Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
They aim to contribute to the development needs of Australia's partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements.
They provide opportunities for people from developing countries to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards Scholarships develop the skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to development in their own countries.
Australia Awards Scholarships are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian higher education institution, including any preparatory training. The following benefits generally apply:
- full tuition fees
- return air travel–payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route
- establishment allowance–a once only payment as a contribution towards accommodation expenses, text books, study materials
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) – a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by the department.
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP)–a compulsory program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on living and studying in Australia
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only)–provided to cover the scholar's basic medical costs (with the exception of pre-existing conditions)
- Pre-course English (PCE) fees–if deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training
- supplementary academic support may be available to ensure a scholar's academic success or enhance their academic experience
- fieldwork (for research awards and Masters by coursework which have a research component where fieldwork is compulsory) may be available for eligible research students for one return economy class airfare via the most direct route to their country of citizenship or within Australia.
Australia Awards Fellowships
Australia Awards Fellowships provide short-term opportunities for in-Australia study, research and professional development activities, hosted by Australian organisations – and do not lead to academic qualifications. Application rounds are held through a competitive selection process.
Australia Awards Fellowships aim to build networks of influence and leadership by strengthening partnerships between Australian organisations and partner organisations in the region. Fellowships target senior and mid-career officials and professionals who are in a position to advance development outcomes in priority areas and increase the institutional capacity of partner countries through their leadership.
Australian organisations can request funding of up to AUD $34,500 per Fellow, to a maximum of 15 Fellows to cover:
- return air travel and relevant in-Australia travel
- training costs
- accommodation and living expenses
- medical insurance costs when in Australia (for Fellowship holder only)
- special assistance for people with disability
- program overhead fee.
Australia Awards Alumni
The Australian Government is committed to supporting a global network of Australia Awards alumni. From the establishment of the Colombo Plan in 1951 to the current Australia Awards, education has been central to Australia’s development partnerships with the region. Our scholarships have enabled more than 100,000 leaders to study in Australia or the Pacific and are a foundational feature of our bilateral relationships.
Empowered by their world-class Australian education, Australia Awards alumni are a diverse and talented group who contribute to positive development outcomes in partner countries and act as a vital diplomatic asset to advance Australia’s regional and global influence. They are current and future leaders, influencers and change-makers. Individually and collectively, our Australia Awards cohorts join our alumni, actively working towards findings to shared challenges and helping to shape the world around them.