Scholarships for International Students in Australia
The Australian Government, educational institutions and a number of other organisations provide a large number of scholarships for international students wanting to study in Australia.
Many scholarship awards are aimed at postgraduate and Doctorate courses. This means that there are a limited number of scholarships available for overseas students studying at the undergraduate level and competition for these scholarships is always steep.
Government Scholarships
The Australia Awards (administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade the Department of Education) and Research Training Programs are the most popular options.
Australia Awards Scholarships
- Description: These prestigious scholarships are funded by the Australian government and are available to students from eligible countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be from an eligible country and meet specific academic and professional requirements.
- How to Apply: Applications are made through the Australian government’s official website for Australia Awards.
- More Info: Australia Awards
Research Training Program (RTP)
- Description: The RTP provides funding to support both domestic and international students undertaking higher degree research (HDR) at Australian universities.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance, and travel expenses.
- Eligibility: Open to international students who wish to pursue a postgraduate research degree (PhD or Master’s by research).
- How to Apply: Apply directly through the university where you intend to study, as each university manages its RTP funding.
- More Info: Research Training Program
Endeavour Leadership Program
The Endeavour Leadership Program (ELP) was an Australian Government initiative aimed at supporting two-way mobility for short and long-term study, research, and professional development with Australia’s priority partner countries. However, the Australian Government announced that there would be no further rounds of the Endeavour Leadership Program.
More Info – https://internationaleducation.gov.au/Scholarships/Pages/Endeavour-Leadership-Program.aspx
Australian University Scholarships
Most big universities provide scholarships for undergraduate and post graduate courses. These scholarships vary by amount and courses they are offered for. Its best to check the university websites for these.
University of Melbourne – Melbourne International Scholarships
- Description: Melbourne offers a range of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Coverage: Some scholarships cover full tuition fees, while others offer a partial fee reduction.
- Eligibility: Varies depending on the scholarship. Students must have an offer of admission to a full-time course at the University of Melbourne.
- More Info: Melbourne International Scholarships
Australian National University (ANU) – ANU International Scholarships
- Description: ANU offers several scholarships to support international students with their tuition fees and living expenses.
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fees, and sometimes living expenses.
- Eligibility: The eligibility requirements vary based on the specific scholarship program.
- More Info: ANU International Scholarships
University of Sydney – Sydney Scholars Awards
- Description: The University of Sydney offers scholarships to high-achieving international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition fees, with some offering a stipend for living expenses.
- Eligibility: Available for international students who have received an offer to study at the University of Sydney.
- More Info: Sydney Scholars Awards
University of Queensland (UQ) – UQ International Scholarships
- Description: UQ offers a variety of scholarships to assist international students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fees, and sometimes a living allowance.
- Eligibility: Students must meet UQ’s entry requirements for international students and must apply for scholarships separately.
- More Info: UQ International Scholarships
Monash University – Monash International Merit Scholarships
- Description: Monash University offers merit-based scholarships to high-achieving international students.
- Coverage: Up to AUD 50,000 in tuition fee coverage.
- Eligibility: Available to international students who meet the criteria and are enrolled in a full-time course at Monash University.
- More Info: Monash Scholarships
University of New South Wales (UNSW) – UNSW International Scholarships
- Description: UNSW offers a wide range of scholarships to help international students with tuition fees and living costs.
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fees, and in some cases, living expenses.
- Eligibility: Open to international students who are admitted to UNSW for undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
- More Info: UNSW International Scholarships
University of Western Australia (UWA) – UWA International Scholarships
- Description: UWA provides scholarships for international students based on merit, financial need, and specific areas of study.
- Coverage: Full or partial tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Students must have an offer of admission to a program at UWA.
- More Info: UWA International Scholarships
Students may wish to contact their agent or the institute about other Scholarships and Awards that may be available.
Scholarships in Home Country
Another option might be for them to check in the home country to find out if there are any local sponsorship provided for international studies.
Many countries have agreements with the Australian government or specific universities to offer scholarships to their citizens. These are usually aimed at fostering educational exchanges and are often offered through embassies or cultural organizations. Some examples include:
- Commonwealth Scholarships (for students from the UK)
- Indian Government Scholarships for Indian students (in partnership with the Australian government)
- Chinese Government Scholarships (for Chinese students)
- Brazilian Government Scholarships for Brazilian students
- Mexican Government Scholarships for Mexican students
In these cases, students typically apply through their own country’s government or educational institutions, which then facilitate applications to Australian universities or the Australian government.
How to Find Scholarships
- University Websites: Start by visiting the scholarship or international student sections of the websites of universities you’re interested in. They often list available scholarships, deadlines, and application requirements.
- Scholarships Australia: This website is a comprehensive resource listing scholarships available to international students in Australia.
- Embassies and Consulates: Check with your country’s embassy or consulate in Australia or the Australian embassy in your home country for scholarship opportunities.
Part Time Work while Studying
Working part-time while studying in Australia can be a great way to gain work experience, earn extra income, and enhance your skills.
International students on a student visa (subclass 500) and some other Visa Types are allowed to work a certain number of hours per fortnight during the academic term.
To work in Australia, you’ll need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).