Are you an international student dreaming of pursuing higher education in Australia without worrying about tuition fees? The Australia Awards Scholarship 2026 is officially open, offering fully funded study opportunities for students from around the globe! This fully-funded Australian government scholarship program 2026 batch, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study at top Australian universities and transform your academic and professional future.
This year’s intake is bigger and better, aimed at empowering students from developing countries, particularly from the Indo-Pacific region, to achieve their educational goals. If you’ve been waiting for your golden ticket to Australia, this is your moment to shine! Read on to learn all about the incredible benefits, eligibility criteria, course start dates, and application deadlines for this life-changing opportunity.
What Does the Australia Awards Scholarship Offer?
The Australia Awards Scholarship 2026 provides recipients with the chance to study full-time in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at top Australian institutions. The program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills of scholars, enabling them to contribute to the development of their home countries upon graduation
What Does the Australia Awards Scholarship Offer?
The Australia Awards Scholarships provides recipients with the chance to study full-time in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at top Australian institutions. The program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills of scholars, enabling them to contribute to the development of their home countries upon graduation.
Benefits of Australia Awards Scholarship
Successful applicants of the Australia Awards Scholarship 2026 will receive a comprehensive funding package that covers:
- Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the complete cost of tuition at any participating Australian university or TAFE institution.
- Return Air Travel: Scholars will receive a single return, economy-class airfare to and from Australia via the most direct route.
- Establishment Allowance: A one-time payment to assist with accommodation expenses, textbooks, and study materials.
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE): A fortnightly stipend to support basic living costs in Australia, with the amount determined by DFAT.
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP): A compulsory orientation program before the start of academic studies, providing essential information about living and studying in Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Medical insurance coverage for the duration of the award (except for pre-existing conditions).
- Pre-course English (PCE) Fees: If necessary, PCE training is available either in the home country or in Australia.
- Supplementary Academic Support: Additional academic support may be provided to enhance the scholar’s success.
- Fieldwork Allowance: For research-based courses or coursework programs with a research component, a return economy-class airfare may be provided for fieldwork, either within Australia or in the scholar’s home country.
Would you stand eligible for Australia Award Scholarship 2026 intake?
To be considered for the Australia Awards Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country (primarily from the Indo-Pacific region) and not hold Australian permanent residency.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria set by their home country and the chosen Australian institution.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Satisfy the admission requirements of the selected university or TAFE institution.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements, as specified by DFAT and the participating university.
- Agree to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their studies; otherwise, they will be required to repay the full cost of the scholarship.
Course Start Date: March 2026
The Australia Awards Scholarships are granted for the minimum duration required to complete the chosen academic program. Scholars typically begin their studies at the start of the academic year in Australia, which is usually in February or March 2026. Some courses may have flexible start dates, depending on the university.
Application Submission Deadline for Australia Government Scholarship
The application period for the Australia Awards Scholarship 2026 intake will open on Saturday, 1 February 2025, at 09:00 AM AEDT, and will close on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, at 11:59 PM AEST.
Apply: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships.
Application Closing Dates: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships-opening-and-closing-dates.
