The Australia Awards Scholarship is the Australian Government’s most prestigious international award. This scholarship provides transformative educational opportunities to the next generation of global leaders. For professionals from Sri Lanka, it offers a unique chance to gain a world-class education and contribute to the nation’s development.
This scholarship is a cornerstone of the Australian Government’s development partnership with Sri Lanka. The program provides full funding for Sri Lankan citizens to undertake postgraduate study at leading Australian universities. It aims to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive positive change upon their return home.
This guide provides a complete overview for Sri Lankan applicants targeting the 2027 academic year. The application window opens in early 2026, and preparing now is the key to success.
Priority Fields of Study for Sri Lanka
The Australia Awards program aligns with Sri Lanka’s development needs. Therefore, scholarships are offered for Master’s degrees that fall within specific priority sectors. Your proposed course of study must align with one of these fields.
1. Security and Foreign Policy
This sector focuses on strengthening regional stability and international cooperation. The Australian government supports Sri Lankan professionals who aim to contribute to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Relevant degrees include:
- Master of International Relations
- Master of Strategic Studies
- Master of Cybersecurity
2. Economic Governance
This field aims to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Sri Lanka. The program seeks applicants who can contribute to economic policy, trade, and public financial management. Relevant degrees include:
- Master of Public Policy
- Master of Economics
- Master of International Trade and Development
3. Social Inclusion
This broad category focuses on enhancing social well-being and equity in Sri Lanka. It covers critical areas like health, education, and gender equality, seeking leaders who can improve essential services for all citizens. Relevant degrees include:
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Education
- Master of Gender and Development Studies
Benefits
The Australia Awards Scholarship is a fully funded award. It covers all the essential costs associated with living and studying in Australia. The benefits package includes:
- Full payment of tuition fees for the duration of the Master’s degree.
- Return air travel from Sri Lanka to Australia.
- An establishment allowance to assist with accommodation and initial living expenses.
- A fortnightly Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE), which is a stipend to cover basic costs.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire period of the award.
- An Introductory Academic Program (IAP) to prepare you for study in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an Australia Awards Scholarship, you must meet several strict requirements. Applicants must satisfy all of the following criteria.
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Sri Lanka and be residing in the country at the time of application.
- Academic Background: You must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
- Work Experience: You must have at least three to five years of relevant professional work experience. This is a critical requirement.
- English Language Proficiency: You must meet the English language requirements of your chosen Australian university. You will need to provide a recent score from a recognized test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
- Return Obligation: You must agree to return to Sri Lanka for a minimum of two years immediately after completing your studies.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia Awards Scholarships Sri Lanka Applicants
Prospective applicants from Sri Lanka should meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for Australia Awards Scholarships. These criteria ensure that the most deserving individuals are selected.
Academic qualifications required for eligibility
Applicants should possess a strong academic background, usually including completing a relevant undergraduate degree with excellent grades. The educational prerequisites can differ based on the study level and the specialization field. The Australia Awards Scholarships Sri Lanka program seeks to identify individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence and show potential to contribute to development upon returning to their home country.
Work Experience and Leadership Qualities Sought
Besides academic achievements, the program values individuals’ work experience and leadership qualities. Applicants are expected to have relevant professional experience in their chosen field. This could include employment, internships, volunteer work, or involvement in community initiatives. Demonstrating leadership qualities, such as problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to drive change, strengthens an applicant’s overall profile.
English language Proficiency Requirements
Proficiency in English is necessary for successful participation in Australian academic programs. Sri Lankan applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills by submitting valid test scores. Generally, a minimum score is specified for each test for proficiency in a particular language, such as the IELTS Adequate English language ability ensures that students can effectively engage in coursework, discussions, and research during their studies.
To be eligible for Australia Awards Scholarships, Sri Lankan applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Strong academic background
- Relevant work experience
- Leadership qualities
- Proficiency in English language
- Fulfilling any additional criteria specific to their chosen field of study
Australia Awards Scholarships Eligibility Criteria – How to Apply
Documents
Sri Lankan applicants need to submit various supporting documents and their applications. These documents may include:
Educational transcripts and certificates
- English language proficiency test scores
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Reference letters from academic or professional referees
- Research proposal (for postgraduate applicants)
- Evidence of employment or professional experience
Ensuring that all required documents are accurate, up-to-date, and well-organized increases the chances of a successful application.
List of Fields of Study
The Australia Awards Scholarships Sri Lanka program covers a broad spectrum of fields, including but not limited to:
- Health Sciences (Medical, Nursing, Public Health)
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Business Administration (Finance, Marketing, Human Resources)
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Education (Teaching, Educational Leadership)
- Economics and Development Studies
- Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology, International Relations)
- Arts and Humanities (Literature, History, and Fine Arts)
Apply Now (A Step-by-Step Guide for the 2026-27 Intake)
The application process is managed online and is highly competitive. Follow these steps to prepare a strong application.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Course
First, carefully review the Sri Lanka country profile on the official Australia Awards website. Confirm that your chosen Master’s degree aligns perfectly with one of the priority fields listed above.
Step 2: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
A successful application requires comprehensive documentation. You must prepare key documents, such as official university transcripts, certified degree certificates, and an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV).
Step 3: Craft Your Personal Statements and Essays
The core of your application is a series of essays. In these, you must demonstrate your leadership potential, your ability to contribute to Sri Lanka’s development, and your reasons for choosing your specific course.
Step 4: Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation
You need to secure references from both an academic and a professional referee. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your character, academic abilities, and professional achievements.
Step 5: Submit Your Application via OASIS
All applications must be submitted online through the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS). The application window will open on February 1, 2026, and close on May 1, 2026, for the 2027 intake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there an age limit to apply for the Australia Awards?
No, there is no official upper age limit for the Australia Awards Scholarship. However, you must be at least 18 years of age at the time of commencing the award. The selection process prioritizes applicants who can demonstrate a long-term ability to contribute to Sri Lanka’s development.
2. Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
Generally, you cannot apply if you already hold a Master’s degree considered equivalent to one from an Australian university. The scholarship is designed to provide educational opportunities that applicants would not otherwise have access to.
3. How much work experience is required?
Applicants must have a minimum of three to five years of relevant professional work experience. This is a critical criterion, as the scholarship is aimed at emerging leaders who can apply their new skills directly in their professional field upon returning to Sri Lanka.
4. Do I need an offer from an Australian university before I apply?
No, you do not need an offer of admission from an Australian university before applying for the scholarship. If you are successful, the Australia Awards program will work with you to secure an offer from one of the participating universities.
5. Can I choose any university or course in Australia?
No, your choice of course must directly align with one of the designated priority fields of study for Sri Lanka. The program funds Master’s degrees that support Sri Lanka’s development needs, so personal interest alone is not sufficient.
6. What is the most important part of the application?
While all parts are important, the personal essays are critical. This is where you must clearly demonstrate your leadership potential, your connection to the priority fields, and your specific plan to contribute to Sri Lanka’s development after the scholarship.
7. Can I bring my family with me to Australia on the scholarship?
You may bring your family (spouse and children) to Australia, but you are responsible for their expenses. The scholarship benefits, including the living stipend and health cover, only apply to you, the awardee. You must also meet the visa requirements for your dependents.
8. Do I have to work for the government after I return to Sri Lanka?
The scholarship does not obligate you to work for the government. However, you are required to return to Sri Lanka and reside in the country for a minimum of two years after completing your studies. The expectation is that you will use your skills to contribute to the country in your chosen professional field.
9. Is there an application fee for the scholarship?
No, there is no application fee. The entire application process for the Australia Awards Scholarship is free of charge.
10. How competitive is the scholarship?
The Australia Awards Scholarship is extremely competitive. Each year, there are many more high-quality applicants than there are available scholarships. Success depends on strong academic results, extensive professional experience, and a compelling development impact plan.
