Scholarships and Financial Aid to Study in Australia

Scholarships

While most international students in Australia are full-fee paying students, another option is to apply for a scholarship.

Scholarships are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions and a number of other organisations. They cover various educational sectors, including vocational education and training, student exchanges, undergraduate and postgraduate study and research. Australian Government scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training specifically in Australia. However, there are several English language training scholarships offered by Australian institutions.

For information on scholarships use our Scholarships Database. It provides an accurate and reliable list of all scholarships supplied by Australian-based organisations, institutions and government bodies to international students studying or planning to study in Australia on a student visa.

Australian Scholarships

Australian Scholarships brings together and expands existing scholarship programs in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions that are managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). Further information can be found at www.australianscholarships.gov.au

There are three programs available under Australian Scholarships. They are:

Endeavour Awards – The Endeavour Awards is the Australian Government’s internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program providing opportunities for citizens of the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia. Awards are also available for Australians to do the same abroad. A smaller number of Awards are available for participants from Europe and the Americas. The Endeavour Awards provide individuals with a unique opportunity to further their academic or professional careers. Further information can be found at: www.endeavour.deewr.gov.au

Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) – focus on developing leaders who can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in both their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. ALAs provide scholarship support for postgraduate studies in Australia and short-term fellowship opportunities in specialised research, study or professional attachments through participating Australian organisations. Further information can be found at: www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar

Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) – aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries to promote good governance, economic growth and human development. ADS provides people with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive change and influence the development outcomes of their own country, through obtaining tertiary qualifications at participating Australian institutions. Further information can be found at: www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar

Other funding sources

International and charitable organisations offer scholarships for international study. You must apply for these scholarships in your home country, not in Australia.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities website provides a scholarships guide for Commonwealth postgraduate students offered by Governments, Rotary International, World Bank, World Health Organisation, Asian Development Bank, United Nations, Rockefeller Foundation and other organisations.