Applications are currently being accepted for the 2027 intake of the Australia Awards Masters-level Scholarships. The deadline to submit your application is 30 April 2026 at 1400 AEST. These prestigious scholarships are long-term awards managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Australia, designed to support the development goals of Australia’s partner nations through bilateral and regional partnerships.
The Australia Awards provide a unique opportunity for individuals from developing countries, especially those within the Indo-Pacific region, to pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies at selected Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. These scholarships are intended to equip recipients with advanced skills and knowledge, empowering them to initiate positive change and contribute meaningfully to the development of their home countries.
Eligible Countries in Africa
The scholarship program is open to candidates from a wide range of African countries, including Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
It is important to note that eligibility criteria differ depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship. Prospective candidates should carefully consult the opening and closing dates for your country to verify their specific local eligibility rules, priority study areas, and required documentation.
Priority Areas of Study
For this application cycle, the focus fields for eligible African applicants include:
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Climate Change
- Foreign Policy and International Security
- Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion
- Mining and Energy
Scholarship Benefits
Australia Awards Scholarships cover the minimum duration needed to complete the specified academic program at an Australian higher education institution, inclusive of any preparatory courses. Recipients generally receive the following benefits:
- Full tuition fees: Coverage for all academic fees required by the institution.
- Return airfare: One economy class return ticket to Australia and back via the most direct route.
- Establishment allowance: A one-time payment to help with initial accommodation costs, textbooks, and study materials.
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE): Fortnightly payments to meet basic living costs throughout the scholarship period.
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP): A mandatory orientation course designed to prepare scholars for living and studying in Australia before their formal academic program begins.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the award, excluding pre-existing conditions.
- Pre-course English (PCE) fees: Fees may be covered if additional English language training is deemed necessary, whether delivered in the applicant’s home country or in Australia.
- Supplementary academic support: Additional academic assistance may be provided to ensure the scholar’s success or to enrich their educational experience.
- Fieldwork support: For research awards or coursework Masters with research components requiring fieldwork, eligible scholars may receive funding for one return economy airfare to their home country or within Australia.
Application Process
Applicants should start by checking the opening and closing dates for your country and selecting their country of citizenship or residency from the list of eligible nations to get detailed information on eligibility, priority study fields, and the application procedure.
Before applying, it is essential to thoroughly review the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook. This comprehensive guide outlines general eligibility standards, selection criteria, award entitlements, and the responsibilities expected from scholars.
Application methods vary by country; some permit online submissions while others require hard-copy applications. Prospective applicants should follow the instructions specific to their country to ensure their applications are properly submitted.
For More Information
To learn further details about the scholarships, eligibility, application guidelines, and benefits, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Australia Awards Masters-level Scholarships.
