Australia Development Scholarships 2026 (Complete Application Guide)

February 17, 2024
by
MST

The Australia Development Scholarships, now officially known as Australia Awards Scholarships, are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government. These scholarships aim to support the next generation of global leaders from developing countries, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific region. By providing access to high-quality education, the program empowers recipients to drive change and contribute to the long-term development of their home nations.

The Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 are fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia. These awards cover 100% of tuition fees, return air travel, and a fortnightly living stipend. Successful candidates receive a world-class education while building enduring people-to-people links with Australia.

Applicants are selected based on their academic competence, professional leadership potential, and the likelihood of their research or study contributing to development outcomes. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) manages these awards, ensuring they align with the shared priority areas of Australia and its partner countries. Women, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups are highly encouraged to apply to ensure inclusive growth.

This comprehensive guide details the 2026 application cycle, including critical deadlines and the specific documentation required. Whether you are aiming for a Master’s by coursework or a PhD in a priority field, following these steps will help you secure this life-changing opportunity.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Undergraduate (Bachelor), Postgraduate (Masters by Coursework or Research), and PhD.
Location: Australia.
Institution(s): Participating Australian Universities and TAFE institutions.
Program Period: Minimum period necessary to complete the specific academic program.
Course Offered: Priority areas such as Climate Change, Governance, Health, STEM, and Economic Growth.
Deadline: April 30, 2026 (for study commencing in 2027).

Scholarship Coverage

The Australia Awards provide a complete financial package to ensure students can focus entirely on their studies and research. The program covers the following entitlements:

Full Tuition Fees: 100% of the academic course fees are paid directly to the institution.
Return Air Travel: Economy class airfare from the home country to Australia and back.
Establishment Allowance: A one-off payment to assist with accommodation, textbooks, and initial study materials.
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE): A fortnightly stipend paid at a rate determined by DFAT to cover basic living costs.
Introductory Academic Program (IAP): A compulsory program covering Australian life and academic requirements.
Health Cover (OSHC): Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of the scholarship.
Academic Support: Supplementary funding for fieldwork or academic tutoring if required.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 2026 Australia Awards Scholarship, you must fulfill these general and country-specific requirements:

Nationality: You must be a citizen of an eligible participating country in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, or the Middle East.
Age: Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age on February 1 of the year the scholarship commences.
Residency: You must be residing in and applying from your country of citizenship.
Academic History: Must satisfy the admission requirements of the Australian institution where the award will be undertaken.
Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum English requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent TOEFL/PTE).
Return Requirement: You must commit to leaving Australia for at least two years after completing your scholarship to apply your skills at home.
Constraint: You must not hold an Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.

Application Process

The application process for the 2026 intake is conducted primarily online through the OASIS portal. Follow these in-depth steps:

Check Country Profile: Visit the official DFAT website to view your specific country’s priority areas of study and eligibility criteria.
Register on OASIS: Visit the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) to create an account. You will receive a unique registration number.
Prepare Documentation: Gather certified copies of your passport, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and CV.
Draft Research/Study Plan: For postgraduate applicants, a clear plan explaining how your studies will benefit your home country is essential.
Secure Referees: Obtain two referee reports (at least one academic). Use the official Referee Report Template provided by DFAT.
Submit Application: Complete all sections of the online form and upload your documents. Submit before the peak period to avoid OASIS system delays.
Interview and Selection: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and a selection test in late 2026.