The best scholarships to study in Australia for international students include Australia Awards Scholarships, Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships, and university-funded awards from institutions such as the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, ANU, and UNSW. Depending on the award, students may receive full or partial tuition support, a living stipend, health insurance, relocation assistance, or other study-related costs. Australia has scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, although eligibility rules differ between programs.
What Are the Best Scholarships to Study in Australia?
There isn’t one scholarship that suits every international student. The right choice depends mainly on your study level, nationality, academic record, course, and whether you’re applying for coursework or research.
For students looking beyond Australia, it’s also useful to compare opportunities by destination. Our guide to Best Countries for Fully Funded Scholarships in 2027 explains which countries offer strong government and university-funded options for international students.
For students from eligible developing countries, Australia Awards Scholarships can be among the most comprehensive options. For research master’s and PhD applicants, the Research Training Program (RTP) is another major option. Universities also offer their own scholarships, ranging from partial tuition reductions to awards covering tuition and living expenses.
| Scholarship | Best for | Main support |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Eligible developing-country students | Tuition, living support and other benefits |
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Research master’s and PhD students | Tuition offset, stipend and allowances |
| Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | Research master’s and PhD | Tuition support and living allowance |
| University of Sydney RTP | Research master’s and PhD | Tuition, stipend and selected allowances |
| ANU RTP Stipend | Higher degree by research | Annual living stipend |
| Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship | Selected master’s students | 20% tuition fee remission |
| UNSW International Scholarships | Undergraduate and postgraduate coursework | Partial or full tuition support depending on award |
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships are Australian Government scholarships administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They support eligible students from developing countries, particularly across the Indo-Pacific, to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian institutions.
The exact benefits and eligible fields depend on the applicant’s country. For example, the Pakistan intake information has included return airfare, full tuition fees, a living contribution, establishment allowance, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), academic support and certain fieldwork costs. Country-specific rules should always be checked before applying.
One important condition is that Australia Awards recipients are generally required to return to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship.
If you’re comparing Australia Awards with other funding opportunities, it helps to understand the wider application process. Our guide on How to Find Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students covers where to search, how to check eligibility, and what documents scholarship providers commonly request.
2. Research Training Program Scholarships
The Research Training Program (RTP) is one of the main scholarship routes for international students pursuing research master’s and doctoral degrees in Australia. The Australian Government provides funding to eligible universities, which then select scholarship recipients themselves.
RTP support can include a tuition fee offset, living stipend and additional allowances. For 2027, the Australian Government lists the full-time base RTP stipend at A$35,550, with a maximum rate of A$55,537. Universities can set their scholarship arrangements within the applicable rules.
International students should remember that RTP applications aren’t submitted to the Department of Education. You apply through the eligible Australian university, and each institution has its own selection process.
3. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
The University of Melbourne offers Graduate Research Scholarships to high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking graduate research. The scholarship can provide full fee remission and a living allowance, depending on the award.
Its Research Training Program Scholarship lists a 2027 living allowance of A$41,100 per year, with support for up to two years for a research master’s or up to 3.5 years for a doctoral degree. Eligible international students can also receive single OSHC and relocation support under the listed conditions.
This makes Melbourne particularly worth considering if you’re applying for a research master’s or PhD and have a strong academic and research background.
4. University of Sydney RTP Scholarships
The University of Sydney offers RTP and equivalent university scholarships to international students undertaking higher degrees through research programs.
For 2027, its RTP Stipend Scholarship lists a A$44,293 annual stipend, along with relocation and thesis allowances. International recipients of the RTP Stipend are also eligible for an RTP Fee Offset covering 100% of tuition fees for up to 14 research periods, subject to the scholarship conditions.
The university uses a competitive selection process, so strong academic results, relevant research experience and a convincing research application can matter greatly.
5. Australian National University RTP Stipend
The Australian National University (ANU) also offers an RTP Stipend Scholarship for eligible higher degrees by research applicants.
ANU lists the 2027 full-time base RTP stipend at A$40,475 per year, paid fortnightly. An important benefit for prospective applicants is that eligible candidates don’t need a separate application for this particular scholarship; they can be considered through the HDR admission process.
If you’re applying for a PhD or research master’s, check the ANU research degree requirements before preparing your scholarship application.
6. Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship
Not every scholarship in Australia is fully funded. The Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship is aimed at selected international students entering master’s coursework programs.
For students commencing from 2027, the scholarship provides a 20% tuition fee remission for the duration of the course. It is intended for students from countries meeting the scholarship’s stated financial criteria and requires an eligible master’s offer.
This type of award can be useful if you have enough funding for living expenses but need help reducing your tuition bill. Students specifically looking for fully funded master’s opportunities can also compare these awards with the options covered in Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for International Students.
7. UNSW Scholarships for International Students
UNSW Sydney offers several scholarships for international undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students. For students commencing Term 1, 2027, the university’s scholarship listings include awards that provide partial tuition assistance and other forms of financial support.
One listed international scholarship has a minimum value of A$5,000 for one year, with applications for the Term 1, 2027 intake opening in July 2026 and closing on 30 October 2026.
UNSW research applicants should look separately at the Graduate Research School because research scholarships follow a different process.
Who Is Eligible for Australian Scholarships?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship rather than Australia having one standard rule for international applicants. Most awards assess some combination of academic performance, course level, nationality, proposed field of study and admission status.
Research scholarships can also consider research experience, publications, referee reports and the quality of the proposed research. The Australian Government confirms that universities can establish their own competitive selection criteria for RTP scholarships.
Before applying, check whether you meet the scholarship’s nationality, degree, academic and English-language requirements. Don’t assume that being eligible for admission automatically means you’re eligible for a scholarship.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Australia
Start by identifying scholarships that match your degree level and nationality. Then check whether the scholarship requires a separate application or automatically considers students who submit an admission application.
For research scholarships, contact the relevant graduate research office and, where required, identify a potential supervisor before preparing your research proposal. Keep your academic transcripts, CV, references, English test results and other supporting documents ready.
A strong application should clearly connect your academic background with the course and explain why your proposed study matters. For highly competitive scholarships, simply meeting the minimum eligibility requirements usually isn’t enough.
Are Fully Funded Scholarships Available in Australia?
Yes. Fully funded scholarships in Australia are available for some international students, but they aren’t available for every course or applicant.
Australia Awards can cover a broad range of study costs for eligible recipients, while RTP and some university research scholarships can combine tuition support with a living stipend and other allowances. The exact package depends on the scholarship and institution.
For coursework students, full funding is less common. Many university scholarships instead provide a percentage reduction in tuition fees, so students may still need to budget for accommodation, food, transport, visa costs and other expenses.
How to Find the Right Australia Scholarship for 2027
The best approach is to compare scholarships based on your actual profile, rather than applying to every award you find. Start with government scholarships available to your country, then check universities offering your chosen degree.
For research applicants, compare the stipend, tuition coverage, scholarship duration, application process and supervisor requirements. Also check whether the scholarship has a separate deadline from the university admission deadline.
Once you’ve secured admission and funding, the next major step is preparing your student visa application. Before submitting it, review Australia Student Visa Requirements so you know what documents, financial evidence, health insurance and other requirements may apply.
For 2027 applicants, it’s worth starting early because some university scholarship deadlines fall months before the academic year begins. The University of Sydney, for example, has separate scholarship submission deadlines for different 2027 research periods.
FAQs About Scholarships to Study in Australia
What is the best scholarship in Australia for international students?
Australia Awards can be one of the strongest options for eligible students from participating developing countries, while RTP and university research scholarships are major choices for international master’s by research and PhD applicants.
Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Australia?
Yes. Some Australian scholarships can cover tuition and provide living support, but eligibility depends on the student’s nationality, degree, field and scholarship requirements.
How much does an Australian scholarship pay?
The amount varies widely. For 2027, the Australian Government’s base RTP stipend is A$35,550, while some universities offer higher institutional stipend rates.
Can I get a scholarship for a master’s degree in Australia?
Yes. International students can find scholarships for both coursework and research master’s degrees. Research master’s applicants may have access to RTP and university research scholarships, while coursework students can apply for institution-specific tuition awards.