Australian scholarships for Indian students range from government-funded awards to university-specific merit scholarships. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, airfare, or research costs, depending on the program.
Some scholarships offer complete financial support, while others provide partial tuition fee waivers ranging from 20% to 100%.
You can target specific funding through government programs like the Australia Awards Scholarships or institutional scholarships like the Deakin Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia
Australian scholarships for Indian students range from fully funded government grants to partial university tuition waivers.
These scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, research, and doctoral programs.
Australian Government Scholarships for Indian Students
The Australian Government offers several scholarship programs for Indian students, including fully funded options for postgraduate coursework and research, as well as targeted fellowships.
Australia Awards Scholarships
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.
Benefits:
Full tuition fees
Return economy-class airfare
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE)
Establishment allowance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
Pre-course English language training (if approved)
Academic support services
Fieldwork support (where applicable)
Who can apply?
Applicants generally must:
Be an Indian citizen residing in India.
Meet the admission requirements of an eligible Australian university.
Demonstrate leadership potential and community involvement.
Meet English language requirements.
Agree to return to their home country after completing the scholarship, as required under the program conditions.
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) supports students undertaking Master's by Research and PhD degrees at participating Australian universities.
Although funded by the Australian Government, applications are managed directly by individual universities.
Benefits:
Tuition fee offset
Annual living stipend
Research-related support
Overseas Student Health Cover (offered by many participating universities)
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Apply for a full-time Master's by Research or PhD program.
Have an excellent academic record.
Demonstrate research potential.
Meet the admission requirements of the participating university.
Maitri Scholarships
The Maitri Scholarships are offered through the Centre for Australia-India Relations to strengthen education, research, and people-to-people connections between India and Australia.
The scholarship primarily supports postgraduate research and doctoral studies in priority sectors such as clean energy, Artificial intelligence, Agribusiness, Health sciences, Space technologies, Quantum technologies.
Benefits:
Tuition fee support
Living allowance
Research funding
Professional networking opportunities
Collaboration with Australian institutions
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Be Indian citizens.
Meet the eligibility criteria announced for each scholarship round.
Apply for eligible postgraduate research programs.
Demonstrate strong academic and research potential.
University Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
Many Australian universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, including Indian applicants.
These scholarships are usually based on academic merit, leadership, or financial need and may provide partial or full tuition fee support.
Australian universities provide numerous merit-based scholarships specifically designed for Indian students.
University of Sydney Scholarships for Indian Students
The University of Sydney offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Indian students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Major scholarships include Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship, Sydney International Student Award, Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships Scheme.
Benefits:
Scholarships worth up to AUD 100,000 (selected programs)
20% tuition fee reduction under eligible awards
Scholarships valued at AUD 40,000, AUD 20,000, or AUD 10,000 depending on the program
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Be Indian citizens (where applicable).
Receive an admission offer from the University of Sydney.
Meet academic requirements for the selected scholarship.
Satisfy any scholarship-specific eligibility conditions.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship
This scholarship recognises outstanding international students with strong academic achievements and leadership potential.
Benefits:
50% tuition fee waiver
100% tuition fee waiver for exceptional applicants
Participation in the Vice-Chancellor's Professional Excellence Program
Priority on-campus accommodation consideration
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Have excellent academic results.
Demonstrate leadership qualities.
Submit a personal statement.
Meet Deakin University's admission requirements.
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Melbourne automatically considers eligible international students for the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship at the time of admission.
No separate scholarship application is required.
Benefits:
AUD 10,000 tuition fee remission in the first year, or
50% tuition fee remission for the duration of the undergraduate course, or
100% tuition fee remission for the full duration of the undergraduate degree
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Be an international student.
Apply for an eligible undergraduate program.
Have outstanding academic results.
Meet the University's admission requirements.
Griffith International Remarkable Scholarship
Griffith University offers the International Remarkable Scholarship to outstanding international students enrolling in eligible undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.
Benefits
50% tuition fee reduction
Scholarship applies throughout the approved program duration, subject to maintaining eligibility
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Be an international student.
Meet the minimum academic entry requirements.
Receive an offer for an eligible Griffith University program.
Study full-time throughout the scholarship period.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship for Indian Students in Australia
Before applying for any scholarship, students should carefully review the eligibility requirements. The criteria vary depending on the scholarship provider, study level, and field of study.
However, most scholarship programs for Indian students in Australia consider citizenship, academic performance, English language proficiency, and admission status.
Academic Requirements for Scholarships in Australia
Australian scholarships generally require an exceptional academic record, high English proficiency, and an unconditional university offer.
While the required scores vary by scholarship, competitive applicants usually have consistently strong academic records.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Applicants generally should:
Be Indian citizens.
Complete Class 12 from a recognised board.
Score around 70%–85% or above, depending on the scholarship.
Meet the university's admission requirements.
Postgraduate Coursework Scholarships
Applicants generally should:
Hold a recognised bachelor's degree.
Have 65%–80% marks or an equivalent GPA.
Meet program-specific admission requirements.
Research Scholarships
For research-based scholarships such as RTP, universities generally expect:
First Class Honours or an equivalent qualification, or
English Language Requirements for Scholarships in Australia
Most Australian universities require international students to demonstrate English language proficiency before awarding scholarships.
Typical minimum score requirements are:
English Test
Typical Minimum Requirement
IELTS Academic
Overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT
79–94 overall
PTE Academic
58–64 overall
Some professional programs such as Medicine, Nursing, Teaching, and Law may require higher English language scores.
Students may also qualify for an English language exemption if permitted by the university's admission policy.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
To secure a scholarship in Australia, you must meet criteria beyond high grades. Besides academic performance, scholarship providers may evaluate several other factors.
Applicants may be required to have:
Indian citizenship.
An admission offer from an Australian university.
A valid passport.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Two or three Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Leadership or volunteer experience.
Work experience (for selected postgraduate scholarships).
A research proposal (for research degrees).
Supervisor approval (for some PhD scholarships).
Note: Some government-funded scholarships may also require applicants to demonstrate leadership potential, community involvement, or a commitment to contributing to their home country after completing their studies.
How to Apply for Scholarship for Indian Students in Australia?
Applying for scholarships in Australia as an Indian student involves securing a university admission offer and submitting targeted scholarship applications.
Some scholarships are awarded automatically when you apply for admission, while others require a separate scholarship application.
Follow these steps to apply for a scholarship in Australia:
Step 1: Research Available Scholarships
Begin by identifying scholarships that match your academic background, study level, and preferred university.
Scholarships are generally divided into:
Australian Government scholarships
University scholarships
External and private scholarships
Check the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documents before applying.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to an Australian University
Most scholarships require students to first secure admission to an eligible course.
You should:
Choose your preferred university and program.
Submit the admission application.
Upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
Meet the English language requirements.
Receive an offer letter or unconditional admission offer.
Note: Many university scholarships automatically assess eligible students during admission.
Step 3: Prepare Scholarship Documents
Keep all required documents ready before the scholarship application opens.
These may include:
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Updated CV or Resume
Research proposal (for research degrees)
Leadership or extracurricular certificates
Work experience documents (if applicable)
Step 4: Submit the Scholarship Application
Application methods vary depending on the scholarship.
For example:
Australia Awards Scholarships: Apply through the official Australia Awards application portal during the application period.
Research Training Program (RTP): Most universities automatically consider eligible research applicants while assessing admission applications.
University Scholarships: Some require separate online applications, while others automatically assess eligible students.
Step 5: Attend an Interview (If Required)
Highly competitive scholarships may conduct interviews.
Questions usually focus on:
Academic achievements
Career goals
Leadership experience
Research interests
Future contribution to society
Step 6: Accept the Scholarship Offer
If selected, you will receive an official scholarship offer mentioning:
Scholarship amount
Benefits covered
Renewal conditions
Terms and conditions
Accept the offer before the specified deadline.
Students should begin preparing at least 8–12 months before their intended intake to improve their chances of receiving financial aid.
Documents Required for Australian Scholarships
Applying for scholarships in Australia requires a standard set of academic, personal, and identity documents.
While specific requirements vary by university or scholarship provider (such as the Australia Awards or university-specific merit grants), the core documents typically include the following:
Personal Documents
Valid passport
Recent passport-size photograph
Identity proof (if required)
Birth certificate (where applicable)
Academic Documents
Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
Bachelor's degree transcripts
Master's degree transcripts (if applicable)
Degree certificates
Admission offer letter
English Language Test Scores
Submit any one of the following (if required): IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic
Supporting Documents
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Two or three Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Leadership or extracurricular certificates
Work experience certificates (if applicable)
Research Documents (For Research Degrees)
Research proposal
Supervisor acceptance letter (if required)
Published research papers (if available)
Note: Ensure all documents are clear, valid, and translated into English where required.
Scholarship Application Deadlines for Indian Students in Australia
Scholarship deadlines vary depending on the scholarship provider and university. Some scholarships have fixed annual deadlines, while others follow the university's admission cycle.
Major government awards generally close between April and May, and university-specific scholarships often have deadlines in September or October.
Students should always verify the latest application dates on the official scholarship website. Below are the timelines from previous application cycles:
Scholarship
Previous Application Timeline*
Next Expected Cycle**
Australia Awards Scholarships
1 February–30 April 2026 (for 2027 intake)
Expected February–April 2027
Research Training Program (RTP)
Varies by university
Usually September–October (varies)
Maitri Scholarships
Previous round closed in 2026
Future rounds announced by the Centre for Australia–India Relations
University of Sydney Scholarships
Varies by scholarship
Depends on admission intake
Destination Australia Scholarship
Varies by participating institution
Usually March–May or September–November
Conclusion
Australia offers numerous scholarship opportunities for Indian students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs.
To maximise your chances of receiving a scholarship, maintain a strong academic record, prepare a compelling application, and submit all required documents before the deadline.
Since eligibility requirements and application timelines may change each year, always refer to the latest information published by the scholarship provider or your chosen university before applying.
Does Australia give 100% scholarships to Indian students?
Yes, Australia offers several fully funded scholarships for Indian students. Programs such as the Australia Awards Scholarships and the Research Training Program (RTP) can cover tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
How can I apply for a full scholarship in Australia?
Students should first secure admission to an eligible Australian university and then apply through the scholarship portal if a separate application is required. Some scholarships automatically assess students during admission.
Which scholarship is available now in Australia?
Scholarship availability changes throughout the year. Popular options include Australia Awards Scholarships, Research Training Program (RTP), Deakin Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship, Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship. Students should check the official websites regularly for current application rounds.
Is IELTS mandatory for Australian scholarships?
Many scholarships require proof of English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. However, some universities may grant exemptions based on previous education or other accepted criteria.
How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Australia?
Requirements vary by scholarship. Undergraduate scholarships typically require 75%–85% marks in previous studies, postgraduate scholarships generally require a CGPA of 3.0–3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent), and research scholarships usually require a First-Class Honours degree or an equivalent academic profile.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?
Yes. Students can usually apply for multiple scholarships if they meet the eligibility criteria. However, some scholarships may have restrictions on holding multiple awards simultaneously.
Who is eligible for Australian scholarships?
Eligibility requirements usually include Indian citizenship, strong academic performance, admission to an Australian institution, and meeting the required English language proficiency standards. Depending on the scholarship, applicants may also need to demonstrate leadership qualities, financial need, or research potential.
Which Australian university gives the most scholarships?
The University of Sydney, Deakin University, the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and ANU offer a wide range of scholarships for international students, including awards specifically designed for Indian applicants.
How to apply for a fully funded scholarship in Australia?
Students should first identify the scholarships they are eligible for and apply for admission to an Australian university. They must then gather the required documents, submit their scholarship applications through the official portal, attend interviews if shortlisted, and accept the scholarship offer within the specified timeline.
Can Indian students receive scholarships for undergraduate studies in Australia?
Yes. Scholarships such as the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, Deakin Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship, and Griffith International Remarkable Scholarship are available for undergraduate students from India.
Is work experience necessary for scholarships in Australia?
Work experience is not mandatory for most undergraduate scholarships. However, research scholarships and certain postgraduate awards may prefer applicants with relevant professional or research experience.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4614 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 ...
Tanya is a skilled content writer and marketing strategist with deep expertise in the EdTech industry. She has a proven track record of producing engaging content and developing effective marketing st...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
