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 the point of admission, and the Destination Australia program funds study at regional campuses. Amounts vary, so apply to several and check each university's scholarships page for current awards and deadlines.

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, and some are substantial.

Destination Australia Scholarship

The Destination Australia Scholarship offers AUD 15,000 per year to study at a regional campus (outside the big cities). If you're open to places like Townsville, Armidale, or the regional campuses of the national universities, this can cover a large share of living costs.

Australia Awards (government)

Australia Awards are prestigious government scholarships for students from select partner countries (many in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas). They cover full tuition, living costs, and travel, with the expectation you return home to contribute to development. Check whether your home country is eligible.

University merit scholarships

University of Melbourne — the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship and faculty awards for top applicants.
University of Sydney — the International Scholarship and faculty-specific awards.
UNSW Sydney — scholarships up to AUD 20,000/year for strong international applicants.
Monash — the Monash International Merit Scholarship.

Many are automatically considered at admission — meaning you don't need a separate application, just your best grades and profiles.

Research scholarships

For postgraduate research, universities and the government fund fully covered living stipends and tuition waivers — e.g. the Research Training Program (RTP) and university PhD scholarships. If you have a strong research profile, PhD study in Australia is often effectively free plus a stipend.

How to apply

Apply for admission with your best grades — 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.

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Scholarships for International Students in Australia