Scholarships to Study in Australia for 2026 Intake – Full & Partial Funding

Many international students dream of studying in Australia because of its high-quality universities, rich cultural diversity, and great opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge research. However, the financial burden is often a factor that gets in the way of this dream. The Scholarships Australia programs offer many different fully-funded and partially funded undergraduate, postgraduate, and research student scholarships. In addition, for the 2026 intake, there are several high-prestige awards available that will help offset and alleviate the cost of studying in Australia, making it easier for high-performing global talent to access this education.  I have put together the key scholarships Australia for international students, including eligibility requirements, benefits of taking a scholarship, and how to apply.

Therefore, if you are looking for undergraduate scholarships Australia, postgraduate scholarships Australia, or you need international students scholarships Australia, you will find a range of different programs available to assist you in your education journey while already planning your own study experience.

Why Apply for Scholarships in Australia?

Australia has one of the best education systems in the world, but tuition and living costs can be expensive. Receiving study scholarships Australia creates opportunities for students to combat these costs while concentrating completely on academic and research goals. Usually study scholarships provide tuition fees, living allowances, health insurance and sometimes travel allowances.

For international students, scholarships represent much more than financial assistance. They are a symbolic representation of excellence and the capacity to contribute to global society and most importantly, academic merit.

Top Fully Funded Scholarships for 2026 Intake

1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)

The Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) is one of Australia’s leading scholarships for international students, funded by the Australian Government for the purpose of developing future global leaders. 

• Level of Study: Masters / PhD
• Covers: Full tuition fees, return airfare, living allowance, establishment costs, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and an Introductory Academic Program.
• Application Opening: Feb – April 2026

This scholarship is highly competitive and favours students whose field of study is aligned to the development priorities of their home country.

2. Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

RTP is one of Australia’s premier international postgraduate scholarships for outstanding research students who are high achievers.  RTP is funded by the government and administered by universities. 

• Level of Study: Master’s by Research / PhD 
• Coverage:  Full tuition fee offset, living stipend, relocation (airfares) allowance, thesis expenditure. 

Applications are made directly to universities where students are automatically considered on a merit basis.

3. Commonwealth Scholarships Australia

The Commonwealth Scholarships Australia Program provides opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries, including India, to study higher education in Australia.

• Field of Study: Postgraduate (Masters / PhD)
• Covers: Tuition fees, living stipend, health care coverage and travel allowance. These awards are suited for students with leadership potential and a good academic history.

University-Specific Scholarships

A number of leading Australian universities provide their own international student scholarships Australia – especially those focusing on research or postgraduate programs. 

Although many of these scholarships are competitive, they can range from meeting all costs for students who are performing research at the highest standard.

Other Major Scholarships to Study in Australia

1. Deakin University Scholarships – Fully funded PhD research scholarships including the stipend and relocation grant.
2. Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS) – Approximately 600 fully funded scholarships including tuition fees, stipend, and OSHC.
3. Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship – Covers 100% or 50% of tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate.
4. Charles Darwin University Scholarships – Undergraduate scholarships, either fully funded or partial, for international students.
5. Griffith University Scholarships – Lots of fully funded, and partially funded opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral students.
6. University of Sydney International Scholarships – Fully funded Master’s and PhD awards with AUD 40,000 stipend.
7. Monash University Research Training Program – Up to AUD 29,000 per year for research students. 
8. Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship – Up to AUD 2,500 off tuition fees each year.
9. The University of South Australia Scholarships – includes International Research Tuition Scholarships (IRTS) for postgraduate students. 
10. Bond University Scholarships – applied as a 50% waiver of tuition fees for undergraduate programs. 
11. Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship – receives AUD 10,000 for a supported tuition fee for an undergraduate or master’s. 

All of these options indicate that there is a limit of support available for both undergraduate and postgraduate based on the area of study. 

How to Apply for Scholarships

1. Start Early: Initiate research 1–1.5 years in advance of intake.
2. Eligibility criteria: An excellent academic track-record and English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE).
3. Draft a research proposal (PhD/Master’s): It has to be original, relevant, and should meet the areas of strength of the university.
4. Good SOP: You should tell crystal clearly about why you choose Australia, your career goals* and how this scholarship is going to positively impact your career goals.
5. Get Strong LORs: Pick someone who can talk about your academic/research ability.
6. Complete Application: Review documents and respect all deadlines.

Conclusion

The 2026 intake opens up a plethora of options via scholarships Australia. Whether you are deciding where to go to college or graduate school, these scholarships will make paying for an education less stressful, and let you spend more time studying andadapting to being away from home. With planning, competitive applications and timely submissions, international students really have a shot at winning these scholarships and being able to study in the world’s most revered educational destination.

For advise and professional advice and application assistance, Contact Career Width for APPLICATION inquiries and assistance.

FAQs – 

Q1. What types of scholarships are available for international students in Australia?

Ans 1. Students can apply for undergraduate scholarships Australia, postgraduate scholarships Australia, and international postgraduate scholarships Australia. These may be fully funded or partially funded depending on the institution and program.

Q2. Are there fully funded scholarships for undergraduate students?

Ans 2. Yes, several universities such as Deakin, Charles Darwin, and Bond University offer undergraduate scholarships Australia for international students, covering either full or partial tuition fees.

Q3. What are the benefits of Commonwealth Scholarships Australia?

Ans 3. Commonwealth scholarships Australia cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and return airfare, making them highly valuable for postgraduate students.

Q4. How competitive are scholarships in Australia for international students?

Ans 4. Very competitive. Most international student scholarships Australia are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and alignment with research or development priorities.

Q5. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?

Ans 5. Yes, students can apply for multiple study scholarships Australia, but they need to carefully check eligibility and application timelines for each program.