What international students need to know about Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), offer long-term study opportunities for people from developing countries, mainly across the Indo-Pacific region. The program aims to support the development priorities agreed between Australia and its partner countries by enabling recipients to pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs at participating universities and TAFE institutions.

The scheme is designed to build skills and knowledge that awardees can use to drive change when they return home. The scholarships cover the minimum time required for the chosen academic program, including any preparatory training.

What the scholarship offers

The scholarship provides full tuition fees and a return economy airfare to and from Australia. Awardees receive an establishment allowance to support initial costs such as accommodation, textbooks and study materials. A Contribution to Living Expenses is paid fortnightly at a rate set by the department. Scholars take part in a compulsory Introductory Academic Program before formal studies begin, which covers essential information on living and studying in Australia.


The award includes Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of the scholarship, except for pre-existing conditions. Pre-course English may be provided if needed, either in-country or in Australia. Additional academic support may also be offered to help students meet course requirements. For research programs or coursework degrees with a compulsory research component, fieldwork support may be available for one return economy airfare.

Conditions awardees must follow

Applicants who accept the scholarship must sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia. Under the terms, scholars must leave Australia for at least two years after completing their studies. If they do not meet this requirement, they will incur a debt equal to the total cost of the scholarship.

How to apply

Information on country eligibility, opening and closing dates, and participating institutions is available through the Australia Awards website. The program also provides frequently asked questions and country-specific guidance.

The Australia Awards Scholarships remain one of Australia’s key people-to-people initiatives, supporting education links and long-term development partnerships across the region.