Australia Awards Scholarship 2027
Between Cycles
About the Australia Awards Scholarship
The Australia Awards Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship offered by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for study in Australia. The scholarship supports students pursuing Masters and PhD studies in All disciplines. Priority fields vary by country, aligned with development needs, check country-specific profile. Recipients receive AUD 30,000+ annual living stipend + full tuition + return airfare + establishment allowance + Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) + Introductory Academic Program (IAP) + supplementary academic support for a duration of Full programme duration (Undergraduate 3-4 years, Master's 1-2 years, PhD 3-4 years).
Eligible applicants: 55+ participating countries across Asia, Pacific, Africa, and Middle East. Academic standing: Strong academic record, work experience required (2-5 years post-graduate for many countries).
If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Australia Awards Scholarship selection criteria, this represents a life-changing opportunity to study with full financial support. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.
Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered
Selected recipients of the Australia Awards Scholarship receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:
- Stipend and allowances: AUD 30,000+ annual living stipend + full tuition + return airfare + establishment allowance + Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) + Introductory Academic Program (IAP) + supplementary academic support
- Tuition fees: Yes
- Accommodation: Included in stipend
- Airfare / travel: Yes, economy class return
- Health insurance: Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Family / dependants: Not typically, varies by country and circumstances
- Program duration: Full programme duration (Undergraduate 3-4 years, Master's 1-2 years, PhD 3-4 years)
- Number of awards per year: 1,000 scholarships per year globally
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means recipients receive complete financial coverage throughout their study period, allowing them to focus entirely on their academic and research goals without financial burden.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Australia Awards Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.
Academic requirements
- Minimum degree level: Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD
- Academic standing: Strong academic record, work experience required (2-5 years post-graduate for many countries)
- Academic background: Completed secondary school (for Undergraduate applicants), Bachelor's degree completed (for Master's applicants), Master's degree completed (for PhD applicants), excellent academic performance, demonstrated leadership and development impact potential
- Fields of study: All disciplines. Priority fields vary by country, aligned with development needs, check country-specific profile
Nationality & residency
- Eligible countries: 55+ participating countries across Asia, Pacific, Africa, and Middle East
- Residency: Must be citizen of a participating country residing in and applying from your country of citizenship, must not be Australian citizen or permanent resident, must not be applying for permanent Australia visa
Language requirements
- Language of instruction: English
- Language test: Yes (IELTS/TOEFL required)
- Minimum score: IELTS 6.5+ (varies by programme, some require 7.0+)
Other requirements
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old on 1 February of scholarship commencement year
- Gender: Open to all genders, women and people with disabilities encouraged
How to Apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship
Applications for the Australia Awards Scholarship are submitted through the official channels of Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.
Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: OASIS online application, academic transcripts, passport/citizenship documents, English proficiency test results, work experience references, personal statement including Development Impact and Linkages Plan (DILP), country-specific documents. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.
Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes (2-3 references, may include work supervisor references). Contact your referees early. References take time to prepare.
Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. The application deadline for this scholarship is April 30, 2026 at 14:00 AEST. The 2027 intake has closed; the 2028 intake is will open February 2027 with a deadline of April 30, 2027. Country-specific deadlines may vary.. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Australia Awards Scholarship is April 30, 2026 at 14:00 AEST. The 2027 intake has closed; the 2028 intake is will open February 2027 with a deadline of April 30, 2027. Country-specific deadlines may vary.. Application window: February 1, 2026 at 09:00 AEDT. The 2027 intake opened February 2026; the next 2028 intake is expected to open February 1, 2027.
We strongly recommend starting your application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation, reference letter requests, and revisions to your personal statement. Rushed applications are visibly weaker and reduce your chance of shortlisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Australia Awards Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means it covers all or most major costs — see the Benefits section above for a full breakdown.
Who can apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship?
Applicants must be from 55+ participating countries across Asia, Pacific, Africa, and Middle East. Additionally, applicants must hold Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD. Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Australia Awards Scholarship is April 30, 2026 at 14:00 AEST. The 2027 intake has closed; the 2028 intake is will open February 2027 with a deadline of April 30, 2027. Country-specific deadlines may vary.. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a bond or return obligation?
Must return to home country for minimum 2 years after study completion (legally binding), part of development mandate.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.