Australia Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

In 2026, Australia remains a premier destination for Bangladeshi students, offering a range of fully funded and partial scholarships. These programs aim to strengthen bilateral ties and support Bangladesh’s national development by empowering the next generation of leaders.

Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) 2026 provide full financial support for master’s degrees, covering tuition, airfare, and living stipends. Additionally, the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) offers fully funded PhD and research master’s opportunities for high-achieving candidates. Many universities also offer merit-based awards, such as the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, which can cover up to 100% of tuition fees.

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic records and meet specific English proficiency standards, typically an IELTS score of 6.5. Successful candidates are often required to return to Bangladesh for at least two years after graduation to contribute to priority fields like Climate Change, Public Health, and Blue Economy.

• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s (Coursework & Research), and PhD.
• Location: Australia.
• Institutions: Participating Australian Universities (e.g., University of Melbourne, Monash, ANU, QUT).
• Program Period: 1 to 4 years, depending on the degree level.
• Courses Offered: Priority fields include Agriculture, Public Policy, Environment, STEM, and Health.
• Deadline: April 30, 2026 (for Australia Awards); University-specific deadlines vary.

Types of Scholarships in Australia

The funding available for international students generally falls into four main categories:

1. Government-Funded Scholarships: These are fully funded programs designed for development or high-level research. They typically cover tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
2. University Merit-Based Scholarships: These are offered by individual institutions to students with exceptional grades. They often take the form of 25% to 100% tuition fee waivers.
3. Regional Scholarships (Destination Australia): Targeted at students willing to live and study in regional areas (outside of major cities like Sydney and Melbourne).
4. Industry or Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Sponsored by private organizations or specific university departments (e.g., Law or Engineering) for students in those niche fields.

Top 5 Scholarships in Australia for 2026

Below are five of the most prestigious and valuable scholarships currently available for international applicants:

1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)

This is the Australian Government’s flagship development program. It is highly competitive and intended for students from developing countries.

• Coverage: Full tuition, return air travel, a one-off establishment allowance, and a fortnightly living stipend.
• Requirement: Applicants must return to their home country for two years after the scholarship to contribute to local development.
• Check here the complete Australia Awards Scholarship Requirements for 2026.

2. Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

The RTP is the primary scheme for students pursuing research-intensive degrees.

• Coverage: Provides a tax-free living stipend (approx. $37,500 to $42,754 in 2026) and a full tuition fee offset.
• Process: You apply directly through your chosen university’s graduate research office.

3. Destination Australia Scholarship

This government initiative encourages students to experience life in regional Australia (e.g., campuses in Gold Coast, Hobart, or Townsville).

• Coverage: $15,000 per year for study and living expenses.
• Eligibility: You must maintain residency in a regional area and study at a regional campus.
• Complete process is here Fully Funded Scholarships for Post-Graduates in Australia.

4. Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships (Multiple Universities)

Offered by universities like Deakin, Sydney, and Monash, these target the “best and brightest” global applicants.

• Coverage: Varies from $5,000 one-off payments to 100% tuition coverage for the duration of the degree.
• Selection: Based strictly on your previous academic GPA and a personal statement.
• International Scholarships (Multiple Universities)

5. Sydney International Student Award (SISA)

This is a geographic-based award aimed at increasing campus diversity.

• Coverage: A 20% reduction in tuition fees for the entire duration of the course.
• Eligibility: Available to citizens of select countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
• Apply for Sydney University Scholarships 2026.

Scholarship Coverage

The level of support depends on the specific program, but flagship awards like the Australia Awards or RTP provide:

• Full Tuition Fees: 100% waiver of all academic course costs.
• Return Air Travel: Economy class airfare from Dhaka to the host city in Australia and back.
• Establishment Allowance: A one-time payment to assist with accommodation, books, and study materials upon arrival.
• Living Stipend: A fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses.
• Health Cover (OSHC): Full medical insurance for the duration of the scholarship.
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP): A compulsory orientation covering Australian life and academic requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 intake, Bangladeshi students must generally meet these requirements:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen and resident of Bangladesh.
• Work Experience: For Australia Awards, at least three years of relevant professional experience is preferred.
• English Proficiency: An IELTS score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0) or equivalent TOEFL/PTE.
• Academic Record: A strong tertiary qualification equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree.
• Priority Alignment: Your chosen course must align with Bangladesh’s priority areas (e.g., Disaster Management, Power & Energy, or Blue Economy).
• Government Categories: Australia Awards often categorizes applicants into groups such as BCS Cadre officials, NGO workers, and private sector employees.

Application Process

The application for the 2026 intake follows a structured timeline:

1. Identify Priority Areas: Review the official Bangladesh Country Profile to ensure your course choice aligns with national development goals.
2. Register on OASIS: For Australia Awards, create an account on the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS).
3. Prepare Documents: Gather certified copies of transcripts, degree certificates, passport, and CV.
4. Submit Development Impact Plan: For AAS, you must explain how your studies will contribute to the development of Bangladesh.
5. University Application: For RTP or merit scholarships, apply directly to the Australian university’s admission portal.
6. Interview: Shortlisted AAS candidates will be invited for an interview in Dhaka, focusing on leadership and study goals.
7. Final Results: Successful applicants are typically notified between August and September.

Deadline

• Australia Awards (AAS): Applications open on February 1 and close on April 30, 2026.
• RTP (Research): Deadlines vary by university, typically falling between August and October for the following year.
• University Merit Awards: Rolling deadlines based on the semester intake (February or July).

Apply Now

To begin your official application, visit the following portals:

• Australia Awards Bangladesh: Official AAS Portal

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