Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships 2026, a fully funded opportunity to study in Australia with tuition, flights, stipend, and health cover included.
Overview of Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious fully funded international scholarships administered by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). These long-term awards aim to support students from developing countries, especially across the Indo-Pacific region, by providing access to world-class education in Australia.
The program enables talented individuals to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The goal is simple yet impactful: develop future leaders who can contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries after graduation.
If you want to secure your future through international education, this is a fully funded opportunity you should not miss.
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Details of the Scholarship Program
- Program Name: Australia Awards Scholarships
- Host Country: Australia
- Administered By: Australian Government – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
- Study Level:
- Undergraduate programs (limited countries)
- Master’s degrees (most common)
- Selected Postgraduate research programs
Australia Awards Scholarships Participating Institutions List
Here is the list of Australia Awards Scholarships Participating Institutions, expanded to include all major approved Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes typically participating under Australia Awards programs.
Important: Australia Awards does not publish a single fixed university list because eligibility varies by country profile and priority fields. However, the institutions below represent the officially eligible and commonly approved Australian higher education providers used across Australia Awards intakes.
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Australian Universities (Higher Education Institutions)
| Institution Name | Type | Location (Australia) |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide University* | Public University | South Australia |
| Australian Catholic University | Public University | Multiple Campuses |
| Bond University | Private University | Queensland |
| Central Queensland University | Public University | Queensland |
| Charles Darwin University | Public University | Northern Territory |
| Charles Sturt University | Public University | New South Wales |
| Curtin University of Technology (Curtin University) | Public University | Western Australia |
| Deakin University | Public University | Victoria |
| Edith Cowan University | Public University | Western Australia |
| Federation University | Public University | Victoria |
| Flinders University | Public University | South Australia |
| Griffith University | Public University | Queensland |
| James Cook University | Public University | Queensland |
| La Trobe University | Public University | Victoria |
| Macquarie University | Public University | New South Wales |
| Monash University | Public Research University | Victoria |
| Murdoch University | Public University | Western Australia |
| Queensland University of Technology | Public University | Queensland |
| RMIT University | Public University | Victoria |
| Southern Cross University | Public University | NSW / Queensland |
| Swinburne University of Technology | Public University | Victoria |
| The Australian National University | Public Research University | ACT |
| The University of Melbourne | Public Research University | Victoria |
| The University of New England | Public University | New South Wales |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Public Research University | New South Wales |
| The University of Newcastle | Public University | New South Wales |
| The University of Queensland | Public Research University | Queensland |
| The University of Sydney | Public Research University | New South Wales |
| The University of Western Australia | Public Research University | Western Australia |
| University of Ballarat (Federation University Australia) | Public University | Victoria |
| University of Canberra | Public University | ACT |
| University of Southern Queensland | Public University | Queensland |
| University of the Sunshine Coast | Public University | Queensland |
| University of Tasmania (including Australian Maritime College) | Public University | Tasmania |
| University of Technology Sydney | Public University | New South Wales |
| University of Wollongong | Public University | New South Wales |
| Victoria University | Public University | Victoria |
| Western Sydney University | Public University | New South Wales |
Adelaide University refers to institutional restructuring involving University of Adelaide partnerships (availability depends on intake).
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Technical and Further Education (TAFE) & Specialized Institutes
TAFE institutions deliver practical, skills-based and vocational qualifications supported under Australia Awards in selected countries.
| Institution Name | Type | Location (Australia) |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Australia | Aviation Training Institute | Queensland |
| Box Hill Institute of TAFE | TAFE Institute | Victoria |
| Canberra Institute of Technology | TAFE Institute | ACT |
| Chisholm Institute of TAFE | TAFE Institute | Victoria |
| Holmesglen Institute of TAFE | TAFE Institute | Victoria |
| Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE (Kangan Institute) | TAFE Institute | Victoria |
| TAFE NSW | State TAFE System | New South Wales |
| TAFE SA | State TAFE System | South Australia |
| William Angliss Institute of TAFE | Specialist TAFE (Hospitality & Tourism) | Victoria |
Important Notes for Applicants
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Not every university is available for every country.
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Eligible institutions depend on:
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Country development priorities
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Approved study fields
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Course availability
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Applicants typically select preferred universities, but final placement may be coordinated through Australia Awards.
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Both academic degrees and TAFE vocational qualifications are eligible under the scholarship.
Application Intake (2026 Cycle for 2027 Study)
- Opening Date: 01 February 2026
- Closing Date: 30 April 2026
Don’t miss this opportunity, applications submitted late are not accepted.
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Eligibility Criteria for Australia Awards Scholarships
Eligibility varies slightly by country, but general requirements include:
- Citizen of an eligible participating country (Pakistan included)
- Must not hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Meet academic entry requirements of chosen university
- Meet English language requirements
- Commit to returning to home country for at least two years after completion
- Demonstrate leadership potential and development impact
- Apply in priority development sectors defined by your country
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Supervisor Requirement
- Coursework Master’s programs: Supervisor NOT required.
- Research degrees (Master by Research / PhD where applicable): Supervisor MAY be required depending on institution rules.
Benefits of Australia Awards Scholarships (Fully Funded)
Australia Awards Scholarships are among the most comprehensive fully funded scholarships in the world.
Successful applicants receive:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy airfare to Australia
- Establishment allowance for accommodation and study materials
- Contribution to Living Expenses (fortnightly stipend)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Introductory Academic Program before studies begin
- Pre-course English training (if required)
- Academic support services
- Fieldwork funding for eligible research programs
This means you can start your journey today without financial stress.
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Duration of the Scholarship
The scholarship covers the minimum time required to complete the academic program:
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3–4 years (where applicable)
- Master’s Degree: 1–2 years
- Research programs: Based on approved duration
Preparatory training and English courses are also included when necessary.
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Australia Scholarships offered Study Tracks and Offered Fields
Priority study areas align with development goals and may vary by country. Common fields include:
| Study Track | Purpose / Focus Area | Offered Study Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Governance, Public Policy and Leadership | Strengthening public institutions, governance systems, and leadership capacity | Public Policy and Administration, Governance and Leadership, International Relations, Public Financial Management, Anti-Corruption Studies, Law and Legal Studies, Human Rights Law, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Public Sector Management, Development Policy |
| Education and Human Development | Improving education quality and human capital development | Education Leadership and Management, Curriculum Development, Teacher Education, Early Childhood Education, Inclusive Education, Educational Psychology, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training), Higher Education Management, Educational Technology |
| Engineering, Infrastructure and Urban Development | Developing sustainable infrastructure and modern urban systems | Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Transport Engineering, Construction Management, Urban and Regional Planning, Infrastructure Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering |
| Climate Change, Environment and Sustainability | Addressing climate challenges and environmental protection | Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Sustainability Studies, Biodiversity Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Disaster Risk Reduction, Marine Science, Forestry Management, Environmental Policy |
| Agriculture and Food Security | Enhancing agricultural productivity and food sustainability | Agricultural Science, Agribusiness Management, Crop Science, Soil Science, Irrigation Management, Livestock Production, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Food Technology, Rural Development, Sustainable Agriculture |
| Health and Public Health | Strengthening healthcare systems and public health outcomes | Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Nursing (selected programs), Global Health, Nutrition and Dietetics, Maternal and Child Health, Health Systems Strengthening, Disease Prevention and Control, Health Promotion |
| Economics, Trade and Development | Supporting economic growth and policy development | Economics, Development Economics, International Trade, Finance and Banking, Economic Policy, Statistics and Data Analytics, Development Studies, Business Administration (development-focused), Project Management |
| Gender Equality and Social Inclusion | Promoting inclusive societies and equal opportunities | Gender Studies, Social Policy, Community Development, Social Work, Disability Studies, Humanitarian Studies, Migration Studies, Social Justice and Inclusion, Youth Development |
| Information Technology and Digital Transformation | Advancing digital innovation and technological capacity | Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Digital Governance, ICT for Development |
| Water Resources and Energy Management | Improving water security and sustainable energy systems | Water Resource Management, Hydrology, Water Engineering, Sanitation and Wastewater Management, Integrated Water Management, Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Systems, Environmental Engineering |
Application Tip: Applicants should select programs aligned with their country’s development priorities, as this significantly strengthens Australia Awards Scholarship selection chances.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport or national ID
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement
- Development impact statement
- English proficiency test results (if required)
- Referee reports (if applicable)
- Supporting country-specific documents
Important: AI tools may only be used for spelling or grammar checks. Applications must reflect your own original work.
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Application Process for Australia Awards Scholarships
Step 1: Check Country Profile
Review eligibility rules, priority fields, and application requirements for your country.
Step 2: Read Policy Handbook
Understand scholarship conditions, benefits, and responsibilities.
Step 3: Apply Online (OASIS Portal)
- Register and receive login credentials.
- Complete eligibility questions.
- Upload documents.
- Save drafts until submission deadline.
Step 4: Submit Before Deadline
Applications cannot be edited after submission.
Step 5: Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates may undergo:
- Interviews
- Academic verification
- Final selection review
Apply now and secure your future with a globally recognized qualification.
Australia Awards Participating Countries, Deadlines & Contacts (2026–2027 Intake)
Application Window (Most Countries):
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Opening: 1 February 2026 (09:00 AEDT)
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Closing: 30 April 2026 (14:00 AEST)
(Except Palau, different deadline)
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Africa Region
Eligible Countries (Single Program Contact)
Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
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Opening Date: 1 February 2026
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Closing Date: 30 April 2026
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Contact Email: enquiries@australiaawardsafrica.org
Asia Region
Pacific Region
| Country | Opening Date | Closing Date | Contact Email |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federated States of Micronesia | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | australiaawards.fsm@dfat.gov.au |
| French Polynesia | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | scholarshipsfpc@dfat.gov.au |
| Fiji | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | australiaawards@fpsp.org.fj |
| Kiribati | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | TarawaScholarships@dfat.gov.au |
| New Caledonia | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | scholarshipsfpc@dfat.gov.au |
| Niue | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | ahcniue@dfat.gov.au |
| Papua New Guinea | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | scholarships@australiaawardspng.org |
| Republic of the Marshall Islands | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | majuro.embassy@dfat.gov.au |
| Samoa | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | Apia.Scholarships@dfat.gov.au |
| Solomon Islands | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | enquiries@australiaawardssolomonislands.org.sb |
| Timor-Leste | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | scholarships@australiaawardstl.org |
| Tonga | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | australiascholarships@dfat.gov.au |
| Tuvalu | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | ahc.funafuti@dfat.gov.au |
| Vanuatu | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | info@australiaawardsvanuatu.org |
| Wallis and Futuna | 1 Feb 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | scholarshipsfpc@dfat.gov.au |
Also Apply For: Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
Special Deadline Country
| Country | Opening Date | Closing Date | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palau | 30 March 2026 | 30 June 2026 | palau.projects@dfat.gov.au |
IELTS Requirements for Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships require applicants to demonstrate academic English language proficiency before starting studies in Australia.
Minimum IELTS Score (Official Requirement)
Applicants must meet ONE of the following English test standards:
| Test Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | Minimum 84 overall, at least 21 in each section |
| PTE Academic | Overall 58, with no communicative skill below 50 |
These scores are mandatory and non-negotiable under Australia Awards policy.
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IELTS Validity Requirement
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Test results must be valid on 1 January of the year you start study.
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IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE results remain valid for 2 years from the test date.
Can You Apply Without IELTS?
Yes, in some cases, IELTS may not be required initially, but English proficiency is still mandatory. You may be exempt if:
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English is your first language, OR
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Your previous education was completed entirely in English and accepted by the university.
However:
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Many Australian universities still request proof of English proficiency.
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If the university requires IELTS, you must provide it before course commencement.
Lower IELTS Scores (Special Cases)
Some country programs allow flexibility for:
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Women applicants
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Persons with disabilities
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Applicants from priority or disadvantaged regions
Typical concession:
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IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.0–5.5 bands depending on country). But selected candidates must later meet university admission requirements.
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Pre-Course English Training
If your score is slightly below requirement, Australia Awards may provide Pre-Course English (PCE) training funded by the scholarship. Eligible if you are approximately:
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Within 0.5 IELTS band of the required score.
This English training can be conducted:
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In your home country, or
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In Australia before degree commencement.
Important Rule About Universities
If your chosen Australian university requires a higher IELTS score than 6.5:
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You must meet the higher university requirement, not just the scholarship minimum.
Alternative Opportunities Without IELTS
If you do not currently meet the IELTS requirement, you can still explore several scholarships without IELTS available in countries such as Germany, Turkey, China, Malaysia, Italy, and Canada. Many universities including the University of Bologna, Sabancı University, University of Malaya, and selected German public universities accept alternative English proof like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. Popular fully funded programs such as the Türkiye Burslari Scholarship, Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), DAAD Scholarships, and some European master’s programs offer flexible language pathways or preparatory courses. These opportunities allow students to secure their future and start their journey today while preparing for competitive programs like Australia Awards. Explore list of Scholarships Without IELTS to find the best options and application strategies.
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Why You Should Apply?
Australia Awards Scholarships provide more than education, they build global leaders. With full financial coverage, international exposure, and access to top Australian universities, this program opens doors to career growth and national impact.
If you are passionate about creating change and advancing your professional skills, don’t miss this opportunity.
Apply now, gain world-class education, and secure your future through one of the most competitive fully funded scholarships available today.