Is It Possible to Study in Australia for Free? Here’s How

Dreaming of earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree in Australia without financial stress? The country offers high-quality education along with a range of fully funded scholarships for international students.

Universities like the University of Melbourne and ANU, along with government programs such as Australia Awards, provide support that can cover tuition, living expenses, and even travel. These are usually awarded to students with strong academics and leadership potential.

Many students look for ways to study in Australia through these scholarships, as they reduce the financial burden and make global education more accessible, especially for those planning a masters in australia. A degree from Australia also opens up strong career opportunities worldwide.

Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in Australia for Free

Australia is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities and offers fully funded scholarships for international students.

1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)

• Open to students from eligible developing countries pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
• Preference is given to students studying fields that contribute to their home country's development.

What Does It Cover?

• Full tuition fees
• Annual living stipend of AUD 30,000+ (₹16.5 lakhs+)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• One-time travel and establishment allowance

Application Process & Deadlines

• Applications are submitted through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) portal.
• Deadlines vary by country, but applications typically close by April each year.

2. Destination Australia Scholarship

• Available for both domestic and international students enrolling in regional universities.
• Supports students pursuing vocational, undergraduate, or postgraduate degrees.

What Does It Cover?

• AUD 15,000 per year (₹8.2 lakhs per year)
• Available for up to four years of study
• Encourages students to study in smaller cities with lower living costs

Application Process & Deadlines

• Applications are submitted directly to the universities offering this scholarship.
• Deadlines depend on the university's intake periods.

3. Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

• Designed for students pursuing Master’s by Research or PhD degrees.
• Candidates must demonstrate strong academic and research potential.

What Does It Cover?

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Annual stipend of AUD 32,000+ (₹17.6 lakhs per year)
• Research funding, conference travel allowances
• Health cover for international students

Application Process & Deadlines

• Students must apply through individual universities that participate in the RTP program.
• Deadlines typically fall between September–November each year.

4. University of Sydney International Scholarships

• Open to high-achieving international students applying for undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs.
• Based on academic excellence; no separate application is required.

What Does It Cover?

• Full tuition fee coverage for postgraduate research degrees
• Living allowance of AUD 37,000 per year (₹20.4 lakhs per year)
• Health insurance for international students

Application Process & Deadlines

• No separate application is needed for coursework degrees; all eligible students are automatically considered.
• For research degrees, applications must be submitted by September–December depending on the intake.

5. Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

• Open to international students applying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree at Macquarie University.
• Must demonstrate strong academic performance (WAM of at least 65).

What Does It Cover?

• AUD 10,000 (₹5.5 lakhs) tuition fee reduction
• Available for students across all faculties
• Partial funding—students need to cover living expenses independently

Application Process & Deadlines

• Requires a separate scholarship application along with the university admission.
• Applications are accepted year-round, but early submissions are encouraged for priority consideration.

Must Read: MS in Australia Costs for Indian Students 2024

6. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

• Available for master’s by research and PhD students at the University of Melbourne.
• Applicants must have an excellent academic record and research potential.

What Does It Cover?

• Full tuition fee waiver for up to 4 years
• Annual living stipend of AUD 37,000 (₹20.4 lakhs per year)
• Relocation allowance of AUD 2,000–3,000 (₹1.1–₹1.7 lakhs) for students moving to Melbourne
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Application Process & Deadlines

• No separate application is required; all eligible students are automatically considered.
• Deadlines align with research degree intakes, usually October–December each year.

7. Monash University International Merit Scholarship

Who Can Apply?

• Open to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate (coursework) degrees at Monash University.
• Must have an outstanding academic record (minimum WAM 85).
• Must have received an unconditional offer from Monash University.

What Does It Cover?

• AUD 10,000 per year (₹5.5 lakhs per year) for the duration of the degree
  Available across all faculties and courses
• Students must maintain a high academic performance throughout their studies

Application Process & Deadlines

• Requires a separate scholarship application with a personal statement (500 words).
• Application Deadlines: March, July, and November intakes.

8. UNSW International Scholarships

• Available for international students applying to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
• Requires strong academic performance and a track record of leadership, extracurricular activities, or research excellence.

What Does It Cover?

• Full tuition fee waiver OR AUD 5,000–10,000 per year (₹2.7–₹5.5 lakhs per year)
• Living stipend and health insurance (for selected scholarships)
• Available across various faculties, including Business, Engineering, Science, and Medicine

Application Process & Deadlines

• Some scholarships require automatic consideration with the university application, while others need a separate application.
• Application Deadlines: Typically March and September each year.

9. University of Queensland (UQ) Scholarships for International Students

• Open to international students applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs at the University of Queensland.
• Based on academic merit, with strong consideration for students with leadership potential and extracurricular achievements.
• Some scholarships may be specific to faculties like Engineering, Business, and Science.

What Does It Cover?

• Partial tuition fee waivers of AUD 5,000–10,000 per year (₹2.7–₹5.5 lakhs per year)
• Selected research-based scholarships cover full tuition, living stipend, and health insurance
• Available for coursework and research programs across multiple disciplines

Application Process & Deadlines

• Some scholarships require a separate application, while others are automatically considered when applying for a degree.
• Deadlines vary depending on the intake (February, July, November).

10. Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships

Who Can Apply?

• Open to high-achieving international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs at the University of Adelaide.
• Minimum academic requirement:
  • 75%+ in previous studies for a 15% tuition reduction
  • 85%+ for a 30% tuition waiver

What Does It Cover?

• Tuition fee reduction of 15%–30%, depending on academic performance
• Open for all study areas, including Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Arts
• No application fee required for the scholarship

Application Process & Deadlines

• No separate application needed—students are automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Must apply for an eligible program before the scholarship deadlines (rolling basis per intake).

Read: Student Accommodation in Australia: Types and Costs

Tuition-Free and Low-Cost Universities in Australia

If you're looking to study in Australia for free, here are some universities that provide full tuition waivers and low-cost programs.

Public Universities Offering Full Tuition Waivers

Many Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers for high-achieving students:

1. Australian National University (ANU)
2. University of Sydney
3. University of Melbourne
4. University of Queensland (UQ)
5. University of New South Wales (UNSW)
6. Monash University
7. University of Adelaide

Research-Based Master’s & PhD Programs with Tuition Exemptions

If you’re considering a research-based master’s or PhD, some universities in Australia offer tuition-free options through government-funded programs:

Monash University – Research Training Program (RTP) covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for research students.
University of Queensland – Full PhD scholarships available for STEM, business, and healthcare research.

Affordable Universities for International Students

Some universities in Australia provide low-cost programs for students who don’t qualify for full scholarships.

University	Annual Tuition Fees (AUD)	Cost in INR (₹)
University of Southern Queensland	AUD 20,000–25,000	₹11–₹14 lakhs
Charles Sturt University	AUD 19,000–23,000	₹10–₹13 lakhs
Federation University	AUD 18,000–22,000	₹9.9–₹12.1 lakhs

Tip: Many universities also offer partial tuition waivers, grants, and work-study programs to help students manage costs.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia

Step 1: Research Scholarships

Look for government, university, and private funding options. Some major ones include:

• Australia Awards Scholarships (for developing countries)
• Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (for master's & PhD)
• Destination Australia Scholarships (for students in regional areas)

Step 2: Prepare Strong Academic Documents

Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Highlight your academic achievements and career goals.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – Get strong recommendations from professors or employers.
Academic Transcripts – Ensure they are certified and translated (if required).

Step 3: Meet English Proficiency Requirements

Most scholarships require an IELTS or TOEFL score. The minimum IELTS score varies by program:

Study Level	Minimum IELTS Score
Bachelor's	6.0–6.5
Master’s	6.5–7.0
PhD	7.0+

Step 4: Submit Applications Before Deadlines

Most scholarships open 6–12 months before intake.
Double-check application requirements, deadlines, and required documents.

Step 5: Scholarship Interviews & Selection

Some competitive scholarships may require an interview.
Be prepared to discuss your research, career goals, and how you’ll contribute to Australia.

Cost of Living in Australia for International Students

The cost of living in Australia varies by city, with Sydney and Melbourne being more expensive than regional areas. Below is an estimated breakdown of student expenses.

Monthly Living Costs in Australia

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (AUD)	Key Considerations
Accommodation (Shared)	AUD 800–1,800 (₹44,000–₹99,000)	On-campus housing may cost more than private rentals
Food & Groceries	AUD 300–600 (₹16,500–₹33,000)	Cooking at home reduces expenses
Public Transport	AUD 100–250 (₹5,500–₹13,500)	Student discounts available
Health Insurance	AUD 40–80 (₹2,200–₹4,400)	Required for student visa
Internet & Utilities	AUD 70–150 (₹3,800–₹8,300)	Some rentals include utilities
Entertainment & Miscellaneous	AUD 100–300 (₹5,500–₹16,500)	Depends on lifestyle and city

Budgeting Tips for Students on Scholarships

Use student discounts for transport, dining, and entertainment
Live in shared housing to save on rent
Shop at budget supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, or Aldi
Use university facilities for study spaces and social activities

Post-Scholarship Benefits: Job Opportunities and PR Pathways in Australia

Work Rights for International Students on Scholarships

• Scholarship students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (during term) and full-time during vacations.
• Part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, tutoring, and customer service are widely available.
• Some scholarships come with work restrictions, so students must check their terms.

Part-Time Job	Average Hourly Pay (AUD)	Hourly Pay in INR (₹)
Retail Associate	AUD 20–28	₹1,100–₹1,540
Hospitality (Cafés, Restaurants)	AUD 22–30	₹1,210–₹1,650
Teaching/Tutoring	AUD 25–45	₹1,380–₹2,490
Research Assistant	AUD 30–50	₹1,650–₹2,750

Post-Study Work Visa and PR Pathways

After graduation, students can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which allows them to work in Australia for 2–4 years.

Qualification	Post-Study Work Visa Duration
Bachelor's Degree	2–4 years
Master's Degree	3–5 years
PhD	4–6 years

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

• International graduates can apply for PR through the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).
• Occupations in high demand include IT, Engineering, Healthcare, and Accounting.
• Gaining local work experience increases PR chances.

Study in Australia with upGrad Abroad

Thinking about studying in Australia? It’s one of the best places for international students. You’ll find top-ranked universities, a friendly environment, and great career opportunities.

How upGrad Abroad Helps You?

Finding the Right University

We help you choose the best university and course based on your goals. Some popular options include:

• Bachelor of Business at Macquarie University
• Data Science at Queensland University of Technology

Need help with applications? We assist with SOPs, LORs, or visa documents to make your process smooth.

Exploring Scholarships

We guide you through:

✔ Tuition fee waivers at top universities
✔ Funding support based on merit and financial need
✔ Step-by-step scholarship applications

Top Universities You Can Explore

• University of Melbourne
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)
• University of Queensland
• Carnegie Mellon University Australia

With upGrad Abroad, studying in Australia is simpler and more affordable.