Can international students study in Australia for free?

Fully funded study is possible but rare and very competitive, mainly through the Australia Awards for citizens of eligible developing countries, or through Research Training Program scholarships for PhD and research-master's students. Most international students instead combine a partial university scholarship with savings, a lower-cost city, and part-time work.

What is the easiest scholarship to get in Australia?

University merit scholarships are usually the most accessible, since many are awarded automatically to strong applicants at admission, and the Destination Australia program funds regional study with over 1,000 places a year and less competition. Amounts vary, so apply to several and check each scholarships page for current awards and deadlines.

Are Australian scholarships full or partial?

Mostly partial. Most university merit awards are a tuition discount, often a few thousand up to around AUD 20,000 a year, rather than full funding. Full packages exist through Australia Awards and the RTP, but they are highly competitive. Budget on the basis of a partial award unless you have a confirmed full scholarship.

Do I need to apply separately for scholarships?

It depends on the award. Many university merit scholarships are assessed automatically when you apply for admission, so you just need strong grades and a complete application. Others, and most government and research awards, require a separate application with essays or a research proposal. Always check each scholarship's page.

When should I apply for scholarships?

Early. Scholarship deadlines are often months before course start dates and sometimes earlier than admission deadlines. Aim to have your grades, English test and application ready six to twelve months ahead, and apply for your course and any scholarships at the same time.

Scholarships for International Students in Australia 2026

Scholarships are generous and varied

Tuition at Australian universities is higher than in East Asia, but so is the scholarship culture. Every university runs its own international awards, the government funds regional and research study, and some packages are substantial. Most merit awards are partial (a tuition discount rather than a free ride), so treat scholarships as a way to reduce costs, not eliminate them, and always confirm current amounts on the official page.

Destination Australia Scholarship

The Destination Australia Scholarship offers up to AUD 15,000 per year to study at a regional campus, outside the big cities. More than 1,000 are awarded each year and it is far less competitive than the flagship government or research awards. If you are open to places like Townsville, Armidale or a regional campus, it can cover a large share of living costs, and regional study can also add extra time on your post-study work visa.

Australia Awards (government)

Australia Awards are prestigious government scholarships for students from select partner countries, many in the Pacific, Southeast Asia and Africa. They cover full tuition, living costs, health cover and travel, with the expectation that you return home afterward to contribute to development. Check whether your home country is eligible and note that intakes usually open early in the year.

University merit scholarships

University of Melbourne: the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (a fee remission for top applicants) and faculty awards.
University of Sydney: the Sydney International Student Award and faculty-specific scholarships.
UNSW Sydney: a range of international scholarships, including awards around AUD 20,000 a year for strong applicants.
Monash: the Monash International Merit Scholarship.

Many are automatically considered at admission, meaning you do not need a separate application, just strong grades and a complete profile. Others require a separate form, so read each university's scholarships page carefully.

Research scholarships

For postgraduate research, the Research Training Program (RTP), funded by the Australian Government at more than 40 universities, covers full tuition plus a tax-free living stipend of roughly AUD 34,000 to 43,000 per year (rates vary by university), typically for up to 2 years for a master's by research and 4 years for a PhD. Individual universities also run their own PhD scholarships. If you have a strong research profile, funded research study in Australia can be effectively free plus a stipend, though places are highly competitive.

How to apply

Apply for admission with your best grades, since most merit scholarships are auto-considered.
Flag scholarship interest in your application and submit any essays early.
For regional living, apply to Destination Australia-eligible programs.
Check your home country's Australia Awards eligibility well ahead of deadlines.
For research funding, contact the university's graduate research office about RTP availability before you apply.

Sources: Destination Australia (up to AUD 15,000/year, studyaustralia.gov.au); Australia Awards (dfat.gov.au); Research Training Program stipend rates 2026 (per-university). Amounts and deadlines change, so confirm on each official page before relying on them.

Explore study options in Australia, read our Australia cost of living guide, or see how regional study boosts work rights in our post-study work guide.

Scholarships for International Students in Australia