Australian University Scholarships for International Students 2026

Table of Contents

Australian university scholarships for international students in 2026 fall into three clear groups: government awards, HDR (research) funding, and university entry/merit scholarships. Government options include Australia Awards (aid-funded degrees with a return-home requirement) and the Research Training Program (RTP) for Master by Research and PhD—covering fee offsets and living stipends. Universities add high-visibility schemes such as Vice-Chancellor and Global Excellence awards that discount tuition by 15%–50% (some at 100%), while HDR packages at leading universities typically list A$38k–A$42k per year stipends with relocation and thesis allowances. Most awards are competitive and quota-limited.

Building on that structure, eligibility usually combines academic merit, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), and an offer of admission. HDR applicants often need a supervisor’s endorsement and a viable proposal. Several awards target specific regions/citizenships, and a few carry service or return obligations. Deadlines vary by intake and scholarship round: many coursework awards align to Semester 1 (Feb/Mar) and Semester 2 (Jul) starts, while Australia Awards operate on country-specific windows and HDR scholarships run in set rounds or rolling cycles. All international students must satisfy Student visa (subclass 500) conditions and maintain OSHC coverage.

Putting this into action: shortlist scholarships that match your degree level, discipline, and citizenship; confirm program eligibility and stacking rules (most awards cannot be combined); prepare verified transcripts, test scores, passport, CV, statements, and (for HDR) research materials; submit course applications first where required, then lodge scholarship forms within the stated rounds; plan for living costs beyond any stipend; and track progress/GPA to keep renewable awards. The detailed entries below use this framework—so you can compare location, levels, deadlines, and benefits side by side and apply with confidence.

1) Australia Awards Scholarships (DFAT)

Australia Awards Scholarships are the Australian Government’s flagship aid-funded awards for high-achieving applicants from eligible partner countries across the Indo-Pacific. These long-term scholarships support full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and some TAFEs. Benefits and application windows vary by country, and awards focus on skills that drive home-country development. Recipients are expected to return home after study to contribute to national priorities.

Location: Australia (participating universities and some TAFEs)
Level of study: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework (some programs include research)
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible partner countries; meet academic/English and visa requirements
Deadline: Varies by country; check the DFAT country page for your intake
Benefits: Tuition support and other allowances (vary by country program)
Obligations: Return-home requirement; development focus
Apply via: Start you application for Australia Awards scholarships

2) Research Training Program (RTP) – Australian Government (HDR)

The RTP funds Australian universities to support higher degree by research (HDR) candidates (Master by Research and PhD). Depending on your uni’s allocation and ranking process, you may receive a fee-offset, a living-cost stipend, and/or allowances (e.g., relocation, thesis). Support periods are up to 2 years (Masters) and 3–4 years (Doctorate). Base stipend settings are indexed annually; universities can top up within government limits.

Location: All participating Australian universities
Level: HDR (Master by Research, PhD)
Eligibility: Meet your university’s HDR entry; awards are merit-ranked by the uni
Deadline: Uni-specific rounds (often 2–3 cycles per year)
Stipend guidance: 2025 base $33,511; max $52,352 (universities set actual rates)
Duration: Up to 2 years (Masters), 3–4 years (Doctorate)
How to apply: Australia Government Scholarships for International Students (Complete Process)

3) University of Melbourne – Graduate Research Scholarships

Melbourne offers Graduate Research Scholarships (Melbourne Research Scholarship & RTP at UoM) that can combine full fee-offset with a living allowance and relocation and OSHC (single) for eligible international HDR students. The 2025 stipend at Melbourne is A$38,500/year (full-time rate) for up to 2 years (Masters) or 3.5 years (PhD), with limited paid leave. Consider faculty/discipline competitiveness and supervisor fit.

Location: The University of Melbourne, VIC
Level: Master by Research & PhD
Eligibility: Ranked on academic merit and research potential; must hold/apply for a UoM HDR place
Deadline: Multiple rounds annually; check UoM HDR scholarship timelines
Stipend: A$38,500/year (2025 rate) + relocation + OSHC (single)
Fee support: 100% fee offset (duration depends on degree)
Duration: Up to 2 years (Masters), 3.5 years (PhD stipend; fee offset to 4 years)
Application start for Melbourne Research Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

4) ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship

ANU’s Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a tuition-fee waiver for high-calibre international students. It comprises multiple categories (by region/criteria) and typically assesses applicants automatically with their admission application; you’re considered first for the highest-value category you qualify for. Values and quotas vary by category and intake.

Location: Australian National University, Canberra (ACT)
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International fee-paying students; academic merit; citizenship category determines award tier
Deadline: Linked to admission timelines; offers follow admission outcomes
Value: Tuition waiver (value depends on category; deducted each semester)
Application: No separate application (automatic assessment)
Notes: Category list/values updated per intake; check current FAQs/conditions

5) University of Sydney – Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme (VCISS)

USyd’s VCISS rewards top international coursework students with tuition-fee scholarships at A$40,000, A$20,000, A$10,000 or A$5,000. It’s competitive and merit-based, spanning many faculties. Offers are generally issued with or after an admission offer, and terms specify usage against tuition (not living costs). Check faculty exclusions and intake-specific cut-offs before you apply.

Location: The University of Sydney, NSW
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International fee-paying; strong academic profile; unconditional or conditional offer required
Deadline: Per intake (rolling/round-based)
Value: A$40k / A$20k / A$10k / A$5k (tuition fee scholarship)
Application: Usually considered with course application (see scholarship page)
Notes: Non-transferable; conditions apply by faculty/degree

6) University of Sydney – International Stipend Scholarship (USYDIS, HDR)

For international HDR candidates at USyd, USYDIS provides a living stipend aligned to the university’s rate, relocation and thesis allowances, and is often paired with a tuition fee scholarship for successful candidates. For 2025, USyd lists a A$41,753/year stipend, with application rounds tied to research periods.

Location: The University of Sydney, NSW
Level: HDR (Master by Research, PhD)
Eligibility: International HDR applicants/enrolled; competitive ranking
Deadline: Multiple scholarship rounds per year (by Research Period)
Stipend (2025): A$41,753/year + relocation & thesis allowances
Fees: Often combined with a tuition fee scholarship (check offer)
Duration: Typically up to 2 years (Masters), 3.5 years (PhD)

7) Monash International Merit Scholarship

Monash automatically considers admitted international undergraduate students for the International Merit Scholarship. The award pays A$10,000 per annum for the minimum duration of the degree (up to A$50,000 total), with retention conditions (e.g., maintain a distinction average). No separate application is required for most; verify eligibility nuances and course exclusions.

Location: Monash University, Melbourne (VIC)
Level: Primarily undergraduate coursework
Eligibility: International, full Monash course offer, high academic merit
Deadline: Considered with admission (see intakes)
Value: A$10,000/year (up to A$50,000)
Application: Automatic consideration; Start with Monash University Scholarship 2026
Ongoing: Maintain a 70%+ average; marketing/profile participation may be requested

8) UNSW Global University Award

UNSW’s Global University Award recognises strong international applicants with A$5,000 or A$10,000 toward first-year tuition. Selection is merit-based and aligned to program intakes across faculties. It’s one of UNSW’s most visible entry awards for new international students and can pair with other faculty-level opportunities (subject to rules).

Location: UNSW Sydney, NSW
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International, high academic standing; offer of admission
Deadline: By intake (term/semester)
Value: A$5,000 or A$10,000 (one year)
Application: Often considered with course application; check specifics for MBBS
Notes: May have program exceptions; cannot duplicate similar UNSW awards

9) UQ International Excellence Scholarship

UQ’s International Excellence Scholarship offers a 25% tuition-fee reduction each semester for the standard duration of eligible programs. It’s competitive, merit-based, and open across many disciplines, with defined application windows for future semesters. Confirm eligible programs and any GPA thresholds.

Location: The University of Queensland, Brisbane (QLD)
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International, strong prior academic results; offer required
Deadline: Set application rounds by semester
Value: 25% tuition reduction (applied each semester)
Duration: For standard program length (conditions apply)
Notes: Limited number; competitive ranking

10) UWA Global Excellence Scholarship

UWA automatically considers high-achieving international students for substantial tuition-fee discounts, with headline values up to A$48,000 across a typical undergraduate degree (pro-rated for postgraduate). Value bands depend on entry scores (ATAR/WAM). Applications are usually automatic with your course offer.

Location: The University of Western Australia, Perth (WA)
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International; meet academic thresholds; eligible courses only
Deadline: Rolling within application windows; see UWA dates
Value: Up to A$48,000 (UG total) or equivalent PG discounts
Start Application with UWA Scholarship
Notes: Value depends on academic profile and program

11) University of Adelaide – Global Academic Excellence Scholarship (International)

This prestigious award targets top international applicants with 50% tuition-fee reduction for the minimum full-time duration of eligible degrees. It has specific application deadlines aligned to intakes (e.g., 2025 deadlines by trimester/semester), is highly competitive, and includes program exclusions.

Location: University of Adelaide, SA
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International; outstanding academic results; eligible programs only
Deadline: Posted per 2025 intakes on the scholarship page
Value: 50% tuition reduction
Duration: For the standard length of the degree
Notes: Limited awards; region/program exclusions may apply for Award Scholarships

12) University of Adelaide – Global Citizens Scholarship

A broader entry award for international students offering 15% or 30% tuition reduction for eligible programs. It’s merit-based, open for multiple 2025 intakes, and complements the university’s suite of regional awards. Read the exclusions and acceptance deadlines carefully.

Location: University of Adelaide, SA
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International; academic merit; eligible programs only
Deadline: Published for each 2025 intake (see page)
Value: 15% or 30% tuition reduction
Duration: Standard program length (conditions apply)
Notes: Not combinable with certain other awards

13) Macquarie University – Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (VCIS)

Macquarie’s flagship VCIS recognises academic excellence with a partial tuition scholarship, commonly up to A$10,000 applied to fees (some streams vary by region or pathway). Awards are competitive and often require an admission offer plus a brief scholarship application referencing “VCIS.” Check stream-specific pages for value/eligibility by country/discipline.

Location: Macquarie University, Sydney (NSW)
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International; academic merit; admission offer required
Deadline: Rolling; accept early (limited numbers)
Value: Typically up to A$10,000 toward tuition (stream variants exist)
Application: Admission + scholarship form (enter “VCIS”)
Notes: Country/discipline variants (some A$5k–A$16k streams)

14) Griffith University – Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Griffith’s VC International Scholarship covers 50% of tuition fees for the entire degree (subject to maintaining GPA). It’s open across undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, with clearly published closing dates for each upcoming trimester (e.g., T3 2025 and 2026 entries). Applicants need an offer and strong prior results.

Location: Griffith University, Brisbane & Gold Coast (QLD)
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International; GPA benchmark (e.g., 6.0/7.0 or equivalent); offer required
Deadline: Per trimester (e.g., T3 2025 apply by 16 Aug 2025)
Value: 50% tuition for program duration (ongoing GPA required)
Application: Admission + scholarship application + personal statement
Notes: Limited awards; some program exclusions

15) Deakin University – Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Deakin’s VCIS offers 100% or 50% tuition-fee waivers for outstanding international students in coursework degrees. It’s highly competitive and requires an application (with supporting documents). Ongoing eligibility (e.g., performance, full-time load) applies. Check the guidelines and course exclusions before you start.

Location: Deakin University, VIC
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International; exceptional academic profile; course offer required
Deadline: Rolling by intake (see Deakin page)
Value: 100% or 50% of tuition fees
Duration: For the minimum course length (conditions apply)
Notes: Competitive; document checklist in the guidelines

16) RMIT – Future Leaders Scholarship (India & Subcontinent)

RMIT’s Future Leaders Scholarship targets talented students from India and parts of the subcontinent with a 20% tuition-fee reduction for the entire program (eligible campuses and programs listed). It’s one of RMIT’s most visible regional awards; verify your citizenship and program eligibility.

Location: RMIT University, Melbourne (VIC)
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible Indian & subcontinent countries; academic merit; offer required
Deadline: By semester intake (rolling rounds)
Value: 20% tuition for program duration
Notes: Program/campus restrictions apply; limited places

Overview of Australian Engineering Scholarships

17) UTS – Vice-Chancellor’s International Undergraduate Scholarship

UTS offers a full tuition-fee scholarship for exceptional international undergraduate entrants (limited awards). Selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence and supporting criteria; the scholarship value is listed as “UTS Tuition Fees,” indicating it covers full tuition for the standard course duration (conditions apply).

Location: University of Technology Sydney (NSW)
Level: Undergraduate coursework
Eligibility: International; exceptional academic profile; meet UTS criteria
Deadline: Set rounds per session/intake
Value: Full tuition (“UTS Tuition Fees”)
Duration: Standard program length (conditions apply)
Notes: Extremely competitive; check eligibility carefully

Start application process with our full guide for undergraduate Students (fully funded)

18) Curtin Global Merit Scholarship

Curtin’s Global Merit Scholarship provides a 20% discount on tuition fees for the duration of eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs for international students. It’s an entry scholarship with automatic assessment in many cases; confirm eligible courses and any country restrictions.

Location: Curtin University, Perth (WA)
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International, course-eligible; meet academic entry
Deadline: By intake; typically automatic with admission
Value: 20% tuition (for the duration)
Notes: Conditions/exclusions listed on Curtin’s page

19) QUT International Merit Scholarship

QUT’s International Merit Scholarship offers a 25% tuition-fee scholarship for the full duration of eligible degrees across business, science, engineering, and more. It’s merit-based, with defined eligibility and continuation requirements. The page is actively updated (e.g., August 2025 update) with current intakes and rules.

Location: Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane (QLD)
Level: Undergraduate & postgraduate coursework
Eligibility: International; academic merit; eligible programs
Deadline: Program/intake specific
Value: 25% tuition for program duration
Notes: Must maintain satisfactory progress to keep the award

Check Australia Awards Scholarship Requirements – Eligibility Criteria

20) University of Tasmania – Tasmanian International Scholarship (TIS)

UTAS’s long-running TIS provides a 25% tuition-fee reduction for international students across a wide range of courses, awarded on academic merit. It’s one of the most straightforward and well-known entry awards; it always confirms program eligibility and any faculty-specific rules.