Studying in Australia has always been a dream for many international students, but let’s be honest—the cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel can be overwhelming. When I started exploring options for studying abroad, I realized scholarships could make a huge difference. That’s when I discovered that Australia offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, from fully funded government programs to university-specific grants.
If you’ve been wondering how to get a scholarship to study in Australia, you’re not alone. According to the Australian Department of Education, international students contribute over AUD 40 billion to the economy, making education a significant part of Australia’s global influence. As a result, the government, universities, and private organizations offer numerous scholarships to attract bright students worldwide.
So, how can you secure a scholarship in Australia as an international student? Let’s break it down step by step.
Can International Students Get Full Scholarships in Australia?
Yes! International students can receive full scholarships to study in Australia, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills, financial need, or field of study.
Types of Scholarships for International Students in Australia
- Government-Funded Scholarships – Offered by the Australian Government to support international students.
- University Scholarships – Provided by individual universities to attract talented students.
- Private and Organization Scholarships – Sponsored by NGOs, businesses, and foundations.
- Research Scholarships – Specifically for postgraduate students conducting research in Australia.
💡 Tip: Many scholarships are highly competitive, so make sure to start your application early and submit a strong personal statement.
What is the Australian Scholarship for African Students?
Australia offers several scholarships specifically for African students, aimed at supporting educational and leadership development.
Top Australian Scholarships for African Students
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Funded by the Australian Government, this scholarship provides full tuition, travel expenses, and living allowances.
- Available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students from Africa.
- Covers fields like engineering, agriculture, public policy, and health sciences.
- More details here.
- Destination Australia Scholarship
- Supports students studying in regional Australia.
- Provides up to AUD 15,000 per year.
- Check eligibility.
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
- Ideal for African postgraduate students pursuing research-based degrees.
- Covers tuition fees and provides an annual stipend of approximately AUD 32,000.
- University-Specific Scholarships
- University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships – Covers tuition and living allowances for master’s and PhD students.
- Macquarie University Africa Development Scholarship – Partial scholarships for African students pursuing master’s degrees.
💡 Tip: Many scholarships prioritize applicants with leadership potential or a clear plan for contributing to their home country after graduation.
How to Get Sponsorship to Study in Australia
Securing sponsorship for your studies in Australia can significantly ease the financial burden of tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Sponsorship opportunities come from government programs, universities, corporations, and NGOs, but the application process is highly competitive. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you increase your chances of securing sponsorship.
Step #1: Identify Your Sponsorship Source
Sponsorships come from different organizations, and knowing where to look is the first crucial step.
✔ Government Sponsorships
The Australian Government offers fully-funded scholarships to international students from developing countries through programs like:
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Covers full tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- Available for undergraduate and postgraduate students from eligible countries.
- Prioritizes students in fields like agriculture, public policy, health, and engineering.
- More details here.
- Destination Australia Program
- Offers up to AUD 15,000 per year for students studying in regional Australia.
- Supports students pursuing higher education and vocational training.
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
- Fully funds master’s and PhD students engaged in research at Australian universities.
- Provides tuition waivers, an annual stipend of around AUD 32,000, and health insurance.
💡 Tip: Government sponsorships are highly competitive, and preference is often given to students who can demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
✔ University Sponsorships
Many Australian universities provide partial or full sponsorships to attract talented international students. Some of the most popular include:
- University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships – Covers tuition and living allowances for master’s and PhD students.
- Monash International Leadership Scholarship – Full tuition coverage for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Macquarie University International Scholarships – Up to AUD 10,000 towards tuition fees.
- Australian National University (ANU) Chancellor’s Scholarship – Covers 25% to 50% of tuition fees.
Each university has its eligibility criteria, so it’s essential to check their official websites regularly for updates.
💡 Tip: Some university sponsorships automatically consider students upon admission, while others require separate applications.
✔ Corporate Sponsorships
Some multinational companies and industries offer sponsorships, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), business, and healthcare. These include:
- Google Australia Scholarship – For international students studying computer science, AI, or engineering.
- BHP Future Talent Program – Offers financial aid to students in mining, engineering, and environmental sciences.
- Commonwealth Bank Australia Scholarships – Supports business, finance, and technology students.
💡 Tip: Some corporate sponsorships require students to work for the company after graduation, so read the terms carefully.
✔ NGO and Foundation Sponsorships
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and international foundations sponsor students from developing countries who demonstrate leadership and social impact. Examples include:
- Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships – Funds graduate-level studies related to development, peace, and health.
- MasterCard Foundation Scholarships – Available for students from Africa studying at selected Australian universities.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships – Offers full sponsorship for students pursuing postgraduate studies.
💡 Tip: NGO sponsorships usually focus on students committed to social change and development, so highlighting community service experience can boost your chances.
Step #2: Prepare a Strong Application
Once you identify suitable sponsorship opportunities, the next step is creating a compelling application. Here’s how to stand out:
✔ Write a Compelling Personal Statement
A strong personal statement is your chance to convince sponsors why you deserve financial support. Make sure to:
- Highlight your academic achievements and leadership roles.
- Explain your career goals and how studying in Australia aligns with them.
- Demonstrate how the scholarship will help you make a positive impact in your home country.
✔ Get Strong Recommendation Letters
Most sponsorship programs require letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or community leaders. Ensure your recommenders:
- Know you well and can speak about your strengths.
- Highlight your academic, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
- Explain why you are a good fit for the sponsorship program.
✔ Demonstrate Financial Need (If Required)
Some sponsors prioritize students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. If required:
- Provide bank statements or financial declarations proving your need for support.
- Highlight any challenges you’ve faced in funding your education.
💡 Tip: Some sponsorships are purely merit-based, while others consider financial need, so read the eligibility criteria carefully.
Step #3: Search for Opportunities Early
The best time to apply for sponsorship is 6–12 months before your intended start date. To stay ahead:
- Regularly check scholarship databases, such as:
- Australia Awards.
- Study in Australia Scholarship Portal.
- Individual university websites.
- Subscribe to newsletters and alerts for scholarship updates.
- Follow corporate sponsorship programs on LinkedIn and company websites.
💡 Tip: Start your application early to allow time for revisions and corrections.
Step #4: Submit and Follow Up
Once you submit your sponsorship application:
- Double-check all documents for errors or missing information.
- Track deadlines to ensure you don’t miss any requirements.
- Follow up with sponsors if you don’t hear back within the specified timeframe.
Which Universities in Australia Offer Scholarships for International Students?
Australia is home to world-class universities that offer generous scholarships to international students. These scholarships help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs, making studying in Australia more affordable.
Top Australian Universities Offering Scholarships for International Students
#1. University of Sydney Scholarships
The University of Sydney is one of Australia’s leading institutions, offering a wide range of scholarships for international students.
- Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- Awarded to high-achieving students based on academic excellence.
- Scholarship value ranges from AUD 5,000 to AUD 40,000.
- Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
- No separate application is required—students are automatically considered when they apply for admission.
- Apply here.
- Sydney Scholars Awards
- Provides AUD 6,000 per year for undergraduate students.
- Open to high-performing international students who demonstrate leadership potential and community engagement.
- Applications open in April each year for students enrolling in the following academic year.
#2. University of Melbourne Scholarships
The University of Melbourne is known for its prestigious scholarships available for international students across different levels of study.
- Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarships
- Covers full tuition or provides a partial tuition discount of up to AUD 56,000.
- Awarded based on academic merit—no separate application is needed.
- Open to international students from all countries except Australia and New Zealand.
- Learn more.
- Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
- Available for master’s and PhD students.
- Includes full tuition coverage, a living stipend of AUD 32,400 per year, and health insurance.
- Applicants must have strong academic achievements and research potential.
- Humanitarian Access Scholarship
- Covers full tuition and living expenses for students from refugee backgrounds.
💡 Tip: The University of Melbourne automatically considers students for many scholarships when they apply for admission.
#3. Australian National University (ANU) Scholarships
ANU is ranked among the top universities in the world and offers competitive scholarships for international students.
- ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- Covers 25% to 50% of tuition fees.
- Available for undergraduate and postgraduate students across all disciplines.
- Scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence.
- Check details.
- ANU College of Business and Economics International Merit Scholarship
- Provides tuition discounts for high-achieving students in business, economics, and finance programs.
- Open to international students who have secured an unconditional offer from ANU.
#4. Monash University Scholarships
Monash University offers fully funded and partial scholarships for international students.
- Monash International Leadership Scholarship
- Covers 100% of tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Requires students to demonstrate leadership qualities and strong academic performance.
- Students must submit a separate scholarship application along with their admission.
- Apply here.
- Monash International Merit Scholarship
- Awards AUD 10,000 per year to high-achieving students.
- Requires strong academic performance and active participation in Monash’s student ambassador program.
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
- Available for PhD and master’s by research students.
- Provides a tuition waiver, living allowance of AUD 32,000 per year, and health coverage.
#5. Macquarie University Scholarships
Macquarie University is known for offering generous financial aid to international students.
- Macquarie University International Scholarships
- Provides up to AUD 10,000 towards tuition fees.
- Open to students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
- Students must have an offer letter from Macquarie University before applying.
- More info.
- Macquarie Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- A merit-based scholarship that covers a significant portion of tuition fees.
- Available for students with strong academic achievements and leadership experience.
- Africa Development Scholarship
- Specifically for African students pursuing a master’s degree.
- Covers a partial tuition waiver and is awarded based on academic performance.
Other Universities Offering Scholarships for International Students in Australia
In addition to the universities above, many other institutions offer scholarships to international students, including:
- University of Queensland (UQ) Scholarships – Offers academic excellence and international student scholarships covering up to 100% tuition.
- University of Western Australia (UWA) Scholarships – Provides AUD 15,000 per year for high-achieving students.
- University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarships – Covers 50% of tuition fees for outstanding students.
- Griffith University International Scholarships – Offers partial tuition waivers for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
💡 Tip: Many Australian universities automatically consider international students for scholarships when they apply for admission, so make sure to apply early and submit strong academic records.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, international students can get full scholarships in Australia, covering tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- African students have access to exclusive scholarships such as Australia Awards and Destination Australia.
- Sponsorship opportunities exist through governments, universities, corporations, and NGOs.
- Almost all major Australian universities offer scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- A strong application, leadership potential, and excellent academic performance significantly boost scholarship chances.
Conclusion
Securing an Australian scholarship as an international student is possible, but it requires planning, research, and a strong application. Whether you’re an undergraduate looking for full funding, a master’s student seeking partial tuition coverage, or a researcher applying for postgraduate scholarships, there are plenty of opportunities available.
By exploring government programs, university scholarships, and private funding sources, you can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
Are you ready to apply for an Australian scholarship? What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing? Let’s discuss it!
