Australia Awards Scholarships

Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizens of eligible partner countries in the Indo-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East who apply from their home country (undergraduate awards exist only for a few Pacific countries). For Bangladesh, recent rounds required a degree equal to an Australian bachelor's, at least 4 years of relevant full-time work, IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) and a return home for at least 2 years; Master's only, in priority sectors such as public policy, health, climate and infrastructure. Short courses are advertised separately.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Long-term development scholarships for study at Australian institutions, designed to build leadership and skills in partner countries.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizens of eligible partner countries in the Indo-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East who apply from their home country (undergraduate awards exist only for a few Pacific countries). For Bangladesh, recent rounds required a degree equal to an Australian bachelor's, at least 4 years of relevant full-time work, IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) and a return home for at least 2 years; Master's only, in priority sectors such as public policy, health, climate and infrastructure. Short courses are advertised separately.
2. Note the deadline. Feb – Apr (annual; most countries open around 1 Feb and close around 30 Apr - the round for study from 2027 has closed, the next round for 2028 should open around Feb 2027; each country sets its own dates) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Online application, academic documents, references, English-language evidence, work-history evidence.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Country-level screening → interview → placement at an Australian institution

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Australia Awards Scholarships?

Citizens of eligible partner countries in the Indo-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East who apply from their home country (undergraduate awards exist only for a few Pacific countries). For Bangladesh, recent rounds required a degree equal to an Australian bachelor's, at least 4 years of relevant full-time work, IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) and a return home for at least 2 years; Master's only, in priority sectors such as public policy, health, climate and infrastructure. Short courses are advertised separately.

What does Australia Awards Scholarships cover?

Tuition, return airfare, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses, health cover and fieldwork support

When is the deadline for Australia Awards Scholarships?

Feb – Apr (annual; most countries open around 1 Feb and close around 30 Apr - the round for study from 2027 has closed, the next round for 2028 should open around Feb 2027; each country sets its own dates) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Australia Awards Scholarships?

Host countries: Australia.

What documents do I need for Australia Awards Scholarships?

Online application, academic documents, references, English-language evidence, work-history evidence.

How are applicants selected for Australia Awards Scholarships?

Country-level screening → interview → placement at an Australian institution

How much work is the Australia Awards Scholarships application?

High: application + interview