Are you considering Australia as your study destination but are concerned about the expenses? The Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 are fully funded scholarships for international students to study and undertake undergraduate, master’s, or PhD at any university in Australia. The Australian Government funds these scholarships through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to enable students from the targeted developing countries to achieve their academic dreams and, in the process, enhance their nations’ development.
What Are Australia Awards Scholarships?
The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are long-term scholarships awarded for:
- Provide high-quality education in Australia.
- Further cooperation between Australia and partner countries.
- Assist students from developing countries to gain knowledge and skills to enable them to be positive change agents.
For 2024, DFAT offered 989 scholarships to students from 55 countries and spent more than $250 million on education.
Host Universities
Recipients of the Australia Awards Scholarships can study at leading Australian institutions, including:
- The University of Melbourne
- The Australian National University
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Queensland
- Monash University
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
(see the complete list in the original post).
Scholarship Benefits
The Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Return airfare (economy class)
- Establishment allowance (for textbooks, study materials)
- Living expenses contribution
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Introductory academic program (orientation)
- Fieldwork and research assistance to postgraduate students
This is an opportunity of a lifetime, especially for students who may not be financially able to further their education in other countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Australia Awards Scholarships 2026, you must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country (see list below).
- Apply for a course aligned with your country’s development priorities.
- Meet the academic and English language requirements.
- Commit to returning to your home country after your studies.
Eligible Countries
Africa:
Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and more.
Asia:
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
Pacific:
Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, etc.
Middle East:
Palestinian Territories.
(For a complete list, visit the official website.
How to Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships 2026?
- Make sure that the country you are from is listed and that the requirements for enrollment are met.
- Select a Course & University – Choose a course related to your country’s development needs.
- Certificate & Transcript – Marks sheets, grade sheets, English proficiency test scores, recommendation letters, etc.
- This application will be online through the Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS).
- Submit Before Deadline – The application deadline is the 30th of April 2025.
You should also bear in mind that each country might have its peculiarities, so you should check the official pages of each country.
Selection Process
Applicants are assessed based on:
- Academic merit
- Leadership potential
- Work experience
- To commit to contributing to the home country
The candidates may be interviewed before final selection from the shortlisted candidates.
Key Deadlines
📅 Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
📅 Results Announcement: Varies by country (typically late 2025)
📅 Program Starts: Early 2026
Why Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships?
- World-class education in top-ranked universities.
- Comprehensive – Covers all the aspects related to the given topic.
- Networking opportunities with global leaders.
- Opportunities to advance in careers with an internationally recognized degree.
- Having graduated from the home country, be able to contribute to the development of that country.
Final Thoughts
The Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 is a perfect chance for students from developing countries to study in Australia without worrying about the expenses. If you are among the lucky ones who fulfill the above criteria, it is high time you change your future and contribute to the growth of your home country.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the Official Australia Awards Website for detailed guidelines.
