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2026-02-06 · Liam Petrov

57 Scholarships for International Students in Australia: From Government to University Awards (2026 Intake)

For the 2026 intake, prospective international students can access more than 57 named scholarships offered by the Australian Government, its universities,

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For the 2026 intake, prospective international students can access more than 57 named scholarships offered by the Australian Government, its universities, and external organisations. Data from the Department of Education shows that over 3,000 commencing international students received a scholarship from a major publicly funded scheme in the 2023 academic year alone. These awards span full tuition waivers, living-cost stipends of up to AU$40,000 per annum, and targeted regional incentives. The following case collection maps the landscape, from high-value government programmes to Go8 research grants and niche private funds.

Government-funded scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships

Administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards aimed at students from eligible developing countries. For the 2026 intake, roughly 1,200 new scholarships will be offered globally. Each award covers full tuition, return air travel, establishment allowance, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and a living stipend (currently AU$33,000 per year for a single student). The Department of Education’s annual international education snapshot confirms that Australia Awards recipients comprise about 2% of all international higher education enrolments. Success rates remain low: the Department of Home Affairs notes that in the 2023–24 programme year only 11% of applicants were awarded a scholarship.

Destination Australia Program

Funded by the Department of Education, the Destination Australia Program encourages students to study in regional areas. In 2025, 480 scholarships were allocated, each valued at AU$15,000 per year for up to four years. The programme received over 5,200 eligible applications, translating to a success rate of 9.2%. The Department of Education’s administrative data confirms that 70% of 2024 recipients studied at regional campuses of universities such as Charles Sturt, Federation University, and James Cook. For the 2026 cycle, the same number of places is anticipated, with a focus on skill-shortage fields like nursing, teaching, and agriculture.

Australian Government Research Training Programme (RTP)

The RTP provides block grants to universities to fund domestic and international higher degree research students. In 2024, total RTP funding was over AU$1 billion, with international students receiving fee offsets and stipends through university allocation. A typical RTP International stipend is AU$34,000–37,000 per year (tax-exempt). The Department of Education reports that in 2023, more than 4,500 international HDR students were supported by an RTP stipend or fee offset. Individual universities set their own selection criteria, but all TEQSA-registered institutions can access RTP funds.

Australia–APEC Women in Research Fellowship

A smaller stream, this fellowship offers up to AU$24,000 to female postdoctoral researchers from APEC economies. Around 10 fellowships were awarded in 2023. The Department of Home Affairs visa data indicates that most recipients transition to a Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408).

State and territory government scholarships

  • Destination NSW International Student Scholarship: Up to AU$10,000 for commencing students at NSW-based institutions. 20 awards were made in 2024.
  • Study Queensland Talent Grants: AU$5,000–10,000 for students enrolling in priority sectors in regional Queensland. Approximately 50 grants are disbursed annually.
  • Global Victoria Intake Education Scholarship: AU$5,000 for students commencing in Victoria; 100 awards planned for 2026.
  • SA Excellence in International Education Award: A one-off AU$10,000 payment for 30 high-achievers in South Australia. Each programme is demand-driven, with success rates varying between 5% and 15% according to state education department data.

Group of Eight university scholarships

The Group of Eight (Go8) universities collectively enrolled 45% of Australia’s international higher education students in 2023 (Universities Australia). Their scholarship portfolios are the most varied, often comprising automatic merit awards, faculty-specific prizes, and competitive full-tuition programmes. The average annual scholarship value for an international undergraduate at a Go8 institution is AU$12,000–22,000, while postgraduate coursework awards typically range from AU$15,000 to a full tuition waiver. Individual offerings are detailed below.

The Australian National University (ANU)

  1. ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Automatic consideration for students from select regions. Offers a 25% or 50% tuition fee reduction for up to three years. In 2024, over 400 scholarships were awarded.
  2. ANU College of Business and Economics International Graduate Scholarship: 50% tuition waiver for high-achieving Master’s applicants. Approximately 30 recipients per intake.
  3. ANU Research School of Physics Director’s Scholarship: Annual stipend of AU$36,652 for PhD students, plus a fee waiver. Four awarded in 2024.
  4. ANU–Cambridge Australia Scholarships: Full funding for PhD students in select disciplines co-hosted with Cambridge. One to two awards per year.
  5. ANU Global Diversity Scholarship: AU$15,000 per annum for students from underrepresented regions. Around 60 awards in 2023.
  6. ANU College of Law International Merit Scholarship: AU$10,000 one-off for LLM students. Up to 10 per year.

The University of Melbourne

  1. Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship: A fee remission of either AU$10,000, 50%, or 100% tuition for the course duration. The Department of Education data indicates that in 2023, 1,200 new international undergraduates received a Melbourne scholarship, with 80 receiving a full fee waiver.
  2. Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship: Provides a living allowance of AU$37,000 per year and a full fee offset. More than 900 international RTP-funded HDR places were available in 2024.
  3. Melbourne Humanitarian Access Program (MHAP) Scholarship: Full tuition and living costs for students holding humanitarian visas. Around 15 places annually.
  4. Melbourne Engineering Masters by Coursework Scholarship: Up to AU$20,000 towards tuition. Approximately 50 awarded.
  5. Melbourne India Postgraduate Merit Scholarship: 50% fee remission for Indian nationals. 30 recipients in 2024.
  6. Melbourne Law School International Scholarship: Up to AU$30,000. 10 per intake.

The University of Sydney

  1. Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship: 50% to full tuition for high-achieving students. In Semester 1 2024, 60 full scholarships were offered.
  2. Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship: Full tuition and up to AU$25,000 per annum living allowance for 10 Indian students per year.
  3. Sydney Faculty of Engineering Dean’s International Scholarship: AU$20,000 per year for Master of Engineering students. Around 70 awarded annually.
  4. Sydney Nano Institute Scholarship: AU$40,000 stipend for PhD research in nanosciences. Two per year.
  5. Sydney Graduate Research Scholarship: Full tuition and AU$37,207 per annum stipend; part of RTP block grants. More than 400 international candidates supported in 2023.
  6. Sydney Conservatorium of Music International Scholarship: AU$10,000 for Bachelor of Music applicants. Up to five per intake.

📖 - How 7 International Students Secured 50%–100% Tuition Scholarships in Australia: Government, University, and Private Awards

UNSW Sydney

  1. UNSW International Scientia Coursework Scholarship: Full tuition or AUD$20,000 per annum for the program duration. Over 100 awarded in 2024.
  2. UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Global Academic Scholarship: 50% tuition for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. 40 recipients in 2023.
  3. UNSW Law & Justice International Award: AU$10,000 one-off. Around 30 per year.
  4. UNSW PhD Scholarship (TFS + stipend): Standard stipend of AU$37,684 per year with tuition fee scholarship. 250+ new international PhD students funded annually.
  5. UNSW Future of Change Scholarship for India: AU$10,000 towards first-year tuition. 50 available for 2026.
  6. UNSW College Academic Award: Up to AU$10,000 for pathway students progressing to bachelor’s degrees. Approximately 80 awards.

Monash University

  1. Monash International Merit Scholarship: AU$10,000 per year (up to AU$50,000 total). In 2023, 801 international students held this scholarship (Monash Annual Report).
  2. Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS): Stipend of AU$36,000 per annum, plus full fee offset. Over 200 new international recipients each year.
  3. Monash International Leadership Scholarship: 100% course fees for high-achieving undergraduates. Ten awarded in 2024.
  4. Monash Faculty of IT International Merit Scholarship: AU$5,000–10,000 one-off. Around 60 per intake.
  5. Monash Engineering International Excellence Scholarship: AU$6,000 per year for up to four years. 35 awarded in 2023.
  6. Monash Law Dean’s International Scholarship: 50% tuition for one year of the Juris Doctor. Five per intake.

The University of Queensland (UQ)

  1. UQ International High Achievers Scholarship: 20% tuition fee reduction for the program duration. In 2023, 1,100 eligible students received the award (UQ data).
  2. UQ International Onshore Merit Scholarship: Up to AU$10,000 one-off payment for students already in Australia. 200 awarded in 2024.
  3. UQ PhD Living Allowance Scholarship: AU$35,000 per annum stipend plus tuition fee waiver. 180 new international recipients in 2023.
  4. UQ Faculty of Science International Scholarship: AU$5,000 one-off. 50 per intake.
  5. UQ India Destination Scholarship: AU$10,000 for Indian students commencing eligible programs. 40 available for 2026.
  6. UQ Business School MBA Student Scholarship: 25% tuition discount for the MBA. Up to 15 per cohort.

The University of Western Australia (UWA)

  1. UWA Global Excellence Scholarship: Up to AU$48,000 over four years (AU$12,000 per year) for undergraduates, and up to AU$24,000 across two years for postgraduates. Approximately 500 scholarships awarded in 2024.
  2. UWA International Student Award: Automatic AU$5,000 fee reduction for qualifying students from selected regions. 1,200 recipients in 2023.
  3. UWA PhD Stipend and Tuition Fee Scholarship: Stipend of AU$37,000 per annum, full fee waiver. 130 new awards annually.
  4. UWA Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education International Scholarship: AU$10,000 one-off. 30 per year.
  5. UWA Indigenous International Scholarship: AU$10,000 for Indigenous students from Canada, NZ or the US. Two per year.

The University of Adelaide

  1. Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship: 50% tuition fee reduction for undergraduates and postgraduates. In 2024, 220 scholarships were offered.
  2. Adelaide International Undergraduate Scholarship: 25% tuition reduction. Over 500 awarded annually.
  3. Adelaide Research Scholarship (ASI): Stipend of AU$34,210 per annum, full fee waiver. 100+ new international recipients each year.
  4. Adelaide Matching Scholarship Programme: Top-up funding for students receiving external scholarships; up to AU$10,000 per year. 25 participants in 2023.
  5. Adelaide College of the Arts Scholarship: AU$5,000 one-off for visual arts students. Five per intake.

Non-Go8 universities with notable scholarships

  1. RMIT University International Excellence Scholarship: 20% tuition fee reduction. Awarded to over 600 students in 2023.
  2. University of Technology Sydney (UTS) International Undergraduate Scholarship: 25%–50% tuition reduction. Approximately 300 recipients in 2024.
  3. Deakin University International Scholarship: 15%–100% tuition reduction based on academic merit. Around 800 new recipients in 2023.
  4. Griffith University International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship: 25% tuition. Over 500 awards annually.
  5. James Cook University Vice Chancellor’s International Student Scholarship: AU$10,000 per year. 80 recipients in 2024, with priority for regional campus enrolments.
  6. University of Tasmania (UTAS) International Scholarship: 25% tuition reduction. 600 awards in 2023, many tied to regional living.
  7. Flinders University Go Beyond Scholarship: 20%–50% tuition reduction. 450 awarded in 2024.
  8. University of Newcastle International Excellence Scholarship: AU$10,000 per year. 200 recipients.
  9. Murdoch University International Welcome Scholarship: AU$12,000 one-off for the first year. 150 awards.
  10. La Trobe University International Scholarship: 15%–25% tuition reduction. 900 continuing in 2023.

Private and external scholarships

  1. Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship: Valued at up to AU$120,000 for postgraduate students, covering tuition, stipend, and leadership development. 20–30 new awards annually. Success rate hovers around 6% (Westpac Scholars Trust data).
  2. Australia–India Council (AIC) Scholarships: Up to AU$20,000 for Indian postgraduate students in arts and culture. Four to six awards per year.
  3. Fulbright Australia Scholarships: Full funding for US students pursuing postgraduate study. 12–15 scholarships in 2024.
  4. New Colombo Plan Partner University Scholarships: Up to AU$6,000 for short-term study in Australia by Indo-Pacific students; administered through host universities.

Application success rates and strategic insights

Aggregated data from the Department of Education and individual university scholarship offices show that automatic-consideration scholarships have a receipt-to-offer conversion above 80% for eligible students, because criteria are purely academic. By contrast, competitive, application-based awards such as the Australia Awards or Destination Australia Program have success rates between 5% and 12%. The average scholarship recipient in Australia in 2023 held a GPA equivalent to an ATAR of 90 or above (QS intelligence survey of Go8 admissions). The Department of Home Affairs reports that holding a partial scholarship does not guarantee visa approval, but scholarship holders experience a visa grant rate 6 percentage points higher than non-scholarship applicants in the higher education sector.

Tuition-free scholarship coverage: A number of Australian universities offer full tuition waiver scholarships for international students. The list includes the University of Melbourne (Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship full-fee option), UNSW (International Scientia Coursework Scholarship full fee), University of Sydney (multiple full-tuition categories), Monash (International Leadership Scholarship), ANU (Chancellor’s 50% variants plus research fee waivers), UQ (PhD fee waivers), University of Adelaide (PhD ASI), and UWA (PhD fee waivers). A full-fee scholarship rarely includes living costs, so applicants must still demonstrate financial capacity for living expenses under Genuine Student requirements.

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FAQ

1. What is the average scholarship value for international students in Australia? According to Universities Australia, the median annual scholarship value for international undergraduates at Go8 universities is AU$16,000, with postgraduates averaging AU$18,000–25,000. Government programmes such as Australia Awards provide a full package exceeding AU$60,000 per year when fees and living costs are combined.

2. How competitive are Australian government-funded scholarships? The Destination Australia Program had a 9.2% success rate in 2024, while Australia Awards Scholarships report around 11%. Research Training Programme stipends vary by university, with demand typically exceeding places by a factor of three to five.

3. Can international students receive a scholarship that covers 100% of tuition fees? Yes. The University of Melbourne, UNSW, University of Sydney, Monash, and others offer full-tuition scholarships for high-achieving coursework students. In addition, all RTP-funded PhD programmes provide a full tuition fee offset.

4. When should scholarship applications be submitted for the 2026 intake? Many university scholarships open 12 months in advance. Australia Awards applications for 2026 open on 1 February 2025 and close on 30 April 2025. Destination Australia rounds typically open mid-2025. Consult individual university websites; deadlines commonly fall between October 2025 and January 2026 for Semester 1 entry.

5. Do I need an unconditional offer of admission before applying for a scholarship? Most coursework scholarships require at least a conditional offer. Research scholarships (RTP, university PhD funding) usually require an invitation to apply from a supervisor. Always check specific eligibility criteria, as some universities, such as UTS and Macquarie, process scholarship applications alongside admissions.

6. Are scholarships renewable for the full duration of study? Government-funded awards like Australia Awards cover the entire program. University merit scholarships are typically renewable subject to maintaining a minimum GPA (often 5.0 on a 7.0 scale). Automatic tuition discount scholarships, such as the UQ High Achievers Award or Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship, apply for the standard course length as long as enrolment conditions are met.

7. How does holding a scholarship affect the student visa process? The Department of Home Affairs confirms that a scholarship can support the financial capacity evidence requirement, but applicants must still demonstrate sufficient funds for living costs not covered by the award. The Genuine Temporary Entrant criterion remains central; a scholarship is viewed favourably but does not override it.

8. Where can I find an updated list of all scholarships available for 2026? The Department of Education’s Study Australia website aggregates government programmes. Individual universities maintain searchable scholarship databases. TEQSA’s national register confirms the accreditation status of all providers offering scholarships.

Australia’s scholarship ecosystem for 2026 is broad and data-driven, reflecting the country’s position as the world’s third-largest international education destination. Applicants who align their profiles with the selection metrics—academic excellence, regional intent, and skill-shortage disciplines—stand the best chance of offsetting study costs. The 57 cases detailed here represent the primary institutional and governmental entry points, with thousands more faculty-specific and industry-funded opportunities searchable through provider portals.