Australia Awards Scholarship

The Australia Awards Scholarship is a fully funded program offered by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). 

It supports students from eligible developing countries across Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa who wish to pursue full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies at participating Australian universities and institutions.

The scholarship generally opens once every year, with applications usually open in February to April (in 2027 opened on 1 February 2026 and closed on 30 April 2026), while some countries may follow different timelines. 

The scholarship covers full tuition fees, return airfare, a contribution to living expenses, an establishment allowance, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

The scholarship aims to build skills, leadership, and knowledge that scholars can use after returning home.

Who is Eligible for Australia Awards Scholarship?

Australia Awards Scholarship eligibility depends on the applicant’s country of citizenship and country profile.

Applicants must usually be citizens and residents of a participating developing country, be at least 18 years old, and hold a relevant bachelor's degree, and agree to return home after completing the scholarship.

Academic Eligibility for Australia Awards Scholarship

To be eligible for an Australia Awards Scholarship, you must hold or be about to complete a tertiary-level qualification equivalent to at least an Australian bachelor's degree. 

Applicants must also meet university admission requirements and usually satisfy the following academic conditions:

• Must apply for an eligible full-time course in Australia.
• Must meet the admission rules of the chosen Australian institution
• Must meet the country-specific eligibility rules listed in the official country profile.
• Must not apply for a course at a lower academic level than already achieved.
• Must meet English language requirements, if required.
• Must satisfy Australian student visa, health, and character requirements.

Who Cannot Apply for Australia Awards Scholarship?

Individuals are ineligible for an Australia Awards Scholarship if people married to or engaged to citizens of Australia or New Zealand, previous scholarship holders, and individuals applying for a study level they have already completed are excluded from applying. 

You may also not be eligible for the scholarship in the following cases:

• Are not citizens of a participating country.
• Hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
• Are applying for permanent residency in Australia.
• Are currently serving military personnel.
• Do not meet country-specific eligibility rules.
• Do not meet course admission requirements.
• Cannot meet visa, health, or character requirements.
• Previously received a long-term Australia Award and have not completed the required return period.
• Do not agree to return home for at least two years after completing the scholarship.

Benefits of Australia Awards Scholarship

The Australia Awards Scholarship is a fully funded, prestigious program offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders. 

It covers full tuition fees, return airfare, living expenses, and health insurance, empowering recipients to drive development challenges in their home countries.

Here is a detailed breakdown:

Benefit Type	Coverage
Tuition Fees	Full tuition fees
Air Travel	Single return economy-class airfare to and from Australia
Establishment Allowance	One-time support for accommodation, textbooks, and study materials
Living Expenses	Fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses at a DFAT-determined rate
Health Cover	Overseas Student Health Cover for the award holder
Academic Support	Introductory Academic Program and supplementary academic support, if required
Fieldwork	Available for eligible research awards or compulsory fieldwork components

Note: DFAT does not publish one fixed living allowance amount for all applicants on the main scholarship page. The contribution to living expenses is paid at a rate determined by DFAT.

How to Apply for Australia Awards Scholarship?

Applicants must first check the official opening and closing dates for their country. 

Most applications are submitted through the Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System, also called OASIS. 

Some countries may follow a different process, so country-specific instructions should be checked first.

Here is the step-by-step procedure for the application to the Australia Awards Scholarships:

Step 1: Visit the official Australia Awards page

Go to the DFAT Australia Awards Scholarships page.

Step 2: Check country-specific eligibility

Open your country profile and read the eligibility rules, priority fields, and application method.

Step 3: Read the policy handbook

Review the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook before starting the form.

Step 4: Register on OASIS

Create an account on the Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System, if your country uses OASIS.

Step 5: Fill the application form

Enter personal, academic, employment, course, and development impact details.

Step 6: Upload documents

Attach all required documents as per your country profile.

Step 7: Review and submit

Check all information carefully and submit it before the official deadline.

Also Read: Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia

Documents Required for Australia Awards Scholarship

The document list depends on the applicant’s country profile and course level. 

Applicants must upload clear, valid, and complete documents through OASIS or the required country-specific application process such as academic transcripts, English language proficiency scores, and referee reports.  

Common documents may include:

• Passport or proof of citizenship
• Birth certificate or national identity document
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• English language test score, if required
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Employment record, if required
• Referee reports
• Development impact or reintegration plan, if required
• Research proposal, if applying for a research degree
• Disability support documents, if applicable

Note: Make sure all documents are certified, translated into English where required, and match the details entered in the application form.

Australia Awards Scholarship Deadline

The Australia Awards Scholarship follows an annual application cycle, but the opening and closing dates may vary slightly for some participating countries.

For the most recent application cycle, applications for study commencing in Australia in 2027 opened on 1 February 2026 and closed on 30 April 2026 for most participating countries.

Below is how the application timeline works:

• The scholarship generally opens once every year, with applications usually opening in February and closing in April.  
• Some countries may have separate deadlines. For example, Palau accepted applications until 30 June 2026. 
• Country-specific programs, such as South Asia and Mongolia, may announce their next application cycle in early 2027. 

Note: Because application dates can vary by country and region, applicants should always check the official Australia Awards opening and closing dates page for the latest information before applying. 

Australia Awards Scholarship Selection Process

The Australia Awards Scholarship selection process is competitive, merit-based system managed by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Applications are assessed on eligibility, academic background, leadership qualities, and potential to support development in the applicant’s home country.

The Australia Awards Scholarship selection process is competitive and country specific. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview or another assessment.

The selection process generally includes:

• Application Screening: All applications received are screened to verify eligibility, and country-specific criteria.
• Candidate Shortlisting: Eligible applicants are shortlisted based on their academic background, professional experience, leadership qualities, and potential development impact.
• Document Checking: Submitted documents such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, and other supporting documents are verified.
• Interview/Written Assessment: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview and, in some countries, a written assessment to evaluate their communication skills, leadership potential, study plans, and commitment to returning to their home country.
• Approval of Selected Candidates: Final scholars are selected after reviewing all stages of the assessment process and are notified by the Australia Awards office.

Suggested Read: How to Study Abroad for Free?

How to Check Australia Awards Scholarship Status?

Applicants can check Australia Awards Scholarship status through the portal or process used during submission. For most countries, applications are submitted through OASIS.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and local participating embassies notify all applicants of their selection of outcomes via email, typically between August and late September.

 Here are the steps: 

Step 1: Log in to Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS)

To check your Australia Awards Scholarship status, log in to the OASIS portal, use your username and password to access the application dashboard.

Step 2: Open your application

Select the submitted Australia Awards Scholarship application.

Step 3: Check status update

Review application messages, document requests, or status changes.

Step 4: Check registered email

Look for updates from the Australia Awards office or country program.

Step 5: Contact the country office

Use the official country's contact if you need clarification.

Common Reasons for Rejection of Australia Awards Scholarship

Applications may be rejected if they are incomplete, late, or do not meet country-specific eligibility rules. 

Since Australia Awards Scholarships are competitive, applicants must clearly show academic readiness, leadership potential, and a strong development plan linked to their home country.

Common reasons include:

• Not being from a participating country
• Missing the official deadline
• Submitting incomplete documents
• Choosing an ineligible course or institution
• Not meeting country-specific criteria
• Not meeting English language or admission requirements
• Weak development impact plan
• Incorrect or mismatched application details
• Not satisfying visa, health, or character requirements
• Not agreeing to return home for two years after completion

Conclusion

The Australia Awards Scholarship is a strong option for students from eligible developing countries who want full financial support for study in Australia. 

It covers major study costs and helps scholars build skills that can support development in their home country.

Eligible applicants should check their country profile, prepare documents early, and submit the application before the deadline. 

Correct documents, a clear study plan, and a strong development goal are important for a successful application.

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