English language training if considered necessary to prepare for academic study. This may be delivered either in the applicant’s home country or in Australia.
- Supplementary academic support: Additional assistance may be offered to ensure the scholar’s academic success or to enrich their learning experience.
- Fieldwork allowance: For research-based awards and Masters by coursework involving compulsory research fieldwork, eligible students may receive an economy class return airfare to their home country or within Australia.
Scholarship Conditions
Recipients who accept an Australia Awards Scholarship must enter into a formal agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia, committing to adhere to all scholarship conditions. One key requirement is that scholars must return to their home country for a minimum period of two years following the completion of their studies.
Failure to comply with this post-study residency obligation may result in the scholar incurring a financial liability equivalent to the full cost of their scholarship.
How to Apply
For detailed guidance on the application process and eligibility criteria, please visit the official application page for the Australia Awards Scholarship.
Participating Institutions for 2026
The following Australian universities and TAFE institutes are participating in the 2026 Australia Awards Scholarships program:
- Adelaide University
- Australian Catholic University
- Aviation Australia
- Bond University
- Box Hill Institute of TAFE
- Canberra Institute of Technology
- Central Queensland University
- Chisholm Institute of TAFE
- Charles Darwin University
- Charles Sturt University
- Curtin University of Technology
- Deakin University
- Edith Cowan University
- Federation University
- Flinders University
- Griffith University
- Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
- James Cook University
- Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE
- La Trobe University
- Macquarie University
- Monash University
- Murdoch University
- Queensland University of Technology
- RMIT University
- Southern Cross University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- TAFE NSW
- TAFE SA
- The Australian National University
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of New England
- The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- The University of Newcastle
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
- University of Ballarat
- University of Canberra
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- University of Tasmania (including the Australian Maritime College)
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of Wollongong
- Victoria University
- Western Sydney University
- William Angliss Institute of TAFE
To begin your application, please Click Here To Apply.
