Dreaming of studying in Australia but worried about the cost? Don’t stress – there’s good news! Australia offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, and they’re not just for those who excel academically. Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate, postgraduate or research program, there may be a scholarship that suits your background, goals or field of study.

1. Government-funded scholarships
The Australian government offers generous support to international students through a number of scholarship programs. The most popular include:

Australia Award Scholarships (AAS): These are full scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses and travel expenses. They are mainly for students from developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and aim to develop future leaders.

Destination Australia Program: This supports students who want to study in Australia (away from the big cities). This is perfect if you’re looking for a quality education and a peaceful environment.

Research Training Program (RTP): This scholarship, offered to postgraduate research students, covers tuition fees and includes a stipend for living expenses – ideal for those planning to pursue a postgraduate degree by research or a PhD.

2. University Scholarships
Every major university in Australia offers scholarships specifically for international students. These can be merit-based, need-based or program-specific.

Some examples include:

University of Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship

UNSW International Scholarship

Monash International Merit Scholarship

ANU Global Diversity Scholarship

These scholarships often offer a significant reduction in your tuition fees, and some also offer a living stipend or housing assistance.

? Tip: Always check the university’s official website under the “Fees and Scholarships” section. Some scholarships are automatically considered at the time of admission; others require a separate application.

3. Faculty or Departmental Scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships within specific faculties – for example, scholarships for engineering students, MBA applicants or students in environmental sciences only. These are often less competitive than general university-wide scholarships, so it’s worth researching your field of study in depth.

4. Private and External Scholarships
In addition to government and university scholarships, there are private organizations and foundations that support international education in Australia. These include:

The Fulbright Program (for US students)

Commonwealth Scholarships

Rotary International Scholarships

You can also explore scholarships offered by local governments, international NGOs and industry-based sponsors.

Australia loves bright, motivated students from around the world – and scholarships are a big part of making that happen. Whether you’re aiming for full funding or a partial tuition break, there’s something for almost everyone.