The Iglu Guide | Blog
How to find a study scholarship in Australia
Many Australian universities offer scholarship programs to international students as a way to promote educational excellence, and address areas of skill shortages. They generally include opportunities at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. If you’re looking for a way to help finance your study in Australia, here’s what you need to know to make it all work.
What’s out there?
Most universities offer a range of scholarships, bursaries and grants that service a spectrum of eligibility factors such as academic excellence, financial need, artistic or sporting talent or circumstantial need. The specific definitions are not entirely clear cut so it’s worthwhile checking out all available options so that you don’t miss out. The scholarships are either financed by the Australian Government, the university themselves or from private enterprise. They can be of a general nature, or related to a specific level or discipline. Before you start your search, identify your level of need in terms of undergraduate or postgraduate, and double check your eligibility factors.
Government funded scholarships
The Australian Government offers several opportunities to international students that enables them to benefit from a range of world leading education providers. Some of the most popular include:
Australia Awards Scholarship
This prestigious program is highly competitive, and targets students that can demonstrate leadership qualities and a drive to make change. A government funded grant, it is open to a selection of developing countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Occupied Palestine, Samoa and more. Students receive full tuition funding alongside a contribution to living expenses and many other benefits. They are required to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study.
Good to know: Check that you are applying to a participating university as not all institutions offer the award.
Australia Government Research Training Program (RTP)
This award is open to both international and domestic students, and supports those undertaking research at a postgrad level, either through a Master’s or PHD. Students receive full fee reimbursement, a further allowance to help with living costs and extra funding to take care of any ancillary costs. In order to be eligible, students are required to have an unconditional admission offer and the applications are handled by individual universities.
Good to know: Check the relevant university websites for deadlines as they will all be different.
Australian for ASEAN scholarships
Aimed at strengthening ties with South East Asia, this prestigious scholarship opportunity is available to all full-time postgraduate students applying from member states and Timor Leste. Students must be pursuing a Master’s degree that includes one of four priority areas: maritime, connectivity, economic development, or sustainable development goals 2030. Students also benefit from participation in an ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program which offers huge amounts of networking and professional opportunities. Tuition fees are fully funded along with air travel, a fieldwork allowance, a living allowance contribution and more.
Good to know: Applications from women, people with disability and marginalised groups are strongly encouraged.
University-funded scholarships
Many of Australia’s top universities offer scholarship programs to international students with the opportunity to study and live in Australia. Scholarships can be found by heading directly to the university websites and students are encouraged to contact admissions for individualised advice. Here are some popular considerations:
Sydney University – International Scholarship
This is a fantastic opportunity for international students, and currently offers enough financial support to offset both fees and living costs. Students are expected to have an outstanding academic record with an unconditional offer of admission from the university. The scholarship covers three years, with the potential for an extra semester.
Macquarie University – Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Set up to recognise outstanding academic talent for international students, this scholarship opportunity is highly competitive. It is eligible for both undergrad and postgrad courses, and students are awarded up to $10,000 fee reduction. It is available for most academic programs.
Melbourne University – Chancellor’s Scholarship
Available to high performing international and domestic students, this scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to study at Melbourne’s world-leading institution. International students benefit from full tuition fee remission across most disciplines. With no separate application required, all applicants are automatically considered.
Monash University – International Merit Scholarship
All international applicants are automatically considered for this opportunity. Recognising outstanding academic potential, Monash provides $10,000 each year towards tuition fees. With only 31 places handed out each year, students must maintain 70% or above every semester to retain the funding.
University of Queensland – International Excellence Scholarship
Available to high-achieving international students as they finish high school, this scholarship opportunity awards a 25% tuition fee reduction each semester. It is redeemable against any full-time program and students are automatically considered on application.
Private scholarships
Private businesses and organisations also provide student funding aimed at developing the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Whilst many of these are focussed on domestic students, there are some opportunities for international students. These scholarships may target specific disciplines, regions or level of study such as the Asian Development Bank Japan Scholarship program for postgraduates, or the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program. Always check scholarship search engines for the most up to date information.
How to improve your chances of a scholarship
- Keep up the good academic work
Many scholarships are automatically awarded as they are assessed alongside your course application. Academic excellence is prioritised, therefore the best thing you can do is make sure your marks stay up to scratch and really showcase your academic potential.
- Adhere to deadlines
The devil is in the detail. Many students have incredibly strong applications, but sadly miss the deadline. There is no forgiveness here, so don’t miss out on the opportunity and stay on top of your application deadlines.
- Note your extra curriculars
Write down all your activities so that you can quickly draw on your experiences when it comes to application time. Any involvement in community, sport or clubs demonstrates personal growth and can be a useful tool that demonstrates you are not only academically strong, but a well-rounded candidate.
- Get application-ready
Keep your CV up to date with any volunteering work or jobs you have undertaken. Many scholarship applications also require a cover letter, so it’s good to have a framework to hand that you can amend for every subsequent application.
- Get a second opinion
Ask your peers to review your application and proofread any errors. Student services may offer help with the application process, particularly if English is not your first language. Applications really do need to be meticulous. There’s little point saying you have great attention to detail if your resumé has obvious errors.
- Check, check and check again
When your application is complete, triple check the deadlines and make sure you submit everything on time.
