Australia Awards Scholarships 2027 in Australia | Fully Funded — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australian Government
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
The Australia Awards Scholarships program stands as one of the most recognized government-funded pathways for international students who want to study in Australia without carrying the financial burden alone. Run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, it has sent thousands of students from developing countries through Australian classrooms since the program began, and the 2027 intake keeps that tradition going with a long list of participating countries across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
About the Scholarship
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards managed by DFAT in partnership with Australian universities and vocational institutions. The program picks students who show leadership potential and a genuine commitment to applying what they learn back home, rather than just strong grades alone. Recipients can pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study, including coursework Masters and, in some partner countries, PhD study, at a participating Australian institution.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees for the entire length of the course
- Return economy airfare to and from Australia
- Establishment allowance to help cover settling-in costs
- A regular living allowance (stipend) for the duration of study
- Overseas Student Health Cover for the recipient and, in many cases, dependents
- Introductory academic support, including pre-course English training where needed
- Fieldwork allowance for students whose course requires in-country research
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a citizen of one of the listed participating countries and currently reside there
- Must be at least 18 years old on 1 February of the year the scholarship would start
- Must not hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency, and must not be applying for permanent Australian residence
- Must meet the academic and English-language entry requirements of the chosen Australian institution and course
- Must not be married to, engaged to, or a de facto partner of a person who holds Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency
- Priority is usually given to candidates from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds, women, and people with disabilities, depending on the partner country’s specific selection priorities
Fields of Study Covered
Eligible fields vary slightly by partner country but generally align with each country’s development priorities, commonly including public health, agriculture, education, governance, engineering, renewable energy, and economics. Each participating country publishes its own priority study areas, so applicants should check their country’s specific Australia Awards page before choosing a course.
Required Documents
- Completed online application through the OASIS portal
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Valid passport or national identity document
- English-language proficiency test results (IELTS or equivalent) where required
- Two referee reports from academic or professional referees
- A development impact statement explaining how the applicant’s studies will benefit their home country
- Curriculum vitae or resume
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm your country of citizenship is on the current list of participating countries for the intake year
- Register and create an account on the OASIS online application system
- Choose an eligible course at a participating Australian university that matches your field of interest
- Complete all sections of the online application, including the development impact statement
- Upload certified copies of all required supporting documents
- Submit the application before the stated deadline and keep a copy of the confirmation
- Attend an interview or additional assessment if shortlisted by the selection panel in your country
Selection Process
Applications are first screened in the applicant’s home country against the basic eligibility rules, then ranked by a selection panel that weighs academic merit, leadership experience, and the strength of the development impact statement. Shortlisted candidates are usually invited for an interview, and final offers are issued after both the home country panel and the Australian side confirm the candidate meets admission requirements at their chosen institution.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Write a development impact statement that is specific about what you will do with the qualification once you return home, rather than general statements about “making a difference”
- Choose a course that clearly matches your country’s stated priority study areas for that year
- Request reference letters well ahead of the deadline from referees who can speak to your leadership and community involvement, not just academic performance
- Keep your English test scores current, since an expired result can disqualify an otherwise strong application
- Students comparing other fully funded options abroad sometimes also look at the Bucknell University Dean’s Scholarship, which follows a similar full-tuition funding structure in the United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Australia Awards Scholarship open to all nationalities?
No. It is only open to citizens of specific participating developing countries listed each year by DFAT, and Australian citizens or permanent residents cannot apply.
Can I apply if I am already living in Australia?
Generally no, since applicants are expected to be living and working in their home country at the time of application, with some narrow exceptions outlined in each country’s specific guidelines.
Does the scholarship cover PhD study?
PhD study is available through Australia Awards in some partner countries, though the majority of awards each year go toward Masters-level coursework degrees.
Do I need to already have a university offer before applying?
No, the application and course selection process happens together through OASIS, and the scholarship covers helping successful candidates secure a place at an eligible institution.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
There is a minimum age of 18, and some participating countries set an upper age limit as well, so applicants should check their specific country profile.
What happens after I finish my degree?
Recipients are required to return to their home country for a minimum period after completing their award, in line with the program’s development objectives.
Can dependents accompany the scholar to Australia?
Some categories of the award allow dependents to accompany the scholar, with costs and conditions varying by course length and country agreement.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
The number varies by country and budget year, with some countries receiving a handful of places and others receiving dozens, based on bilateral agreements with Australia.