A top-tier education from a globally recognized university can be a life-changing opportunity, and for students from Pakistan, Australia has emerged as a premier destination. The country’s universities are known for their academic excellence and innovative research, but the cost of international study can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, a wide range of fully funded scholarships is available, designed to make this dream a reality for talented and ambitious Pakistani students.
These premium scholarships, provided by the Australian government and individual universities, offer comprehensive financial support that goes beyond just tuition. They cover essential costs such as living expenses, airfare, and health insurance, ensuring you can focus on your studies without financial worry. Whether you’re interested in a postgraduate research degree or a Master’s by coursework, there are various programs, including the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships, the Melbourne Research Scholarship, and specific university-funded grants, that can ease your financial burden.
This guide outlines some of the best scholarships available to Pakistani students for the upcoming academic year. We will provide up-to-date information on eligibility criteria, what each scholarship covers, and how to navigate the application process. By understanding these opportunities, you can take a crucial step toward securing a world-class education and advancing your career on a global scale.
Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships are premier scholarships for Pakistani students, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The scholarships offer full tuition, travel costs, and a living allowance. This scholarship aims to provide professionals with postgraduate education in fields that support Pakistan’s sustainable development. The selection process considers academic competence, professional qualities, and the potential to contribute to development challenges in Pakistan.
- Coverage: These scholarships provide full tuition fees, round-trip airfare, a one-time establishment allowance, a living stipend, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be Pakistani citizens, 45 years of age or younger, and have at least five years of relevant work experience.
- Application: All applications must be submitted online through the Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS).
- Requirements: You must have a completed 16-year bachelor’s degree and meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0).
- Post-Graduation: Scholars must return to Pakistan for a minimum of two years after completing their studies.
- Start now for Australia Awards Scholarships Eligibility Criteria – How to Apply
University of Melbourne Scholarships
The University of Melbourne offers the Melbourne Research Scholarship to high-achieving international students. This scholarship is for students enrolling in a graduate research degree, such as a Master by Research or a PhD. The university awards these scholarships based on academic merit and research potential. It is an excellent opportunity for researchers to pursue their studies at one of Australia’s leading research institutions.
- Coverage: The scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a living allowance, and includes a relocation grant.
- Application: Applicants are automatically considered for the scholarship when they submit an application for an eligible graduate research program.
- Requirements: Applicants must meet the specific entry requirements for their chosen graduate research program.
- Documents: Required documents include academic transcripts, a research proposal, and a curriculum vitae (CV).
- Deadline: The application deadline for the 2025 intake is typically October 31, 2025.
- Start now for Melbourne Research Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
Australian National University (ANU) Scholarships
Australian National University offers fully funded scholarships for international students, including the Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Stipend Scholarship. The university offers these awards across multiple faculties. This scholarship provides a full tuition fee waiver, a stipend for living expenses, and a relocation airfare to Australia. ANU scholarships attract brilliant students from around the world with strong academic histories.
- Coverage: These scholarships provide full tuition fees, a living stipend, a relocation airfare, a thesis allowance, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Application: Students are automatically considered for scholarships upon applying for admission to a graduate research program.
- Requirements: Applicants must have a strong academic record, prior research experience, and demonstrated research output.
- Documents: Required documents include academic transcripts, a research proposal, a curriculum vitae (CV), and letters of recommendation.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) International Masters Scholarship
Edith Cowan University offers the International Masters Scholarship to international students from select countries. This scholarship provides a 20% reduction in tuition fees for the duration of a Master’s program. It supports students who are commencing their studies at ECU, and it applies to a variety of courses within the faculties of business, education, engineering, and science. The scholarship is a great opportunity to get a Master’s degree at a lower cost.
- Coverage: The scholarship provides a 20% tuition fee reduction.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be international students from eligible countries, meet ECU’s entry requirements, and commence their studies at an ECU campus in Western Australia.
- Application: You are automatically considered for the scholarship when you receive a letter of offer for an eligible Master’s degree.
- Eligible Courses: The scholarship applies to specific Master’s degrees in Arts and Humanities, Business and Law, Education, Engineering, and Science.
- Start Date: This scholarship is for students commencing their studies in Semester Two, 2026.
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Macquarie University offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship to recognize academic excellence among international students. This scholarship provides a partial tuition fee reduction. It is awarded to outstanding students who are enrolling in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at Macquarie University. The scholarship encourages students to maintain a full-time study load and meet the university’s academic progression policy.
- Coverage: The scholarship provides up to AUD $10,000 applied toward your tuition fee.
- Eligibility: Applicants must meet the academic and English requirements for their chosen degree program.
- Requirements: Postgraduate applicants must achieve a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) equivalent of 65.
- Application: You must be accepted into a Macquarie University Bachelor or Postgraduate Coursework Degree to be eligible.
- Other: The scholarship is for on-campus study only and may not be deferred.
UNSW Global Academic Excellence Scholarship
The UNSW Global Academic Excellence Scholarship is a highly competitive, merit-based award for international students with outstanding academic records. The scholarship is automatically considered when you apply for admission to a UNSW program. It supports students pursuing both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees. This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for top-performing students to receive financial assistance for their studies at a globally recognized university.
Australia-Pakistan Scholarships Program (APSP)
The Australia-Pakistan Scholarships Program (APSP) is a fully funded scholarship for Pakistani students who want to pursue higher education in Australia. It is jointly funded by the Australian government and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. The scholarship aims to strengthen the relationship between the two countries’ higher education sectors and provide Pakistani students with a platform to achieve their academic and career goals.
- Coverage: The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, travel allowance, visa application fees, and medical insurance.
- Eligibility: You must be a Pakistani citizen, have an impressive academic record, and meet the specific eligibility criteria of the program.
- Requirements: Applicants must have at least 16 years of education and a minimum of two years of work experience in their chosen field.
- Return Policy: Recipients must return to Pakistan for at least two years after completing their studies.
