International Scholarships in Australia (for 2026 intakes)

Looking for scholarships for your bachelor’s? Or maybe funding for your Master’s research or PhD? 

If you’ve been on a rabbit hole on the internet looking for scholarships and found none, this page will save you.

Contrary to popular belief, there are, in fact, many scholarship options for international students in Australia. 

This guide will focus on scholarships offered by universities. Below, you’ll find an in-depth list and description of each.

Here are the different types of scholarships you can apply for if you are an international student in Australia:

This guide focuses on university scholarships you can apply for. 

This table outlines institutions in Australia that offer specific tuition fee reductions or grants for international students who have previously graduated from the same institution.

Below, you’ll find other university-specific scholarships that you can apply for if you are an incoming student for intake dates: 2026 onwards. 

ANU Vice-Chancellor’s International Achievement Award

Notes:

• Available to international students from: China (including Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR), Japan, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

• Open to undergraduate, honours, flexible double degrees, graduate certificates, master’s degrees, and postgraduate coursework programmes.

• No separate scholarship application is required. Eligible students are automatically assessed when applying for admission.

Ask about this scholarship

ANU International Achievement Award

Notes:

• Available to international students who are not eligible for the ANU Vice-Chancellor’s International Achievement Award.

• Open to undergraduate, honours, flexible double degrees, graduate certificates, master’s degrees, and postgraduate coursework programmes.

• Scholarship value varies by region and level. 

Ask about this scholarship

Deakin University 

Victoria University 

Note: This scholarship is only for full-fee paying international students starting a Master's by Research or PhD at VU in 2026, and you can’t combine it with other tuition scholarships or defer it without reassessment. 

If you change courses, delay your start, or fall behind on fees or visa conditions, you could lose the award entirely. With the scholarship granted at VU’s sole discretion and no right of appeal if withdrawn, it’s vital to understand the fine print.

Scholarship terms can be tough to navigate. IDP can help you check if you qualify and guide you through the application process so you don’t risk missing out on this opportunity.

RMIT University 

La Trobe University

The application process varies per university. Here are the two ways you can be considered: 

No Application Needed – Automatic Consideration

At many Australian universities, you don’t need to apply separately for certain scholarships. Once you submit your application for admission, the university will automatically check if you meet the criteria for available awards. 

These are often academic merit scholarships, where your grades, English test scores, or qualifications are assessed at the same time as your course application. 

If you’re eligible, the scholarship details will usually be included in your Letter of Offer.

Submitting an Application

Other scholarships do require a separate application. These usually involve:

1. Checking eligibility – Read the conditions carefully (e.g., citizenship, course type, GPA, or English requirements).

2. Preparing documents – You may need to submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, references, or proof of achievements.

3. Submitting an application form – This is often through the university’s online portal or scholarship office, by a strict deadline.

4. Awaiting results – Some scholarships are decided quickly, while others may involve interviews or longer assessments.

Important to Know

• Deadlines vary – Some scholarships close months before the semester starts.

• Restrictions apply – Certain programs (like Medicine or Nursing) may not be covered.

• Scholarships are competitive – Meeting the minimum criteria doesn’t guarantee an award.

You can get scholarships in Australia by applying directly through your chosen university, government-funded programs, or private organisations.

Many universities also offer merit-based or regional scholarships for international students.  

Yes, international students can get full scholarships in Australia. Australia Awards Scholarships, for example, cover full tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.

Each year, more than 1000 students receive the Australia Awards Scholarships. 

In 2023, here are some of the recipients of the Australia Awards Scholarships:

• 31 students from Pakistan

• 21 students from Nepal

• 59 students from the Philippines

Some universities also offer full scholarships, such as the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship from Deakin University.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the full scholarships in Australia:

Australia Awards Scholarships

These scholarships are funded by the Australian Government for students from developing countries, especially in the Indo-Pacific. They aim to help students build skills and knowledge that contribute to development back home.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Return economy airfare to and from Australia

• Establishment allowance for accommodation, textbooks, and study materials

• Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) paid fortnightly

• Introductory Academic Program (IAP) before studies begin

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the award holder

• Pre-course English (if required)

• Academic support services

• Fieldwork allowance for eligible research students

Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Awarded to high-achieving international students with at least an 85% average, this scholarship recognises academic excellence and leadership potential.

Benefits:

• 100% or 50% of tuition fees (depending on outcome)

• Participation in the Vice-Chancellor's Professional Excellence Program (VCPEP)

• Priority access to on-campus accommodation (at own cost, subject to availability)

• Available for the full duration of the degree

Melbourne Research Scholarship

A competitive research scholarship for outstanding international students undertaking a Master’s by Research or Doctoral degree at the University of Melbourne.

Benefits:

• Full fee offset (up to 2 years for Masters, 4 years for Doctoral)

• Fortnightly stipend of AUD $38,500 per year (2025 rate)

• Relocation allowance ($2,000 from within Australia, $3,000 from overseas)

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students on a student visa

• Paid sick, parental, and partner leave (within stipend duration)

Sources: Melbourne Research Scholarship, Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, Australia Awards Scholarships; Year in Review 2023 Australia Awards - Pakistan; Australia Awards Nepal, The Daily Tribune

Enquire about full scholarship opportunities

Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming because every university has different rules, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. 

Many international students unintentionally lose these opportunities because they applied too late, didn’t submit the right documents, or simply didn’t know they were qualified.

That’s where IDP can make a difference. 

When you enrol with us, we can help you:

• Check which scholarships you can apply for (in the university you’re enrolling to). 

• Guide you through applications and required documents.

• Ensure you never miss a critical deadline.

• Find scholarships by state

• Scholarships in Western Australia for International Students

• Scholarships in Victoria for International Students

• Scholarships in NSW for International Students

• Scholarships in Queensland for International Students

• Scholarships In NT

Looking for a specific scholarship by university or study level?

Use IDP's Find a Scholarship Tool