While most international students in Australia are full-fee paying students, another option is to apply for a scholarship.
Scholarships are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions and a number of other organisations. They cover various educational sectors, including vocational education and training, student exchanges, undergraduate and postgraduate study and research. Australian Government scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training specifically in Australia. However, there are several English language training scholarships offered by Australian institutions.
For information on scholarships use our Scholarships Database. It provides an accurate and reliable list of all scholarships supplied by Australian-based organisations, institutions and government bodies to international students studying or planning to study in Australia on a student visa.
Australian Scholarships
Australian Scholarships is an initiative of the Australian Government. It brings together and expands existing scholarship programs in the Asia-Pacific region that are managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). Australian Scholarships also introduces a new AusAID-managed program called the Australian Leadership Awards. Further information can be found at www.australianscholarships.gov.au
There are three component programs of Australian Scholarships. They are:
Endeavour Programme – brings together all of DEEWR’s international education scholarships. The Endeavour Programme showcases the excellence of Australia’s education, science and training sectors by bringing high achieving students, researchers and professionals to Australia to undertake short- or long-term study, research and professional development in a broad range of disciplines. It also encourages Australians to do the same abroad. Further information can be found at: www.endeavour.dest.gov.au
Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) – focus on developing leaders who can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in both their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. ALAs provide scholarship support for postgraduate studies in Australia and short-term fellowship opportunities in specialised research, study or professional attachments through participating Australian organisations. Further information can be found at: www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar
Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) – aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries to promote good governance, economic growth and human development. ADS provides people with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive change and influence the development outcomes of their own country, through obtaining tertiary qualifications at participating Australian institutions. Further information can be found at: www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar
Other funding sources
International and charitable organisations offer scholarships for international study. You must apply for these scholarships in your home country, not in Australia.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities website provides a scholarships guide for Commonwealth postgraduate students offered by Governments, Rotary International, World Bank, World Health Organisation, Asian Development Bank, United Nations, Rockefeller Foundation and other organisations.