Australia Awards Scholarships 2027 – Fully Funded by the Australian Government
The Australia Awards Scholarships 2027 are fully funded scholarships from the Australian Government for eligible applicants from selected developing countries to study at approved Australian universities and tertiary institutions. Applications opened on 1 February 2026 and close on 30 April 2026 at 2:00 PM AEST.
If you are from a developing country and looking for a fully funded opportunity to study in Australia, this is one of the most prestigious and competitive government scholarships in the world. Read every detail below before you apply.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Australia Awards Scholarships 2027 |
| Provider | Australian Government (DFAT) |
| Study Destination | Australia |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, Masters, PhD |
| Application Opens | 1 February 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 30 April 2026, 2:00 PM AEST |
| Course Start | 2027 |
| Application Portal | OASIS (online) or country-specific portal |
Note: Deadlines may vary slightly by country. Always confirm exact dates on your country’s official Australia Awards page.
What Is the Australia Awards Scholarship?
The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are long-term development awards administered by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They are designed to build the skills, knowledge, and leadership capacity of people from developing countries — particularly from the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East — so they can drive positive change in their home countries.
This is not a university-specific scholarship. Applicants choose eligible courses at approved Australian universities and tertiary education institutions that align with their country’s development priority areas. The scholarship is highly competitive, with just 989 awards given across 55 countries in 2024, representing an investment of approximately AUD 250 million by the Australian Government.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Australia Awards Scholarship is fully funded. Recipients receive the following:
- Full tuition fees — paid directly to the Australian institution
- Return economy-class airfare — from home country to Australia and back
- Establishment allowance — a one-off payment on arrival for accommodation and study materials
- Fortnightly living expenses contribution — to cover daily costs throughout the scholarship period
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — for the full duration of the scholarship
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP) — English language and academic preparation support if required
- Supplementary academic support — to ensure academic success during the program
- Fieldwork allowance — for eligible research students whose program includes a compulsory fieldwork component
- Reasonable disability accommodation — for scholars who require additional support
Scholars are covered for the minimum period necessary to complete their academic program, including any preparatory training.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on your country’s Australia Awards profile. The following general criteria apply across participating countries:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible DFAT-approved partner country (Asia, Pacific, Africa, Middle East)
- Must be at least 18 years old as of 1 February of the commencement year
- Must not be currently studying or residing in Australia
- Must not be a serving military personnel
- Must meet English language proficiency requirements — IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic scores must be valid as of 1 January 2027
- Must not have previously received a long-term Australia Award unless the required time outside Australia has been met
- Proposed course of study must align with the priority development areas for your country
- Must demonstrate strong academic background, leadership potential, and commitment to development
Priority is given to: women, people with disabilities, and other marginalised groups.
Each country has its own additional eligibility criteria, required documents, and priority sectors. Visit the official Australia Awards website and select your country profile for the exact requirements.
Study Level and Fields
Australia Awards Scholarships are available for:
- Undergraduate study (select countries)
- Masters by coursework
- Masters by research
- PhD / Doctoral study
Fields of study must align with your country’s development priorities. Common priority areas include governance, health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, environment, and economic management. Check your country’s profile for the specific fields eligible for the 2027 intake.
Host Institutions
Australia Awards Scholarships are not tied to a single university. Applicants choose a course and institution from eligible Australian universities and tertiary education institutions approved under the Australia Awards program.
Courses must be registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students), which is Australia’s regulatory framework for courses offered to international students on student visas. Always select a CRICOS-registered course through the OASIS application system to ensure eligibility.
Do not choose an institution or course that is not listed as eligible for your country’s program.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1: Visit the official Australia Awards website at www.australiaawards.gov.au
Step 2: Select your country from the participating countries list and read your country’s profile carefully. Note the eligible fields of study, additional eligibility requirements, and any country-specific deadlines.
Step 3: Read the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook in full. This document contains all official eligibility requirements, selection processes, entitlements, and responsibilities.
Step 4: Prepare your required documents. These typically include:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL iBT / PTE Academic)
- Referee reports (usually two professional or academic referees)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Any country-specific documents listed in your country’s profile
Step 5: Create an account on the OASIS portal (or use your country’s designated application system — some countries like Indonesia and the Philippines use country-specific portals).
Step 6: Complete your application online. Select eligible courses using the correct CRICOS course codes. Upload all required supporting documents.
Step 7: Submit before the closing date — 30 April 2026 at 2:00 PM AEST. Do not wait until the last day. Technical and documentation issues are common at deadline.
Australia Awards only accepts applications via OASIS and will never ask applicants for money or bank details. Beware of fraudulent scholarship agents.
Selection Criteria — What Selectors Look For
Applications are assessed on:
- Academic competence — strong academic record relevant to the proposed field of study
- Professional qualities — relevant work experience and demonstrated commitment to your field
- Personal qualities — leadership potential, interpersonal skills, and community engagement
- Development impact — potential to make a measurable positive contribution to your home country’s development upon return
- Alignment with country priorities — how well your proposed course matches your country’s designated development priority areas
Work experience is not mandatory for undergraduate applicants but is a significant advantage for postgraduate applicants. Most competitive postgraduate applicants have several years of relevant professional experience.
Return Obligation
Scholarship holders must return to their home country within 2 years of completing their course. This is a formal requirement written into the scholarship agreement signed with the Commonwealth of Australia. Scholars who wish to apply for another Australia Award in future must have resided outside Australia for at least twice the length of their previous scholarship period.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | 1 February 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 30 April 2026, 2:00 PM AEST |
| Course Commencement | 2027 |
| English Proficiency Valid From | 1 January 2027 |
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Start early. The OASIS portal gets congested close to the deadline. Aim to submit at least two weeks before 30 April.
- Read your country profile first. Applying for a field that is not on your country’s priority list will disqualify your application regardless of how strong it is.
- Get your English test done well in advance. Results take time and must be valid as of 1 January 2027.
- Choose referees who can speak to your leadership and development impact, not just academic performance.
- Be specific about your development impact plan. Selectors want to see a clear link between your study, your career, and how your country will benefit.
- Apply for realistic institutions and courses. Choose CRICOS-registered courses that match your academic background and your country’s eligibility rules — not the most prestigious name you can find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Australia Awards Scholarship fully funded? Yes. It covers full tuition fees, return economy-class airfare, a living expenses contribution, an establishment allowance on arrival, Overseas Student Health Cover for the full duration, and academic support services.
Which countries are eligible for Australia Awards Scholarships? Citizens of DFAT-approved partner countries across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East are eligible. The exact list is published on the official Australia Awards website. If your country is not on the list, check the Study Australia website for alternative scholarship options.
Can I choose any Australian university? No. You must choose an eligible course at an approved Australian university or tertiary education institution. The course must be CRICOS-registered and must align with your country’s development priority areas. Check the OASIS portal for eligible course options.
Do I need work experience to apply? Undergraduate applicants may apply without work experience. For postgraduate programs, relevant professional experience significantly strengthens your application and is expected by most competitive applicants.
Do I need IELTS before applying? English proficiency results are required. Valid options include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. Results must be valid as of 1 January 2027. Check your country profile for the minimum score requirements.
What happens after I complete the scholarship? Scholarship holders must leave Australia and return to their home country within 2 years of completing their program. This is a mandatory condition of the scholarship agreement.
What is the OASIS portal? OASIS (Online Australia Scholarships Information System) is the official application platform for Australia Awards Scholarships. Some countries use country-specific portals instead. Check your country profile for the correct platform to use.
Can I apply if I am already studying in Australia? No. Applicants who are currently studying or residing in Australia are not eligible.
Apply Now
Official Website: www.australiaawards.gov.au Application Deadline: 30 April 2026, 2:00 PM AEST Application Portal: OASIS or your country-specific portal
Scholarship Details
Category: Scholarships Secondary Categories: Fully Funded Opportunities | Australia & New Zealand Opportunities | Study Abroad Tags: Australia, Fully Funded, Australian Government, Masters, PhD, Undergraduate, International Students, Global South Students, Development, Study in Australia, DFAT, Australia Awards
Last updated: May 2026. Information is based on official Australia Awards Scholarships announcements for the 2027 intake. Always verify current details on the official Australia Awards website before applying. Read More
