Top scholarships for international students in Australia

Australia remains a leading destination for international students, known for its globally recognised qualifications, high-quality education, and strong post-study career opportunities.

Choosing the right course is an important step toward achieving your study and career goals. Scholarships can support your study plans further

By significantly reducing your costs, they can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs, allowing you to focus on your academic success and future career.

Australia offers a wide range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships provided by the government, universities, and private organisations. Here’s a detailed look at the top scholarships you should consider.

1. Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS)

The Australia Awards Scholarship is among the most prestigious government-funded scholarships available to international students.

Key features:

• Fully funded by the Australian Government

• Covers full tuition fees, return airfare, basic living expenses, and health insurance

• Available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs

• Focus on students from developing countries

This scholarship aims to develop future global leaders and strengthen international partnerships, with a strong emphasis on leadership and development impact. Those accepting the award are required to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship.

2. Research Training Program (RTP)

The Research Training Program (RTP) is another flagship initiative by the Australian Government, designed specifically for research students.

Key benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Annual stipend to assist students with their living costs while undertaking a higher degree by research

• Additional allowances for related costs like relocation, research, health insurance, etc.

RTP scholarships are offered through universities such as the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and Monash University. They are highly competitive and primarily available for Master’s by Research and PhD programs.

3. Destination Australia Scholarship

The Destination Australia Scholarship encourages students to study in regional areas of Australia.

Highlights:

• Up to AUD 15,000 per year

• For those pursuing Certificate IV to Doctorate level qualifications at an eligible tertiary education provider in a regional campus.

• Offered by regional universities

This scholarship not only reduces costs but also provides students with a unique opportunity to experience life outside major cities while improving employability prospects.

4. University of Sydney International Scholarship

The University of Sydney International Scholarship is one of the top university-specific awards for research students.

Key features:

• Available for international postgraduate research students

• Annual value of up to AUD 40,109

Eligibility:

• Outstanding academic record

• Admission into a research-based program

This scholarship is ideal for students pursuing advanced research degrees and looking for comprehensive financial support.

5. Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS)

Offered by the University of Melbourne, the Melbourne Research Scholarship is highly sought after. You don't need to submit a separate application for this scholarship as you'll be considered automatically as part of your course application.

Key features:

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Stipend up to AUD 138,000

• Relocation grant

• Students enrolled in a graduate research degree.

This scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and research potential and is open to both domestic and international students.

6. Monash University Scholarships

Monash University offers several scholarships for international students designed to reward academic excellence and support high-achieving students. [LA3]

a. Monash International Merit Scholarship

• AUD 15,000 per year (from 2026) until the minimum number of points for your degree is completed.

• International students with an undergraduate course offer (no conditions) from Monash will automatically be considered.

b. Monash International Leadership Scholarship

• International students with an undergraduate course offer (no conditions) from Monash will automatically be considered.

• 100% tuition sponsorship for the duration of the degree.

• Opportunity to develop learning and leadership skills as an ambassador for Monash University.

c. Monash International Tuition Scholarship

• International students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Master's degrees at Monash.

• Covers course tuition fees and a single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy.

7. Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

The Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most competitive merit-based awards.

Key benefits:

• 50% to 100% tuition fee waiver

• Participation in the Vice-Chancellor's Professional Excellence Program.

• Priority access to campus accommodation (at own cost and subject to availability)

• Available for normal course duration

This scholarship recognises students with exceptional academic performance and leadership potential.

8. Griffith Vice Chancellor's International Scholarship

Griffith awards the Vice Chancellor's International Scholarshipto high-achieving students.

Benefits:

• Covers up to 50% of tuition fees

Eligibility:

• Have achieved a minimum GPA of 6.0 or above on a 7-point scale or equivalent in previous studies.

• A full-time student starting in 2026 or 2027.

• Have applied for an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• It is a popular option for international students looking for significant tuition fee reductions.

9. University of Queensland (UQ) Scholarships

The University of Queensland provides multiple scholarship options for international students.

a. Graduate School Scholarships (UQGSS) – includes Research Training Program (RTP)

• Living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax-free (2026 rate)

• Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

• Available for Postgraduate research (HDR) students in all fields of study

• 3.5 years duration with the possibility of 1 extension in line with UQ and RTP Scholarship Policy.

b. UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

• Available for future undergraduate students in all fields of study

• Up to 5 years duration

• This scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and is highly competitive.

10. Other Australian scholarships: Notable mentions

Many other Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students.

Examples include:

• La Trobe Vice Chancellor Scholarship – A reduction of either 50% or 100% off the total course tuition fee for future undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.

• University of Canberra High Achievers Scholarship – up to 20% tuition fee reduction for high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate students.

• Bond University International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship – 50% tuition reduction for any single or approved combined undergraduate degree (excluding the Bond Medical Program).

• ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship – 25% or 50% tuition fee waiver for the entire study period for students pursuing flexible double degrees, undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, or graduate certificate programs.

• Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor International Excellence Scholarship – 50% tuition fee reduction for commencing students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or graduate diploma degrees.

• Macquarie University Regional Scholarship – AUD 5,000 per year for students pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.