Australia offers a wide range of scholarships for Indian students, including government- and university-funded options that cover partial or full tuition fees. Major programs like the Australia Awards Scholarship, Research Training Program (RTP), and Maitri Scholarships support high-achieving students, particularly in STEM fields.
Leading universities also offer generous funding, such as the Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship (up to AUD 100,000 / ₹65.5L) and the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (50%–100% tuition waiver), making it easier for students to study in Australia without significant financial burden.
This guide covers top scholarships, eligibility criteria, and the application process, helping you plan effectively.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
International students planning to study in Australia can apply for several fully funded scholarships. Popular options include the Australia Awards, the Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program, and other university-specific scholarships, such as those offered by the University of Sydney or Monash University.
The top fully funded scholarships in Australia for Indian students include:
Scholarship Name
Offering Institution
Coverage Details
Australia Awards Scholarships
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Full tuition fees, return airfare, establishment allowance, living expenses contribution, OSHC
AUD 10,000 (INR 6.5L) per year for the duration of the degree
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship
Australian Government + University of Melbourne
100% fee remission + up to AUD 135,000 (INR 88.3L) for 1+ years
University of Adelaide Global Citizen International Scholarship
University of Adelaide & partners
15%–30% reduction in international tuition fees
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Macquarie University
Up to AUD 10,000 (INR 6.5L) toward tuition fees
University of Queensland Graduate School RTP Scholarships
University of Queensland
Living stipend AUD 36,400/year (INR 23.8L), OSHC, 3.5-year funding with possible extension
Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (FIPRS)
Flinders University
Covers 3.5 years of study, living allowance AUD 35,010/year (INR 22.9L), relocation up to AUD 1,485 (INR 97K)
Top Universities Offering Fully Funded Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships for international students in Australia are offered by top universities like ANU and the University of Western Australia to attract international students. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs.
Here are the top 5 universities in Australia offering scholarships to international students:
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
The specific eligibility requirements for scholarships in Australia may vary significantly across universities and the organizations offering them.
For instance, scholarships such as the Australia Awards Scholarships are awarded to applicants from developing nations in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
Here are some scholarships and their eligibility criteria for 2026:
1.Australia Awards Scholarships
Eligibility: Applicants must be from developing nations in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East to be eligible
2.Destination Australia Scholarships
Eligibility: Open to international students enrolled at institutions located in regional areas of Australia
3.University of Sydney International Scholarships
Eligibility: Based on academic merit
4.Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarships
Eligibility: High-performing international undergraduate students
5.ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Eligibility: Outstanding academic records
6.Research Training Program (RTP)
Eligibility: International research students pursuing a master’s or PhD
7.Commonwealth Scholarships
Eligibility: Students from Commonwealth nations
Types of Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
Fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students are aimed at supporting academic excellence and research across diverse fields. Government scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and research scholarships are among the types of scholarships available to international students studying in Australia.
1.Government-Funded Scholarships
The Australian government sponsors government-funded scholarships, which cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Examples:
Australia Awards Scholarships
Destination Australia Program
Research Training Program (RTP)
2.University-Funded Scholarships
Individual Australian universities offer these scholarships to meritorious international students. These include tuition fee waivers, living allowances, and travel expenses.
Examples:
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
Monash International Merit Scholarship
University of Sydney International Scholarship
3.Research Scholarships
Students pursuing research or PhD programs are eligible to apply for these scholarships. These cover tuition fees, living allowances, and research costs.
Examples:
Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarships
University of Queensland Graduate School Scholarships
Australian National University (ANU) PhD Scholarships
4.Merit-Based Scholarships
The merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, or outstanding extracurricular achievements. These can be full or partial and may include full funding for top candidates.
Examples:
Macquarie Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship
La Trobe University Excellence Scholarships
5.Country-Specific Scholarships
These are designed for students from specific countries, including India, to promote international partnerships.
Examples:
Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program
Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Meritorious Scholarship – India
6.Need-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships are designed to support international students who demonstrate financial need, regardless of a student’s economic background.
Examples:
Australia Awards Scholarships
University-specific hardship scholarships
Application Process for Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
The application process for scholarships in Australia requires careful planning, a strong academic record, well-prepared documents, and adherence to all eligibility criteria within the specified deadlines.
Follow the steps to make an informed decision:
Research and shortlist universities by exploring scholarship options on university websites and official government portals.
Ensure you qualify for the scholarship before applying.
Scholarships in Australia for international students provide an incredible opportunity to pursue higher education without financial stress. These programs cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies and research.
Beyond financial support, fully funded scholarships for international students in Australia offer access to world-class universities, global networking, and professional growth.
What are the top scholarships in Australia for Indian students?
Indian students can apply for major scholarships such as Australia Awards, Research Training Program (RTP), Sydney Scholars India Scholarships, and university‑funded merit awards. These cover tuition fees, living allowances, and health insurance, offering strong financial support through scholarships in Australia for Indian students.
How can Indian students apply for scholarships in Australia?
Students must shortlist suitable scholarships, meet eligibility criteria, upload documents like transcripts, SOP, and English scores, and apply through university portals or official government websites. Starting applications early increases the chances of securing scholarships for international students in Australia.
What are the eligibility criteria for scholarships in Australia?
Eligibility varies by scholarship but usually includes strong academic scores, English proficiency, and a well‑written SOP. Some scholarships prioritize leadership, community impact, or research potential, while others support specific nationalities, including scholarships for Indian students to study in Australia.
Are scholarships available for undergraduate programs in Australia?
Yes, multiple universities like Sydney, Monash, and UNSW offer undergraduate scholarships covering partial or full tuition fees. Awards may be merit-based or country-specific and help reduce overall educational costs for Indian applicants seeking study opportunities.
Do Australian universities offer postgraduate scholarships for Indian students?
Absolutely. Master’s and PhD applicants can receive merit, research, or need-based scholarships, including RTP, Graduate Research Scholarships, and Vice-Chancellor’s awards. These often include fee waivers, stipends, and additional allowances.
What documents are required to apply for scholarships in Australia?
Common requirements include academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), SOP, LORs, updated CV, and sometimes a research proposal. Students must ensure all documents are accurate and meet university formatting guidelines.
What GPA is required to get a scholarship in Australia?
Many scholarships require a high academic standing, typically equivalent to 65–75% or above. Competitive programs may expect distinctions or research experience, especially for postgraduate research awards.
Do scholarships in Australia cover living expenses?
Yes, fully funded scholarships like RTP and Australia Awards often include living stipends. For example, RTP stipends range around AUD 36,000–37,000/year (INR 23.5L–24.2L), helping students manage daily expenses while studying.
Can Indian students get a 100% tuition fee scholarship in Australia?
Yes. Programs such as Sydney Scholars India Scholarship and Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship offer up to 100% tuition fee waivers for exceptional academic performers.
Are there scholarships for STEM students in Australia?
Yes. Several government and university scholarships support STEM fields, including Maitri Scholarships, RTP, and university-funded awards for engineering, IT, biomedical sciences, and data science programs.
What is the deadline for applying to scholarships in Australia?
Deadlines vary widely. Government scholarships open once a year, usually between February and May, while university scholarships may have multiple rounds aligning with intakes like February and July. Students should check official pages regularly.
Can Indian students apply for scholarships without IELTS?
Some universities accept alternative English tests like TOEFL, PTE, or internal assessments. However, fully funded or competitive scholarships typically require standard English proficiency test results.
Do scholarships cover airfare for Indian students?
Only a few fully funded options, such as Australia Awards and certain research scholarships, include return airfare. Most merit scholarships usually cover only tuition or provide partial fee reductions.
Are there scholarships for MBA programs in Australia?
Yes. Many universities offer MBA-specific merit scholarships based on academic performance, leadership experience, and GMAT scores. These awards may offer partial fee waivers and support professional growth.
Can Indian students get need‑based scholarships in Australia?
Some universities offer hardship or equity scholarships for students facing financial challenges. These may cover partial tuition fees or provide living support if applicants meet income-related criteria.
What is the average amount offered through Australian scholarships?
Scholarship amounts vary widely, from AUD 5,000 (INR 3.3L) partial waivers to AUD 100,000 (INR 65.5L) funding packages. Fully funded scholarships can include tuition fees, OSHC, living stipends, and travel allowances.
How competitive are scholarships for Indian students in Australia?
Competition is moderate to high, especially for fully funded programs. Applicants with strong academics, leadership qualities, research potential, and a compelling SOP stand a better chance of receiving offers.
How can I increase my chances of getting a scholarship in Australia?
Students should apply early, maintain strong academic grades, prepare a high‑quality SOP, secure solid LORs, and target multiple relevant scholarships. Understanding “how can I get scholarship in Australia” helps applicants tailor their profiles for stronger results.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4603 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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