Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in Australia – Apply Now

Australia is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, vibrant multicultural cities, and stunning natural beauty. However, studying in Australia can be expensive, especially for international students. The good news is that there are numerous fully funded scholarships available that can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best fully funded scholarships for international students in Australia and provide tips on how to apply.

Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in Australia

1. Australia Awards Scholarships

Overview: The Australia Awards Scholarships, funded by the Australian government, are among the most prestigious and competitive scholarships available to international students. These scholarships aim to contribute to the development needs of partner countries by providing opportunities for people to study in Australia.

What It Covers:

• Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers all tuition costs for the duration of your study.
• Living Allowance: Recipients receive a generous living stipend to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
• Return Airfare: The scholarship includes an economy class ticket to and from Australia.
• Health Insurance: Recipients are provided with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their studies.
• Academic Support: Additional academic support may be provided, including preparatory programs and English language training.

Eligibility:

• Open to students from specific countries in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Applicants must meet the academic and English language requirements for their chosen course of study.
• Candidates are expected to return to their home country after completing their studies to contribute to its development.

Application Process:

• Applications typically open in February and close in April each year.
• Applicants must submit an online application, including academic transcripts, references, and a personal statement outlining their goals and how they plan to use their education to benefit their home country.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Overview: Many Australian universities offer fully funded scholarships to attract talented international students. These scholarships are often merit-based, covering tuition fees and providing a living allowance.

Examples:

• University of Sydney International Scholarships (USydIS): Covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance for postgraduate research students.
• Melbourne International Research Scholarships (MIRS): Available for high-achieving international students undertaking research at the University of Melbourne. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and relocation costs.
• ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Offers full tuition and a living stipend for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at the Australian National University (ANU).

Eligibility:

• Applicants must meet the academic and English language requirements of the specific university.
• Scholarships are often awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and research potential.

Application Process:

• Application deadlines vary by university, so it’s essential to check the specific dates on each university’s website.
• Most scholarships require a separate application, though some universities automatically consider applicants for scholarships based on their course application.

3. Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

Overview: The Australian government’s Research Training Program (RTP) provides funding for international students pursuing research-based postgraduate degrees. These scholarships are administered by individual universities and are available for both Master’s by Research and PhD students.

What It Covers:

• Tuition Fees: The RTP Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for the duration of your research degree.
• Stipend: Recipients receive a living allowance to cover daily expenses.
• Research Support: Additional funds may be available for research-related costs, such as fieldwork, travel, and conferences.

Eligibility:

• Open to international students enrolled in research-based postgraduate programs at participating Australian universities.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and research potential.

Application Process:

• Applications are submitted through the university where you plan to study. Each university has its own process and deadlines, so it’s crucial to check their specific requirements.
• Typically, applicants need to provide a research proposal, academic transcripts, and references.

4. Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards

Overview: The Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards were part of the Australian government’s commitment to providing opportunities for high-achieving international students. Although the program is currently paused, it may be worth keeping an eye on for future opportunities.

What It Covered:

• Full Tuition: The scholarship covered tuition fees for up to four years.
• Monthly Stipend: A generous monthly allowance was provided to cover living expenses.
• Travel and Health Insurance: Included return airfare and comprehensive health insurance.

Eligibility:

• Open to students from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• Applicants needed to demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to their chosen field of study.

Application Process:

• The application process was highly competitive, requiring academic transcripts, a detailed study plan, and references.
• The program is currently on hold, but similar future initiatives may be available.

5. International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)

Overview: The IPRS program was another highly competitive scholarship for international students pursuing a research degree in Australia. While the program has been replaced by the RTP, it served as a vital pathway for research-focused students.

What It Covered:

• Full Tuition: Covered the cost of tuition for up to three years.
• Health Insurance: Provided comprehensive health insurance for the duration of the course.
• Research Support: Additional funding was available for research-related expenses.

Eligibility:

• Open to international students enrolling in research-based postgraduate programs.
• Candidates needed to demonstrate academic excellence and research potential.

Application Process:

• The application process varied by university, with specific deadlines and requirements set by each institution.
• Typically required a research proposal, academic transcripts, and references.

6. Destination Australia Program

Overview: The Destination Australia Program is designed to encourage international students to study in regional Australia. This program offers scholarships to students who choose to study in less-populated areas, providing an opportunity to experience Australia’s diverse culture and natural beauty away from the major cities.

What It Covers:

• Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers a portion or all of the tuition fees.
• Living Allowance: Recipients receive a stipend to help cover living expenses in regional areas.

Eligibility:

• Open to international students enrolling in eligible courses at regional Australian universities.
• Applicants must meet the academic and English language requirements of their chosen program.

Application Process:

• Applications are submitted through participating universities, each with its own process and deadlines.
• A separate scholarship application may be required, depending on the university.

7. The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)

Overview: The RTP is a significant initiative by the Australian government to support both domestic and international students in research studies. This program is available to students pursuing a Master’s by Research or PhD and provides comprehensive funding.

What It Covers:

• Full Tuition Fees: The RTP covers all tuition costs for the duration of the research degree.
• Stipend: A living allowance is provided to cover daily expenses.
• Research Costs: Additional funding is available for essential research expenses such as fieldwork, travel, and publications.

Eligibility:

• Available to high-achieving international students enrolling in research-based programs.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic records and research capabilities.

Application Process:

• Applications are made directly to the university offering the research program. Each institution has specific deadlines and requirements, so check the details with the relevant university.
• Typically, a research proposal, academic transcripts, and references are required.

How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Australia?

The required CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) for a scholarship in Australia can vary significantly depending on the type of scholarship, the level of study, the university, and the specific program. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Undergraduate Scholarships

• Typical CGPA Requirement: For undergraduate scholarships, a CGPA of around 3.0 to 3.5 out of 4.0 is often required. However, more prestigious or competitive scholarships may require a higher CGPA, such as 3.7 or above.
• Examples:
  • Australia Awards Scholarships: These are merit-based and typically require strong academic performance, though the specific CGPA is not always stipulated and can vary by country and institution.
  • University-Specific Scholarships: Each university sets its own criteria. For example, the University of Melbourne might require a high distinction average (around 3.7 or higher out of 4.0) for some of its scholarships.

2. Postgraduate Scholarships

• Typical CGPA Requirement: For postgraduate scholarships (Master’s and Ph.D.), a CGPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0 is often expected. Highly competitive scholarships might require a CGPA of 3.7 to 4.0.
• Examples:
  • Australia Awards Scholarships: These scholarships for postgraduate study typically require a strong academic background, often indicated by a high CGPA.
  • Research Scholarships (e.g., RTP Scholarships): The Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships, which are common for Ph.D. students, generally require a strong academic record, with a CGPA of 3.5 or above.

3. University-Specific Scholarships

• Typical CGPA Requirement: Requirements vary by university and scholarship program. Some universities might require a CGPA as low as 3.0 for entry-level scholarships, while others may require closer to 3.7 or 4.0 for more prestigious awards.
• Examples:
  • University of Sydney International Scholarships: These might require a high distinction average, which translates to a CGPA of 3.7 or above.
  • University of Queensland Scholarships: A CGPA of 3.5 or above is commonly required for many scholarships.

4. Field-Specific Scholarships

• Typical CGPA Requirement: Some scholarships are specific to certain fields (e.g., engineering, business, science). The CGPA requirement for these can vary widely depending on the competitiveness of the field and the scholarship.
• Examples:
  • Engineering Scholarships: Often require a CGPA of 3.5 or above.
  • Business Scholarships: May also require a CGPA of 3.5 or higher, depending on the institution and scholarship.

5. Government and External Scholarships

• Australia Awards Scholarships: These prestigious government scholarships often require a very strong academic background, though exact CGPA requirements can vary.
• External Scholarships: Provided by organizations outside the university, these may have varying CGPA requirements based on the specific criteria set by the organization.

Important Considerations:

• Other Factors: Many scholarships also consider other factors beyond CGPA, such as research potential, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and work experience.
• Country of Origin: Some scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, and requirements might differ accordingly.
• Level of Study: Ph.D. scholarships often prioritize research experience and academic publications, in addition to CGPA.

Conclusion: