Australia Awards Scholarships 2027 for International Students | Fully Funded

Australia Awards Scholarships 2027 are fully funded awards from the Australian Government, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They support Bachelor, Masters and PhD study at Australian universities and TAFE institutions for international students from developing countries, mainly in the Indo-Pacific region.

They are open to eligible citizens of partner countries who want to study approved subjects in Australia. The award covers full tuition fees, return airfare, a living expenses contribution, health cover and other support. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Read the sections below for eligibility, benefits and how to apply.

Australia Awards Scholarships are fully funded awards that generally provide comprehensive financial support for the approved study program.

Benefits generally include:

• Full tuition fees
• Return economy-class airfare to and from Australia
• Establishment allowance to contribute toward accommodation, textbooks, study materials, and other initial expenses
• Contribution to Living Expenses paid fortnightly at a rate determined by DFAT
• Introductory Academic Program before formal academic studies
• Overseas Student Health Cover for the scholarship holder
• Pre-course English language training where considered necessary
• Supplementary academic support where required
• Fieldwork allowance for eligible research students and Master's by coursework students with a compulsory research component

The exact entitlements can vary according to the scholarship, country, and individual award conditions.

Is Australia Awards Scholarship Fully Funded?

Yes. Australia Awards Scholarships are generally described by the Australian Government as long-term development awards that provide major study and living support, including full tuition fees, return airfare, establishment allowance, living expenses, and health cover.

However, applicants should carefully review the current Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook and their country profile because individual entitlements and conditions can vary.

The scholarship is intended to cover the minimum period necessary to complete the approved academic program rather than provide unlimited funding for additional study or personal expenses.

Australia Awards Scholarships are available for:

• Undergraduate degree programs
• Postgraduate degree programs
• Master's degree programs
• Selected doctoral or research-level programs where offered under a country's specific Australia Awards arrangements

The exact degree levels and courses available depend on the applicant's participating country and its development priorities.

Applicants should consult their country's official Australia Awards profile to determine which degrees, courses, institutions, and fields are available.

Australia Awards Scholarships do not have one universal list of eligible subjects.

Each participating country identifies its own priority areas for development. Applicants must choose a course that is relevant to their country's development priorities and available under the relevant country profile.

Depending on the country, priority areas may include fields such as:

• Agriculture and food security
• Education
• Public health
• Health systems
• Climate change
• Environmental management
• Governance
• Public policy
• Economic development
• Infrastructure
• Water and sanitation
• Gender equality
• Digital technology
• Information and communication technology
• Disaster risk reduction
• Renewable energy
• Natural resource management

Applicants should not assume that every Australian university course is eligible. The official country profile should be checked for the approved fields and courses.

Australia Awards Scholarships are available to citizens of participating developing countries.

The current participating-country list covers countries and regions in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

Participating locations include:

Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei, Cambodia, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and other participating Pacific and French territory locations listed by DFAT.

The exact participating-country arrangements can change between intakes, so applicants should always check the official current country list before applying.

Step 1: Check Your Country Eligibility

First, confirm that your country is participating in the Australia Awards Scholarships program.

Then open your country's official profile and review:

• Eligible fields
• Eligible courses
• Participating institutions
• Academic requirements
• Work experience requirements
• English-language requirements
• Required documents
• Country-specific application instructions

Step 2: Check the Application Dates

Australia Awards application dates are published by country.

For the main 2027 intake, applications generally opened on February 1, 2026 and closed on April 30, 2026.

Some scholarship schemes and participating locations can have different dates, so applicants should check the official opening and closing dates page.

Step 3: Choose an Eligible Course

Select a course that:

• Is available under your country program
• Matches your academic background
• Supports your professional goals
• Relates to your country's development priorities
• Meets the requirements of the Australian institution

Applicants should use their country profile rather than selecting a course solely because it is offered by an Australian university.

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Required documents differ by country, but applicants may need documents such as:

• Passport or proof of citizenship
• Academic certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum vitae
• Employment evidence
• English-language test results
• Referee reports
• Personal statements or essays
• Research proposal where applicable
• Other country-specific documents

Applicants should follow the document checklist provided in their country profile.

Step 5: Register on the Application System

Most eligible applicants apply online through the Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS).

Indonesia and the Philippines use separate country-specific application portals rather than OASIS.

Applicants who cannot apply online may be able to submit a hard-copy application where their country program permits this.

Step 6: Complete the Application

Provide accurate information about your:

• Education
• Employment
• Professional experience
• Proposed study
• Development goals
• Leadership experience
• Community involvement
• Country development priorities

Applicants should ensure that all information is truthful and supported by the required documentation.

Step 7: Submit the Application Before the Deadline

Once an online application is submitted, it cannot be changed.

Applicants should therefore review the complete application and supporting documents before submission.

DFAT recommends submitting applications well before the deadline because the online system can experience heavy traffic close to closing time.

Step 8: Selection and Shortlisting

Applications are assessed after the application deadline rather than on a rolling basis.

Only shortlisted applicants are contacted for subsequent stages, which may include interviews or requests for additional documentation.

The selection process and timing vary by country.

Step 9: University Placement

Applicants do not generally need to contact Australian universities directly when applying for an Australia Awards Scholarship.

If selected, the relevant Australia Awards country team works with institutions regarding placement and admission.

Applicants may contact universities separately for general information about courses and academic requirements.

Step 10: Prepare for Australia

Successful applicants must complete the required pre-departure and visa procedures before travelling to Australia.

Depending on the award and country, scholars may undertake an Introductory Academic Program and other preparatory activities before beginning their formal studies.

Application Deadline

For the main Australia Awards Scholarships intake for study commencing in 2027, the application period was:

Opening date: February 1, 2026

Closing date: April 30, 2026

Selection Process

Australia Awards Scholarships are competitive.

Applications are assessed after the relevant closing date.

Selection arrangements vary by country, but applicants may be assessed on factors such as:

• Academic merit
• Professional experience
• Leadership potential
• Personal and professional qualities
• Development impact
• Relevance of the proposed study to country priorities
• Potential contribution to development after returning home

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview or asked to provide additional information.

Only shortlisted applicants are contacted for further steps.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Application

Applicants should pay particular attention to DFAT's rules regarding artificial intelligence.

The official Australia Awards application guidance states that applicants may use AI for basic tasks such as spelling, grammar, and organizing ideas.

AI must not be used to write, improve, or paraphrase any part of the scholarship application.

Applicants must provide their own original responses, and misuse of AI may result in disqualification.