Destination Australia Program 2027 | Study in Australia — Australian Government, Department of Education
Most high-profile Australian scholarships target the big city campuses, which makes the Destination Australia Program unusual. It rewards students for choosing a regional campus instead, pairing a direct cash grant with extended visa benefits that city-based study does not offer.
About the Scholarship
The Destination Australia Program is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of Education that provides funding to both domestic and international students studying at a regional campus of an Australian university or vocational provider. It was created to support regional Australian communities and encourage students to consider study options beyond Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Scholarship Benefits
- AUD 15,000 per year toward tuition and living costs, paid directly through the host institution
- Available for the standard duration of an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate course
- International graduates of a regional campus qualify for one to two additional years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), beyond the standard entitlement
- Access to regional campus communities with typically smaller class sizes and closer industry links
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be enrolling in an eligible course at a participating regional campus of an Australian university or vocational education provider
- Open to both domestic Australian students and international students
- Must meet the academic and, for international applicants, visa and English-language requirements of the chosen course and institution
- Each participating institution sets its own specific selection criteria and application process within the government’s overall program rules
- Availability of grants depends on each institution’s allocation for the relevant year, so places are limited per campus
Fields of Study Covered
Eligible fields depend on which course each participating regional institution has nominated for Destination Australia funding in a given year, commonly spanning health, agriculture, education, engineering, and business, since regional economies often prioritize these areas.
Required Documents
- Completed application for the eligible course at the regional campus
- Academic transcripts relevant to the chosen course
- Proof of enrollment or admission offer at the nominated regional campus
- English-language proficiency test results for international applicants, if required
- Any additional documents the specific host institution requests for its own grant selection process
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Check the Department of Education’s current list of participating regional institutions and nominated courses
- Apply for admission to the eligible course at the chosen regional campus
- Contact the institution’s scholarships office to confirm the specific Destination Australia application process, since this is managed at the institution level
- Submit any additional grant-specific documents the institution requests alongside your course application
- Accept your course offer and grant confirmation within the stated timeframe
- Keep proof of enrollment at the regional campus for the duration of your study, since continued eligibility is usually tied to maintaining that enrollment
Selection Process
Each participating institution runs its own selection process within the government’s overall Destination Australia framework, typically prioritizing academic merit and the strength of the applicant’s commitment to studying and potentially working in a regional area. Because funding is allocated per institution, competitiveness varies significantly from one regional campus to another.
How to Apply Note
Applicants should always check directly with their chosen regional institution for the current year’s specific process, since the program is administered locally rather than through one central national application form.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply to institutions with a larger allocation of Destination Australia places where possible, since smaller regional campuses may only receive a handful of grants each year
- Contact the regional campus scholarships office directly rather than relying only on general government program pages, since application steps vary by institution
- Consider pairing this grant with another university-level award, since Destination Australia funding can often be combined with separate tuition scholarships like the Curtin University RTP Scholarship for research students at a regional campus
- Factor in the extended post-study work rights when comparing a regional offer against a city campus offer, since the visa benefit can be worth more over time than the direct grant alone
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Destination Australia only for international students?
No, it is open to both domestic Australian students and international students studying at an eligible regional campus.
How is the AUD 15,000 grant paid?
It is paid through the host institution, typically applied toward tuition fees or disbursed as support for living costs, depending on the institution’s own process.
Does every regional university offer this grant?
No, only participating institutions with a Destination Australia allocation for the relevant year offer it, and the list of nominated courses can change annually.
What counts as a “regional” campus in Australia?
Regional campuses are generally those located outside the major metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and the Gold Coast, as defined under Australian Government regional classification rules.
How many extra years does the visa benefit provide?
International graduates from an eligible regional campus can receive one to two additional years on their Temporary Graduate visa, on top of the standard entitlement, depending on the location.
Can I combine Destination Australia funding with a university scholarship?
In many cases yes, since Destination Australia is a government grant separate from individual university scholarships, though students should confirm combination rules with their specific institution.
Is the grant renewed automatically every year of study?
Renewal generally depends on maintaining enrollment and satisfactory progress at the regional campus, and specific renewal conditions are set by the host institution.
Who do I contact to apply?
Applicants should contact the international or domestic scholarships office of their chosen regional campus directly, since the program is administered at the institution level rather than centrally.