Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards funded by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They enable people from eligible developing countries to study a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree at an Australian university, with the aim that graduates return home and contribute to their country's development.
What Australia Awards cover
Australia Awards are fully funded and generous. Benefits typically include:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy-class air travel
- An establishment allowance on arrival
- A contribution to living expenses (CLE)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award
- Supplementary academic support and, where approved, fieldwork support
Who is eligible
Eligibility is country-based. You generally must:
- Be a citizen of a participating country and applying from that country
- Not hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency, and not be applying for a permanent visa to Australia
- Meet the academic and English-language requirements, and satisfy age, health, and character rules
Participating countries span Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. In Asia, eligible countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives (India is not on the current list). Because participating countries and priorities change, always check the current list for your country.
What Australia Awards do not fund
Australia Awards are not available for training in areas related to flying aircraft, nuclear technology, or military training.
Key dates
Application windows are set per country and change each year. As a guide, for study commencing in 2027, applications in several countries opened on 1 February 2026 and closed on 30 April 2026. Because dates differ by country, check your local Australia Awards office or the DFAT website for your exact deadline.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the Australia Awards system (OASIS) or your in-country Australia Awards office. Selection is competitive and considers your academic record, your development impact plan, and how your proposed study links to your country's priorities.
Do you need an agent?
No agent is required — applications are free and made directly through the official Australia Awards channels. Be wary of anyone charging fees or guaranteeing an award. A consultancy can help with your underlying university application; compare them with verified reviews on ConsultancyCheck first.
Related guides
Browse our scholarships hub, compare study destinations on our compare destinations tool, and if you are considering Australia, read our guides on studying in Australia from Nepal and other origin countries. Use the cost of studying abroad calculator to plan your finances.
*Eligibility, benefits, participating countries, and deadlines are set by DFAT and change each cycle. Always confirm the latest details on the official Australia Awards / DFAT website before applying.*
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do Australia Awards Scholarships cover?
They are fully funded: full tuition, return economy airfare, an establishment allowance, a contribution to living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover, and supplementary academic support.
Which countries are eligible for Australia Awards?
Participating countries span Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. In Asia these include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. India is not on the current list. Check the current list for your country.
Can Indian students apply for Australia Awards?
India is not on the current list of participating countries for Australia Awards Scholarships. Indian students should look at university-specific scholarships and other funding instead.
Do I need to pay an agent to apply for Australia Awards?
No. Applications are free and made directly through the official Australia Awards channels. Be cautious of anyone charging fees or guaranteeing an award.
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