“Receiving the Australia Awards Scholarship didn’t just fund my education—it changed the trajectory of my entire community.”
— Aung Tun, Myanmar, Australia Awards Scholar & Water Resource Management Graduate
For thousands of bright minds across the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, the Australia Awards Scholarship Programis more than a ticket to a degree—it's a powerful launchpad for leadership, impact, and change. These scholarships don’t just fund your study—they equip you with the tools, networks, and knowledge to uplift entire regions.
Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australia Awards Scholarships 2025-2026intake is now a critical opportunity for students from eligible developing nations to study at Australia’s top universities, fully funded.
If you're considering applying—or helping someone who is—this is your go-to resource.
📝 Let’s break it down.
What is the Australia Awards Scholarship Program?
The Australia Awards Scholarship Programis a prestigious, fully funded initiative designed to support the development of emerging leaders from developing nations. It provides recipients with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating href="https://www.pickmyuni.com/top-universities-in-australia">Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
Funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), this program plays a strategic role in Australia's global engagement by investing in people who will drive progress back home in their communities, sectors, and countries.
The program is aimed at talented individuals from eligible developing countries, particularly across:
- Asia-Pacific
- Africa
- The Middle East
It’s not just a scholarship—it’s an investment in future diplomats, policy-makers, engineers, doctors, educators, climate scientists, and public leaders.
For the upcoming:
- 2025–2026 intake, applications were opened between February–April 2025, depending on your country of citizenship.
- 2026–27 intaketimelines will follow shortly after, giving early planners a chance to prepare ahead.
Key Benefits of Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships offer a comprehensive financial and academic support package that makes studying in Australia more accessible than ever—especially for students from developing nations.
Here’s what successful applicants receive:
✅ Full Tuition Fees Covered
No out-of-pocket costs for your course—DFAT covers the entire tuition fee for eligible undergraduate or postgraduate study.
✈️ Return Air Travel
Economy class flights to and from Australia are included at the beginning and end of your scholarship period.
💼 Establishment Allowance
A one-time payment to help cover initial costs such as accommodation, textbooks, and other essentials when you first arrive in Australia.
💵 Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE)
A generous monthly stipend to help with rent, food, transport, and daily living. This makes life in Australia far more manageable for international students.
🏥 Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Your entire health insurance is taken care of during the length of your stay in Australia.
📘 Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
Before classes begin, you’ll attend a compulsory IAP to help you understand Australia’s academic expectations, cultural norms, and living arrangements.
📚 Supplementary Academic Support
Extra academic assistance is available if you’re facing challenges with coursework, language skills, or research requirements.
🌱 Fieldwork Support (for Research Students)
If you’re undertaking a research-based degree, the scholarship can also cover fieldwork costs within Australia or your home country, when approved.
Australia Awards Scholarship 2025 Requirements
🌍 Nationality: Must be a citizen of an eligible country in Asia-Pacific, Africa, or the Middle East.
🎓 Academic Background: Must hold qualifications equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate applicants).
🗣️ English Proficiency: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or PTEscores meeting minimum requirements set by DFAT.
💼 Work Experience: Required for some countries—usually 1–2 years of relevant employment.
🚫 Ineligibility:
- Not available to current or former Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Not available to those currently serving in military or government positions ineligible under bilateral agreements.
🇦🇺 Residency: Applicants must notbe residing in Australia at the time of application.
CRICOS Code for Australia Award Scholarship
CRICOS is the Australian Government’s official register that lists every education provider and course approved to enrol international students on student visas. It’s how you verify a course is visa-eligible and quality-assured under the ESOS framework. CRICOSTEQSA
For Australia Awardsscholars, your provider and chosen course must be on CRICOS; institutions can only enrol student-visa holders if they’re CRICOS-registered. Always cross-check the code before you shortlist. Department of Educationinternationaleducation.gov.au
Example (real):
University of Sydney – Master of Data Science – CRICOS Code 108764C. The University of Sydney
Quick tip:Use PickMyUnito search CRICOS-listed courses and universities, then match them to your Australia Awards study plan.
📅Intake Timeline: Australia Awards Scholarship 2025-26 and 2026-27 Intake
Planning ahead is key to securing an Australia Awards Scholarship. Below is a typical timeline, though exact dates vary by country:
📌 Australia Awards Scholarship 2025-26 Intake
- Applications Open:February 2025
- Applications Close:April 30, 2025 (check your country’s deadline—some may close earlier)
- Assessment & Selection:Mid–2025
- Notification of Results:August–September 2025
- Pre-Departure Briefings:October–December 2025 (held in home country by DFAT offices)
- Arrival in Australia & Orientation:January–February 2026
- Classes Begin:Semester 1, 2026 (February/March)
📌 Australia Awards Scholarship 2026-27 Intake (for future planning)
- Applications Open:February 2026
- Applications Close:April 30, 2026
- Pre-Departure Sessions:Late 2026
- Classes Commence:Semester 1, 2027 (Feb/March 2027)
✅ Pro Tip:Deadlines are strictly country-specific. Always confirm via your local DFAT or Australian Embassy website.
How to Apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship
Applying for the Australia Awards Scholarship 2025-2026requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
✅ Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
✅ Step 2: Choose Eligible Institutions & CRICOS Courses
✅ Step 3: Gather Required Documents
✅ Step 4: Submit via OASIS (Online Australia Scholarships Information System)
💡 Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Write a clear personal statementexplaining your career goals.
- Focus on the development impact plan—how you’ll use your education to benefit your home country.
- Get strong recommendations from employers or professors.
- Proofread thoroughly—errors can signal lack of attention.
⚠️ Common Reasons for Rejection
- Missing or incomplete documents.
- Weak personal statement without clear future goals.
- Not meeting minimum English test scores.
- Applying for courses outside CRICOS or not aligned with development priorities.
Top Courses & Universities under Australia Awards
What people study most (by country priority lists):
- Public Health & Health Policy(incl. epidemiology, health management).
- Agriculture & Food Security(agricultural economics, fisheries, forestry).
- Environmental Science & Climate(clean tech, renewable energy, environmental management).
- Public Policy, Governance & Law(public administration, international relations).
- Engineering & Infrastructure(civil, environmental, electrical, energy).
Fields are set by each partner country; you must align your course with your country’s priority list and study at a participating institution. (DFAT)
Featured participating universities
All four appear on DFAT’s Participating Institutionslist for Australia Awards. (DFAT)
Plan your shortlist:
Compare programs that match your country’s priorities (health, agriculture, environment, policy, engineering) and confirm they’re offered by a participatinguniversity. (DFAT)
🔎 Start comparing universities and courses now on PickMyUni
Need help mapping your goals to a country priority field? Ping PickMyUni and we’ll sort it with you in minutes.
FAQs about Australia Awards Scholarship Program
- How do I get a 100% scholarship in Australia?
The Australia Awards Scholarshipis one of the few programs that covers 100% of tuition feesplus travel, living costs, health insurance, and more. To secure it, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, align their chosen course with their country’s priority areas, and submit a strong application through OASIS.
- What are the requirements for Australia Awards Scholarships 2025?
Key requirements include:
- Citizenship of an eligible country.
- Academic qualifications equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate study).
- Minimum English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE).
- Relevant work experience (for some countries).
- Not holding Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
- How competitive are Australia Awards?
Very competitive. Thousands of applicants apply each year, but only a limited number are selected per country. Strong academic results, leadership potential, and a clear development impact planincrease your chances.
- Is Australia Awards a scholarship for PhD?
Yes. The program funds both Master’s and PhD (Doctoral) studyat participating Australian universities, provided the field of study matches your country’s development priorities.
- How much is the Australia Awards Scholarship?
The scholarship is fully funded—it doesn’t provide a cash payout but instead covers: tuition, living allowance (~AUD $30,000 per year), return flights, establishment allowance, and health insurance.
- Who is eligible for a scholarship in Australia?
Eligibility depends on the type of scholarship. For Australia Awards, you must:
- Be from an eligible developing country.
- Meet academic and English language standards.
- Show leadership potential and commitment to returning home after study.
- Why are you applying for an Australia Awards Scholarship?
Applicants are expected to show how the scholarship will help them:
- Build skills and knowledge.
- Contribute to their country’s development.
- Foster stronger ties between Australia and their home country.
- Is IELTS required for Australia Awards Scholarship?
Yes. Most applicants must provide a valid IELTS, TOEFL, or PTEscore that meets DFAT’s minimum requirement. Some applicants may receive English language training support if scores are slightly below.
- How old do you have to be to get the Australia Awards?
There is no specific age limit, but applicants must meet work and academic requirements. In practice, most awardees are mid-career professionals (25–40 years old).
- What is the acceptance rate for the Australia Awards Scholarship?
Exact rates vary by country, but it is highly selective. On average, fewer than 5–10% of applicantsare awarded each year, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in Australia.
