Top 10 Scholarships to Study in Australia in 2026

Australia is one of the top three study destinations globally, but tuition fees ranging from AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 per year can be a barrier. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available for international students.

The Australia Awards Scholarships are the most prestigious, funded by the Australian Government. They cover full tuition, return airfare, a living allowance, health insurance, and more. They are primarily for students from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

The Destination Australia Program provides scholarships of up to AUD 15,000 per year for students studying at regional Australian campuses. This is a great option if you are open to studying outside the major cities.

Many individual universities offer generous merit-based scholarships. The University of Melbourne offers the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship covering up to 100% of fees. Monash University, the University of Sydney, UNSW, and ANU all offer similar flagship scholarships.

Research scholarships such as the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) cover tuition and provide a living stipend for PhD and research Masters students. These are highly competitive but fully funded.

Application tips: start early (most deadlines are six to twelve months before your intake), maintain strong academic records, prepare a compelling personal statement, and apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously to maximise your chances.