Fully Funded Scholarships For International Students in Australia

With world-class universities and a diverse and welcoming culture, Australia is among the most popular destinations for overseas students seeking higher education opportunities abroad.

However, as studying abroad can be expensive, many overseas students seek fully funded undergraduate scholarships in Australia that help cover the tuition fee, accommodation, and living expenses. 

This blog explores the options for fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students in 2023, including the eligibility criteria, application process, and advantages for successful applicants.

1. What Are Three Possible Scholarships In Australia?

Several grants and scholarships are available to students in Australia at the tertiary level. Overseas students get a supportive environment that helps them prosper academically and personally.
 

Scholarships come in various shapes and sizes based on the type of coverage they provide, such as:

• Cover tuition fees (partial or full)

• Cover accommodation and living expenses

• Provide a stipend that students may use as and when needed

• Cover students for the entire course duration, while others cover students only for one year or require them to reapply.

Over 4200 scholarships are available to Australian students across the vocational and higher education sectors.

There are three major types of Australian scholarships for international students:

1.) Federal Government Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Program is the primary sources of scholarships for overseas students. It is a federal government program to make university education accessible to indigenous students and those from regional and remote areas.

The following scholarships are automatically awarded to eligible students and don't require applying for consideration:

Student Start-up Loans

It is available to full-time students in an approved higher education course. It receives income support through Youth Allowance, Austudy, and ABSTUDY.

Successful recipients receive scholarship amounts in two half-yearly payments. Note that students completing VET courses aren't eligible for this scholarship program.

Relocation Scholarships

Dependent Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY Living Allowance students living away from home undertaking higher education (full-time) study in Australia are eligible for this scholarship.

Under this program, students from a regional or remote area get scholarships in the following way:

• $4,376 for the 1st year of study

• $2,189 for the 2nd and 3rd third years of study 

• $1,094 for the 4th and any subsequent years. 

Australia Awards (Formerly Called Australian Development Scholarships)

The scholarship program is offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and funded by the Australian Foreign Affairs and Trade department.

Students from developing countries who wish to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (Bachelor/Master/Ph.D. Degrees) programs can apply for this scholarship.

To apply, visit the website: Australia Awards Scholarships.

2.) Education Provider Scholarships

Education providers, particularly universities, fund these scholarships and award them to qualifying international students based on Academic Excellence or an equity basis.

Academic Scholarships

Commencing and continuing students who demonstrate academic excellence by their OP, ATAR, or results from the previous tertiary study are eligible for this scholarship.

They are either available on an institution-wide basis or reserved for specific faculties/ courses. 

Equity Scholarships

Students from any of the below six groups that experience difficulty accessing education can receive these scholarships:

• People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent

• People with disabilities

• People from non-English-speaking backgrounds

• People from rural and isolated regions

• People from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds

• Women in non-traditional fields of study 

While most such scholarships are available to 1st-year students, many scholarships are reserved for students in later years to offer extra financial assistance or fund their travel and other opportunities abroad.

They may offer additional benefits like an internship with an organization, coaching by academic or industry professionals, and access to advanced studies.

Details of the institution's scholarship are available on their websites or by contacting a scholarship coordinator, the admissions team, or the international office at the provider. While some scholarships get approved automatically, others require applying to the institution or the tertiary admissions centre.

An example of an Education provider scholarship is the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship. It covers tuition fees and insurance for students undertaking postgraduate Masters or PhD level programs.

3.) Private Organisation Scholarships

Many private organisations also offer scholarships on a similar basis to institution scholarships, such as:

• Academic Excellence

• Need for financial assistance 

• For specific areas of study or social groups

For example, a few foreign governments offer scholarships to students studying foreign languages and exchange programs. Some retail organizations provide scholarships for staff to advance their education.
 

You must contact prominent companies, professional associations, and relevant government departments to learn about available scholarships in their chosen study areas.

2. How Are The Scholarships Offered To Students?

Many scholarships are offered automatically to students when they fulfil specific requirements such as:
 

• School leavers who achieve a specific ATAR or OP

• Students who complete an application and possibly extra tasks like an interview.

As the competition is intense, applicants should consider backup options such as applying for government allowances and finding scholarships available in the next application period. Most scholarships are available to students in their 2nd and subsequent years of study, so watch out for such alternatives.

As several organizations offer scholarships, staying up-to-date with all the information can get tough. Consider taking the help of a secondary school or institution scholarship office to get assistance.

3. Scholarships For International And Domestic Students In Australia

You can find below scholarship options for both international and domestic students:
 

Destination Australia – Australian Govt. Dept. of Education

The Australian Government program funds eligible tertiary education providers to offer scholarships to international and domestic students to study in regional Australia.

Students undertaking studies ranging from Certificate IV to a PhD in regional campus locations across Australia can receive up to $15,000 annually.

Australian Government Research Training Program – Australian Govt. Dept of Education

The Research Training Program Scholarship is an initiative of the Australian Government that assists postgraduate students pursuing higher degrees through research.

The scheme provides flexible funding arrangements for domestic and overseas students pursuing HDRs in Australian universities.

For more details, visit the Research Training Program on the Department of Education website. Applicants can directly apply to a participating university to avail of this scholarship.

Endeavour Scholarships for Postgraduate - QUT

The scholarship is available for students who undertake a postgraduate and doctoral degree in any field.

It is an internationally competitive and academic-based scholarship that supports students of the Asia-Pacific, Europe, America, and the Middle-East, to undertake study, research, and professional development programs in Australia.

The scholarship is for Australian and international students, covers the tuition fee, and provides monthly Stipends.

Monash University Scholarship – Monash University

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees 

• Benefit - Annual living allowance of up to $35,600, relocation allowance of up to $550, and research allowance per annum of up to $1,500.

Access Scholarships – Flinder's University

• Type of Scholarship - Partially funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – 100 scholarships available for Australian citizens commencing their first undergraduate degree at Flinder's University and able to demonstrate their financial hardship and in receipt of Commonwealth Income Support payment.

• Benefit - Students during the first year of study can receive a scholarship of $5,000 

The University also offers DST Scholarship for Commencing Students to provide financial help to Australian students (citizens and permanent residents) starting their Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electronic Systems and Security) and Bachelor of Science (Physics) combined degree.

A total of 10 scholarships are available, each of $5,000 for the first year of study.  

4. What Are Fully Funded Masters Scholarships In Australia?

Fully funded scholarships provide monthly stipends, tuition fees, health insurance, accommodation charges, travel allowance, living expenses, and other related costs.

Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria and submit convincing applications for a scholarship.

5. Which University Gives 100% Scholarship?

Suppose you want to begin your study adventure in Australia. In that case, some of the top universities in Australia offer fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students for the academic year 2023-2024.

Carnegie Mellon University Scholarships - Carnegie Mellon University

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded

• Level of Study - Masters scholarship for international students

• Benefit - AUD 30,000 awarded for 21-month Masters's degrees, and AUD 20,000 for 12-month master's degrees.

Melbourne Research Scholarships - The University of Melbourne

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students.

• Level of Study -  Approx. Six hundred scholarships are available for Master/Ph.D. studies.

• Benefit – It offers a living allowance of $31,200 per year, full fee offset, a Relocation grant, Overseas Student Health Cover, Single Membership, and many other benefits.

Deakin University Scholarships - Deakin University

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded

• Level of Study – Masters/Ph.D. scholarship for international students

• Benefit – The scholarship provides a stipend of $28,600 per annum, health insurance, and a relocation allowance from $500 to $1,500.

Monash University Scholarship – Monash University

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees 

• Benefit - Annual living allowance of up to $35,600, relocation allowance of up to $550, and research allowance per annum of up to $1,500.

University of Sydney International Scholarships – The University of Sydney

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Masters and PhD scholarship 

• Benefit – The University pays a Scholarship amount of $40,000 for a year in two equal instalments that cover living allowance and tuition fees.

Also, students who have applied for admission to a higher degree by research program can apply for Australian Government Research Training Program scholarships.

Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship - The Flinder's University

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students who showcase good aptitude for independent research, academic research training, academic excellence, and research indicators and performance.

• Level of Study – Research Doctorate/Research Masters degree

• Benefit – The scholarship pays the international student tuition fees, a stipend with a generous living allowance of $33,000 per annum, establishment allowance of up to $1,485 to help students with relocation costs and airfares.

Rotary Peace Fellowship Program – Rotary organization

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Masters and PhD studies 

• Benefit – The program covers tuition and fees, round-trip transportation, room and board, and all internship and field study expenses.

Graduate Research Scholarship – The University of Melbourne

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Graduate researchers who wish to commence a graduate research degree 

• Benefit – The program may provide a specific allowance, a stipend, or tuition fee remission or offset.

Australia Awards Scholarships - Participating in Australian Institutions

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Available for Undergraduate, Master, and PhD studies 

• Benefit – The program covers total tuition fees, living expenses, establishment allowance, travel allowance, and more.

University of South Australia Scholarships – The University of South Australia

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Postgraduates studies 

• Benefit – The program provides the tuition fee for the entire research study period.

 Australian Government Research Training Program - Participating Universities

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Masters/ PhD 

• Benefit – The program provides tuition fees offset, a stipend for general living costs, and allowances towards the ancillary cost of research degrees.

Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Postgraduate studies as Master/ PhD 

• Benefit – Covers total tuition fees, housing, books and instructional materials, medical insurance, monthly allowance for expenses, and travel expenses.

6. What Universities Offer Partial Scholarships To Overseas Students?

The below universities offer partial scholarships to international students in Australia:

Deakin Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship – Deakin University

• Type of Scholarship – Full or partially funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Available for undergraduate and Masters studies 

• Benefit – The program covers 50% of student tuition fees.

Charles Darwin University Scholarships - Charles Darwin University

• Type of Scholarship – Partially funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Undergraduate / Masters / PhD. / Training 

• Benefit – Cover up to 50% of tuition fee.

Griffith University Scholarships - Griffith University

The University offers three types of scholarships to overseas students:

1. International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship – Partially funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Undergraduate And Postgraduate Coursework Programs 

• Benefit – Covers 25% of tuition fee.

2. International Student Academic Merit Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship – Partially funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Undergraduate And Postgraduate Coursework Programs 

• Benefit – Cover 20% of tuition fee.

3. Griffith Remarkable Scholarship – Griffith University

• Type of Scholarship – Partially funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Undergraduate And Postgraduate Coursework Programs 

• Benefit – Cover 50% of tuition fee.

Queensland University Law Scholarships - Queensland University

• Type of Scholarship – Partially funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Masters Programs 

• Benefit – The program covers 25% or 50% of tuition fees based on the recommendation of the Head

Under the Destination Australia Scholarship program, the University offers AUD 15,000 per year to overseas students who have applied for Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework in areas of Agriculture and animal sciences, Science, and mathematics. 

Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship – Swinburne University of Technology

• Type of Scholarship - Fully funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Undergraduate/Masters 

• Benefit – Scholarship covers $2500 a year off your course fees.

Bond University Scholarship - Bond University

• Type of Scholarship – Partially funded scholarship for international students

• Level of Study – Only for Undergraduate Degree Programs 

• Benefit – The program provides a 50% tuition fees waiver 

Macquarie University Scholarship- Macquarie University

• Type of Scholarship – Partially funded scholarships for international students with brilliant academic backgrounds.

• Level of Study – Undergraduate/ Masters 

• Benefit – The Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship provides an average of AUD 10,000. 

Macquarie University Scholarship also offers the Australia Awards program for international students.

Southern Cross University Scholarships - Southern Cross University

• Type of Scholarship – Partially funded scholarship for international students.

• Level of Study – For the undergraduate degree, postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students, and international students. Scholarships are also available to help students study overseas as international exchange students.

• Benefit – Scholarships range from $600 to $60,000, and the selection criteria vary widely.

International Students Scholarship - The University of Adelaide

Global Citizens Scholarship – Awarded to international students based on academic excellence. 

• Level of Study:  Students who have commenced an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification and received academic excellence in their studies. 

• Benefit: Students receive a 15% to 30% tuition fee reduction.

Global Academic Excellence Scholarship – Awarded to international students with demonstrated academic excellence.

• Level of Study – Students who have commenced an undergraduate and postgraduate qualification and demonstrated academic excellence in previous studies.

• Benefit - Students receive a 50% tuition fee reduction for the minimum standard full-time duration of their selected undergraduate or postgraduate degree 

Higher Education Scholarship - Awarded to international students with loyalty to education

• Level of Study –The scholarship rewards undergraduate and postgraduate international students who have showcased their passion for learning and loyalty to Australian education.

• Benefit – Students receive a 25% tuition fee reduction for the minimum standard full-time duration of the student's chosen undergraduate or postgraduate degree program. 

7. What Is The Easiest Full Scholarship To Get?

Scholarship programs vary broadly in terms of their eligibility requirements, level of competition, and selection criteria.

Some scholarships may require academic excellence or a demonstration of leadership potential. In contrast, others may consider financial adversity a crucial factor in their selection process.

Investigating and applying to multiple scholarships that suit your qualifications and interests is necessary. It will help enhance your possibilities of obtaining an award.

You can start your search by browsing recognized scholarship databases such as the Australian Government's Study in Australia website, or the scholarships section of the respective universities you plan to attend.

8. What Are My Chances Of Getting A Full Scholarship?

Scholarship programs usually have specific eligibility criteria that applicants must fulfil, such as:

• Academic achievements

• Showcase leadership potential

• Financial need

Those who meet the above requirements demonstrate they are a strong candidate for the scholarship. Such students have higher chances of receiving a scholarship.

By strengthening your application by listing your achievements, abilities, and potential, you can improve your chances of receiving a full scholarship in Australia. Additionally, you should research and apply for multiple scholarship opportunities that meet your interests and qualifications.

Remember that scholarship programs are highly competitive and available in limited numbers. It is good to have a backup strategy if you don't receive the scholarship you applied for.

9. Can I Get A Fully Funded Scholarship In Australia?

Do you want to know what scholarships pay for everything? Here are some options that offer 100% scholarships to overseas students:

Australia Awards Scholarships

Suppose you wish to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs (Master's and PhD studies). In that case, you can apply for the Australia Awards Scholarships. 

The Australian Foreign Affairs and Trade department is the funding body for these scholarships. These scholarships are fully funded and awarded to students from developing countries.

The scholarship provides the recipient with 100% tuition fees, living expenses, establishment allowance, travel allowance, and more.

Endeavour Scholarships for Postgraduate Degrees

How do I get a 100% scholarship in Australia? Here is one more scholarship option that supports students needing financial support.

The scholarship is awarded to Australian university students applying for postgraduate and doctoral programs. It covers a 100% waiver of tuition fees. It provides monthly stipends that comfortably cover student's insurance and travel expenses to some extent.

International Postgraduate Research Scholarship

Students who wish to study in Master's or PhD level programs can apply for this scholarship to cover their tuition fees and insurance.

Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program

Here is another funded scholarship for overseas students who plan to study postgraduate studies in Australia.

Students receive three hundred scholarships yearly, including total tuition fees and monthly allowance for housing, study material, living expenses, medical insurance, and travel expenses.

Australian Government Research Training Program

Last but not least, the Australian Government conducts a fully funded Research Training Program Scholarship for international students who plan to study for Masters and PhD studies. 

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend, allowances, and fees to offset the tuition fees.

10. What Is The Best Australian Government Scholarship Program?

Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are long-term fully-funded awards managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

It is the highest form of aid provided to students of developing countries who wish to undertake full-time UG or PG courses at the most influential and participating Australian universities and TAFE institutions.

The scholarship is awarded to financially vulnerable students to help them overcome their financial burdens. They should demonstrate a passion for learning and growing.

You should have an excellent academic background, expert communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to build productive working relationships. 

AAS scholarships for international students offer multiple benefits, including:

• The total tuition fee waiver 

• Basic accommodation allowance

• Overseas health coverage

• International airfare in economy class from their native country to Australia and vice versa 

• One-time establishment stipend to cover students' expenses, including textbooks and study materials, and more. 

• A stipend for research, internships, and additional Training

Australia Awards Scholarships offer financial assistance for the individual to complete the academic course (including any preparatory training) as specified by the Australian higher education institution.

The benefits of this full scholarship program are as follows:

• Full tuition fee.

• Establishment allowance.

• Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) 

• Return air travel in economy class.

• Introductory Academic Program (IAP) that informs you about living and studying in Australia.

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award 

• Additional academic support.

• Fieldwork support.

• Pre-course English (PCE) fees

• Supplementary academic support 

11. Eligibility Criteria of Australia Awards Scholarships:

A common question among students is, "Can you get denied a scholarship." To be considered for a scholarship, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Any student from the eligible country can apply.

• Highly intellectual students are preferred.

• Your study program must be related to areas of development in your country.

• You should be committed to leaving Australia post-completion of the scholarship.

Award Conditions

Students interested in getting this free Australian scholarship award must sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia declaring them accountable to comply with the scholarship conditions.

Also, the scholarship requires students to leave Australia for at least two years post-completion of the award; otherwise, you will incur the total accumulated cost of the scholarship.

12. How to Apply for Awards Scholarships in Australia?

Applying for a scholarship is more than meeting the eligibility criteria. When considering how to apply for scholarships in Australia, you should consider why you need a scholarship, how it will benefit you, and what you have to offer the University.

General Selection Criteria for the Scholarship:

Applicants should have the following capabilities to be considered for the scholarship:

• A passion for learning and growing.

• Financially vulnerable 

• Good academic background

• Negotiation skills

• Strategic thinking

• Productive working relationships

• Results achievement

• Communication skills

• Personal integrity

Required Documents To Submit:

• A completed International Scholarship Program application form 

• A personal statement (300 words) that explains why you want to study at the University and an overview of any work experience and extracurricular activities you have undertaken

• Two references who can comment on your leadership capacity and community engagement

• A completed application from to study at the University, including academic transcripts.

13. How To Apply For An International Scholarship 

Applicants will have to complete the International Scholarship Program application form and email it to the International Admissions office of the concerned University. 

Students must apply through the official website to apply for Australian Awards Scholarships.

1. Visit the online Australia Scholarship Information System. Register yourself first.

2. Answer the questions asked.

3. You will get a unique registration number, username, and password.

4. Submit the supporting documents.

The Scholarship Selection Panel will assess your application and rank it against other applicants from worldwide based on academic achievement. They may also ask you to attend an interview if your scholarship application includes a work placement.

Only applicants who succeed in receiving a scholarship get notified about their scholarship application results.

14. Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for overseas students to pursue their academic objectives without bothering about the financial stress of studying abroad.

Though competition for such scholarships can be fierce, it can be a life-changing opportunity for successful applicants to gain a world-class education and build lifelong connections with fellow students worldwide.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia 
• What to Study in Australia?