Australia Awards Scholarships 2026-27| fully funded

Australia Awards Scholarships, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), represent one of the most prestigious and comprehensive international scholarship programs in the Asia Pacific region. Established to promote knowledge sharing, education links, and enduring partnerships between Australia and its neighbors, these scholarships have been transforming lives and building capacity in developing countries for decades. Australia’s world class education system, consistently ranked among the best globally, combines academic rigor with practical, industry-relevant training. With its diverse multicultural society, stunning natural landscapes, innovative research infrastructure, and high quality of life, Australia offers international students an exceptional environment for personal growth, academic achievement, and professional development. Through the Australia Awards, the government invests in developing future leaders who will drive positive change and sustainable development in their home countries.

For the 2026 academic year, Australia Awards Scholarships continue to provide fully funded opportunities for students from eligible developing countries across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at participating Australian universities. These comprehensive scholarships include the flagship Australia Awards Scholarships for long term study programs leading to recognized qualifications; Australia Awards Fellowships for mid-career professionals seeking short-term study and professional development; and various regional and bilateral programs tailored to specific development priorities and country needs. The funding packages cover full tuition fees, return airfares, establishment allowances, living expenses contributions, health insurance coverage, and comprehensive pre-departure and on-arrival orientation programs designed to ensure student success.

For talented and committed individuals from developing countries seeking to make a lasting impact in their communities and nations, Australia Awards Scholarships offer an extraordinary opportunity to gain world-class education, develop professional networks, and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to drive sustainable development and positive social change.

Scholarship Summary

Programs:

1. Australia Awards Scholarships (Long-term)

• Fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Australian universities.
• Monthly living stipend of approximately AUD 3,000-3,500 depending on study location.
• Covers full tuition fees for the duration of the program.
• Return economy airfares for scholarship holder and eligible dependents.
• Establishment allowance (AUD 5,000) and additional academic support where needed.
• Comprehensive pre-departure orientation in home country and on-arrival orientation in Australia.
• Targeted at citizens of eligible countries who will contribute to development priorities upon return.

Also check: DAAD Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Study Programs in Germany

2. Australia Awards Fellowships (Short-term)

• Short-term professional development opportunities for mid to senior-level professionals, officials, and academics.
• Duration of 2 weeks to 6 months for specialized training, study visits, and research.
• Covers course fees, return airfares, accommodation, and daily allowances.
• Focuses on building capacity in priority development sectors.
• Designed for professionals who can immediately apply new skills in their current roles.

3. Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships

• Dedicated program for citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
• Emphasis on sectors critical to Pacific development including climate change resilience, disaster management, maritime security, and sustainable resource management.
• Additional support services recognizing unique challenges faced by Pacific scholars.
• Strong focus on women’s leadership and gender equality.
• Enhanced alumni engagement programs in the Pacific region.

4. Australia Awards Africa Scholarships

• Specialized program for citizens of eligible African countries.
• Focus on sectors aligned with African Union development priorities.
• Strengthens people-to-people links between Australia and Africa.
• Promotes knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.
• Supports Africa’s sustainable development goals and capacity building needs.

Also check: University of Edinburgh Scholarships 2026 (UK)

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a citizen of an eligible Australia Awards participating country (check DFAT website for current list).
• Minimum 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Not currently holding Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
• Have completed education and work experience requirements as specified for intended course.
• Meet minimum English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent, higher scores may be required for specific courses).
• Not be married to, engaged to, or in a de facto relationship with a person who holds, or is eligible to hold, Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
• Not be applying for a course at a level that is the same or lower than a qualification already obtained (except in specific circumstances).
• Be willing to return to home country for at least two years after completion of studies.
• Satisfy health and character requirements for Australian visa.
• Not have received an Australia Awards Scholarship previously (unless applying for a higher qualification and meets specific criteria).

Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

Scholarship Benefits

• Full Tuition Coverage: Complete tuition fees for the duration of the approved program.
• Living Allowance: Monthly contribution of approximately AUD 3,000-3,500 (varies by location).
• Return Airfares: Economy class tickets for scholarship holder and eligible dependents.
• Establishment Allowance: AUD 5,000 upon arrival to cover initial expenses and setup costs.
• Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for scholarship holder and eligible dependents.
• Pre-departure Briefing: Comprehensive orientation program in home country before departure.
• Introductory Academic Program: Support to help scholars adjust to Australian education system.
• Fieldwork Allowance: Additional funding for essential fieldwork activities (where applicable).
• Thesis Allowance: Financial support for research and thesis preparation (for research students).
• Reunion Airfare: For scholars whose programs exceed 24 months, one return airfare to home country.
• Supplementary Academic Support: Additional English language training or academic support as needed.
• Family Support: Monthly supplement for eligible dependents accompanying the scholar.

Also check: ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (Switzerland)

Required Documents

• Completed Australia Awards Scholarship Application Form (online portal).
• Valid passport or national identity document.
• Academic transcripts and certificates for all post-secondary qualifications (certified translations if not in English).
• Two referee reports from academic or professional referees who can assess your suitability.
• English language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or equivalent).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, employment, and achievements.
• Development Impact Statement explaining how your proposed study will contribute to development in your home country.
• Course Preference Statement outlining your choice of institution and program.
• Medical examination results (may be required at later stages).
• Police clearance certificate (may be required at later stages).
• Employment verification letters (if applicable).
• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or national ID).

Check: University of Minnesota Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (USA)

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Verify that you are a citizen of an eligible country and meet the basic eligibility criteria on the Australia Awards website.
2. Research Programs: Identify suitable courses and universities aligned with your career goals and development priorities. Use the Australia Awards course search tool.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather all required academic documents, obtain referee reports, and complete English language testing if not already done.
4. Complete Online Application: Submit your application through the Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS) portal during the application window.
5. Country-Specific Requirements: Follow any additional requirements specified by your country’s Australia Awards office or Australian diplomatic mission.
6. Shortlisting: Applications are assessed against selection criteria; shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage.
7. Interviews: Shortlisted applicants are invited for interviews conducted by selection panels in their home countries.
8. Medical and Security Checks: Successful candidates undergo health examinations and character assessments for visa purposes.
9. Final Selection: Final scholarship offers are made, typically 3-4 months after interviews.
10. Pre departure Preparation: Attend mandatory pre-departure briefings and prepare for arrival in Australia.

Deadlines

• Asia-Pacific Countries: Applications typically open in February and close in late April.
• Pacific Island Countries: Application window usually February – April (specific dates vary by country).
• African Countries: Check with Australian diplomatic missions for country-specific deadlines.
• Fellowships: Multiple intake periods throughout the year depending on specific fellowship type.

Important: Application deadlines vary significantly by country and region. Always check the official Australia Awards country page for your specific location to confirm exact dates.

Duration of Scholarship

• Undergraduate Programs: 3-4 years depending on course structure and requirements.
• Master’s by Coursework: 1.5-2 years (typically 18-24 months).
• Master’s by Research: 2 years with possible extension for thesis completion.
• Doctoral (PhD) Programs: 3-4 years with annual progress reviews.
• Fellowships: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on program type and development objectives.

Final Thoughts

The Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 represent a transformative opportunity for talented individuals from developing countries to access world class education while contributing to the sustainable development of their home nations. These prestigious scholarships reflect Australia’s commitment to building lasting partnerships, fostering regional cooperation, and investing in human capital development across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

Australia’s education system consistently ranks among the world’s best, with universities recognized globally for research excellence, innovative teaching methods, and strong industry connections. Scholarship recipients benefit not only from outstanding academic programs but also from Australia’s multicultural society, which welcomes international students and provides a safe, inclusive environment for learning and personal growth. The practical, career-focused nature of Australian education ensures that scholars gain skills and knowledge that are immediately applicable to real-world challenges in their home countries.