Looking for the best scholarship to study in Australia as an international student?
The Australia Awards Scholarships are among the most prestigious opportunities for international students wishing to study in Australia.
Funded by the Australian Government, they’re designed to help students from eligible developing countries access world-class education while also building skills to contribute to the development of their home nations. Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 1 February 2026 and close on 30 April 2026.
What are the Australia Awards?
The Australia Awards Scholarships (often referred to as Australia Awards or AAS) are long-term, government-funded international scholarships administered by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The program supports individuals from developing countries to gain qualifications, knowledge and leadership skills that can contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.
Most recipients study full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at participating Australian universities and education providers. Beyond academic study, the program also focuses on leadership development, professional networks and long-term development outcomes.
What do you receive as an Australia Award recipient?
Australia Awards Scholarships are fully funded, meaning they cover many of the major costs associated with studying overseas. Recipients typically receive full tuition fees for the duration of their course, return airfare between their home country and Australia, and an establishment allowance to help with initial expenses such as accommodation and study materials.
The scholarship also includes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is required for international students in Australia, as well as a regular contribution to living expenses to support basic day-to-day costs while studying. In some cases, additional academic or English language support may be provided to help students succeed in their studies.
As part of the scholarship conditions, recipients are required to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies. This ensures the skills and knowledge gained in Australia are applied to support development outcomes back home.
How you can apply for an Australia Award
The application process for an Australia Award varies slightly by country, but follows a similar structure worldwide. The first step is to check your country’s eligibility requirements, priority study areas and application dates on the official Australia Awards website. For the 2027 intake, many countries open applications on 1 February 2026 and close on 30 April 2026.
Applicants then choose a suitable course aligned with their country’s development priorities and prepare supporting documents such as academic transcripts, English language test results (where required), references and a development-focused personal statement. Applications must be submitted online through the Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS), the official application portal.
Selection is competitive, and successful applicants are notified by the relevant Australian mission or Australia Awards office in their country.
