The Australian Government offers the Australia Awards Scholarships for Sri Lankan students (teachers, engineers, policy officers) to pursue full-time Master’s degree studies at participating Australian universities (University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney). These international awards (fully funded grants, merit awards, fellowship schemes) build skills (leadership capabilities, technical expertise, analytical methods) among mid-career professionals (teachers, engineers, policy officers) to support three national goals (poverty reduction, economic resilience, social equity) in Sri Lanka.
We wrote this fact-based article using research from official Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) policy handbooks, global scholarship databases, and statistical reports to guide Sri Lankan applicants through the 2028 intake process.
Selected scholars (master candidates, research fellows, policy students) gain specialized knowledge in three priority development sectors (economic growth, climate resilience, public health). Scholarship recipients fund your education completely while building professional networks (academic cohorts, industry contacts, research partnerships) in Australia.
Scholarships Types
There are two main scholarship types offered under the Australia Awards program for Sri Lanka: Master’s by Coursework awards and Master’s by Research awards. Master’s by Coursework awards (coursework scholarships, research scholarships, mobility grants) focus on structured coursework modules (policy design, financial management, strategic planning), group projects (field studies, industry placements, policy evaluations), and practical assessments (written essays, oral presentations, final examinations). Master’s by Research awards focus on independent research projects (laboratory trials, data collections, literature reviews), thesis writing, and academic defense. Both scholarship types target professionals in three priority areas (governance, environmental management, health security).
Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s Degree (Master’s by Coursework, Master’s by Research)
- Location: Australia
- Institution(s): Participating Australian Universities (Monash University, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales)
- Program Period: 1 to 2 years
- Course Offered: Priority Disciplines (Public Policy, Climate Change Studies, Data Science)
- Deadline: April 30, 2027
Coverage
The Australia Awards Scholarship provides full financial support through six key benefits (full tuition coverage, living stipends, return airfares, establishment allowances, health insurance, academic training). The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade pays 100% of university tuition fees (tuition charges, exam fees, enrollment fees) directly to the host institution. Scholarship awardees receive 1 economy-class return airfare ticket between Sri Lanka and Australia. Selected scholars receive a single establishment allowance of 5,000 Australian Dollars to cover initial settling expenses (accommodation deposits, textbooks, study materials). The program provides a bi-weekly Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) at a rate set by DFAT to cover daily costs (food, local transport, utilities). Scholarship recipients receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for basic medical services (hospital care, doctor visits, prescription medicines). Awardees complete a compulsory 4-week Introductory Academic Program (IAP) prior to formal academic classes (lectures, seminars, tutorials).
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet six specific eligibility criteria (citizenship status, work experience, English test scores, academic background, residency status, return pledge) to apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship 2028:
- Applicants must hold Sri Lankan citizenship and reside in Sri Lanka.
- Applicants must possess at least 3 years of post-qualification work experience in relevant fields (public administration, environmental science, healthcare management).
- Applicants must satisfy minimum English language test scores (IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 84, PTE Academic 58).
- Applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Applicants must not hold Australian permanent residency or dual citizenship.
- Applicants must pledge to return to Sri Lanka for 2 years after graduation.
You must submit certified English translations (translated certificates, translated mark sheets, translated transcripts), if your academic transcripts (academic grades, mark sheets, degree records) are in Sinhala or Tamil.
Application Process
To submit an application for the Australia Awards Scholarship 2028, you must follow five detailed steps (course research, document collection, account registration, form completion, document upload) through the Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS):
- Research Eligible Courses: Choose 2 Master’s courses (master degrees, postgraduate diplomas, research degrees) from participating Australian universities (University of Adelaide, University of Western Australia, Griffith University). Ensure your selected courses align with national priority sectors (economic recovery, climate adaptation, social inclusion).
- Gather Required Documents: Collect mandatory application materials (passport identity pages, degree certificates, official transcripts). Obtain 2 written reference letters (academic recommendations, employer references, professional endorsements) from referees (academic supervisors, direct managers, department heads). You must obtain an official score report from an approved testing center, if you submit English proficiency results (IELTS certificates, TOEFL transcripts, PTE reports).
- Register an Account on OASIS: Access the OASIS online portal and create a user profile. Select Sri Lanka as your country of application.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Fill in all personal details (full name, birth date, contact address), academic history, and employment records (employment dates, job titles, duties). Answer 3 key essay questions (leadership experience, career plans, development impact). Highlight achievements (project outcomes, awards, workplace promotions) that demonstrate leadership in your profession to strengthen an application.
- Upload Documents and Submit: Upload all scanned files (transcripts, reference letters, score reports) in PDF format. Submit your application before the closing deadline.
Shortlisted applicants (interview candidates, provisional awardees, potential scholars) must attend an in-person interview in Colombo, if selected by the review panel.
Also apply for University of Sydney International Scholarship 2027.
Deadline
The application deadline for the Australia Awards Scholarships 2028 intake is April 30, 2027. Applicants must submit an application online via OASIS before 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). The portal closes automatically at the deadline.
Apply Now
Visit the official Australia Awards Sri Lanka Webpage to start your application process. You can also access the OASIS Portal to register your account and submit required documents (transcripts, reference letters, score reports) online.
