Fully funded scholarships in Australia can help you study abroad without going into debt.
Good news: Australia offers a range of fully funded scholarships for international students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. These prestigious awards cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs, making your dream of studying in one of the world’s most advanced academic environments not just possible, but affordable.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, you’ll discover:
- The top fully funded scholarships available in Australia
- Eligibility requirements, application documents, and deadlines
- Pro tips to strengthen your application
- Related scholarships around the world
Let’s dive into the opportunities waiting for you.
Why Study in Australia?
Australia consistently ranks among the top destinations for international education, and here’s why:
- 📅 7 universities in the global top 100 (QS & Times Higher Ed)
- 🌎 Post-study work visas allow 2–6 years after graduation
- 🚪 Part-time work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during semester
- ✨ Strong emphasis on research, innovation, and employability
- 🤝 Multicultural, welcoming environment
- 🚀 Opportunities for permanent residency (PR) for skilled graduates
Studying in Australia offers a balance of world-class education, career development, and lifestyle.
What Does ‘Fully Funded’ Mean?
When a scholarship is labeled “fully funded,” it typically includes
- 🎓 Full tuition coverage
- 🏡 Monthly living allowance/stipend
- ✈️ Return airfare to and from Australia
- ⚕️ Health insurance coverage
- 🚪 Visa application support
- 🌐 Relocation or establishment allowance (in some cases)
This means you can focus entirely on your studies without worrying about finances.
Who is Eligible for Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia?
Each scholarship has its criteria, but generally, you must:
- Be a non-Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have a strong academic background (usually top 25% of your class)
- Meet English language proficiency standards (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- For postgraduate degrees: Hold relevant bachelor’s/master’s qualifications
- Meet age, country-specific, or field-of-study requirements, depending on the scholarship
Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia (Overview Table)
| Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | UG & PG | Tuition, airfare, stipend, insurance | Citizens of select developing countries |
| Destination Australia Program (DAP) | UG & PG | Up to AUD 15,000/year | All international students |
| University of Sydney International Scholarships | PG (Research) | Tuition: AUD 37,207/year | Academic merit |
| Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | Master’s & PhD | Tuition + AUD 37,000/year + relocation | Research students |
| Monash International Scholarships | UG, PG, PhD | 100% tuition + stipend | Academic excellence |
| Adelaide Global Academic Excellence | UG & PG | 50% to 100% tuition waiver | High academic achievers |
| ANU Global & Research Scholarships | UG, PG, PhD | Tuition + living allowance | Program-dependent |
Detailed Scholarship Breakdown
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
- Coverage: Full tuition, return airfare, living stipend, health insurance
- Eligibility: Open to nationals of developing countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific
- Site: dfat.gov.au
2. Destination Australia Program (DAP)
- Level: UG & PG (focus on regional universities)
- Coverage: Up to AUD 15,000/year
- Eligibility: All international students
- Site: education.gov.au
3. University of Sydney International Scholarships
- Level: Postgraduate Research
- Coverage: Tuition + AUD 37,207 annual stipend
- Eligibility: Based on academic merit
- Site: sydney.edu.au
4. Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
- Level: Master’s by Research & PhD
- Coverage: Full tuition, AUD 37,000/year stipend, relocation grant
- Site: unimelb.edu.au
5. Monash International Scholarships
- Levels: UG, Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: 100% tuition + living stipend (for research)
- Programs include leadership and research training scholarships.
- Site: monash.edu
6. Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarships
- Level: UG & PG
- Coverage: 50–100% tuition reduction
- Eligibility: High academic achievers
- Site: adelaide.edu.au
7. ANU Scholarships
- Programs: ANU Global Diversity, PhD Research Awards
- Coverage: Tuition + stipend
- Site: anu.edu.au
Application Deadlines & Intake Timelines
| Scholarship | Deadline | Intake |
| Australia Awards | Feb–May | Feb 2026 |
| DAP | Varies | Feb/July |
| Melbourne Graduate | Oct–Dec | Mid/Late 2025 |
| Monash Research | Nov–May | Varies |
| Sydney International | Rolling | March/July |
| ANU & Adelaide | Rolling | Rolling |
Required Documents Checklist
- Certified academic transcripts
- English proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter
- Passport biodata page
- Letters of recommendation
- Research proposal (for PG/PhD)
How to Write a Winning SOP for Australia Scholarships
- Begin with a personal story or goal
- Connect your academic background to the scholarship
- Clearly express why you chose Australia
- Show how your work will impact your home country
- End with future goals aligned with the scholarship’s mission
How to Boost Your Application
- Apply early (at least 6–12 months ahead)
- Tailor each application & SOP to the specific program
- Highlight achievements in leadership or research
- Contact potential supervisors (for PG research)
- Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to gather documents
- Submitting a generic SOP
- Ignoring scholarship-specific eligibility criteria
- Missing deadlines due to time zone differences
- Not checking email regularly during the review period
Related Global Scholarships
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
- MEXT Engineering Scholarships (Japan)
- DAAD Scholarships for Engineers (Germany)
- Chevening Scholarships
- Scholarships Without IELTS
FAQs
Can I study in Australia for free?
Yes, fully funded scholarships cover tuition, travel, living, and more for eligible students.
Is IELTS mandatory for Australian scholarships?
Not always. Some accept TOEFL, PTE, or even waive requirements under certain conditions.
What’s the most prestigious scholarship in Australia?
Australia Awards Scholarships are among the most competitive and generous.
Can I work while on a scholarship?
Yes, you can work part-time (up to 48 hours/fortnight) while studying.
Do I apply to the university first or the scholarship?
It depends. Some scholarships require university admission before applying; others happen in parallel.
Final Thoughts
Australia is more than stunning coastlines and kangaroos—it’s a global hub for research, innovation, and career-focused education. With a well-prepared application, you can win a fully funded scholarship and study among the world’s brightest minds without debt.
Start early. Stay focused. Take your first step toward studying in Australia—for free.
✅ **Want to explore scholarships that don’t require IELTS?** Click here to see open opportunities now →
