Jannah Theme License is not validated, Go to the theme options page to validate the license, You need a single license for each domain name.

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia for International Students (2025)

Australia offers a variety of prestigious fully funded scholarships covering tuition and living expenses for outstanding international students. These grants are highly competitive but transformative: winners can pursue undergraduate, master’s or PhD study without financial burden. Below we detail the top 10 programs, including the provider, study level, fields, coverage, eligibility and application dates. Each entry also includes tips to strengthen your application.

  1. Australia Awards Scholarships
  • Provider: Australian Government (DFAT)
  • Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD)
  • Eligible Fields: Development-related fields (varies by country); wide range generally including education, health, agriculture, and STEM.
  • Financial Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance (stipend), return air travel, establishment grant (for textbooks/accommodation), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and other support.
  • Eligibility: Citizens of participating developing countries (see DFAT list), with a strong academic record and leadership promise. Applicants must be working in development-related occupations in eligible countries. Good health and English proficiency are required.
  • Application Deadline: Varies by country office. For example, the Africa region extended the 2026 intake deadline to May 4, 2025. Other countries have similar mid-2025 deadlines. (Check your local Australia Awards office for exact dates.)
  • Summary: The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are among the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in Australia. They aim to build future leaders in developing countries by covering all study and living costs in Australia. Scholars study in fields aligned with their home country’s development needs. Because AAS is a large program, deadlines differ by region; applicants should verify deadlines with their local Australian embassy or award office. In general, applications open early in the year and close around mid-year for the following intake. Winners must return home after study and commit to contributing to their country’s development.
  • Application Tips: Emphasize your leadership experience, community impact and how your study will benefit your home country. Craft a clear development plan and obtain strong referee reports (preferably from employers or academics). Start early to gather documentation and meet the required technical checks (language tests, health assessments, etc.). Highlight any relevant professional experience and research the specific priorities of the Australia Awards program in your country.
  1. UNSW International Research Scholarships (HDR Scholarships)
  • Provider: University of New South Wales (Sydney)
  • Level: Master’s by Research and PhD
  • Eligible Fields: All research disciplines across UNSW’s faculties (engineering, science, medicine, arts, business, etc.). Priority given to research areas aligned with UNSW strategic goals.
  • Financial Coverage: Full tuition fee scholarship plus living stipend (~A$38,438 per year for 2025), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and an allowance for thesis/relocation.
  • Eligibility: High-achieving international students admitted to a UNSW research program. Typically requires a first-class Honours degree (or equivalent) or a strong master’s. International applicants must meet UNSW’s English requirements.
  • Application Deadline: May 9, 2025 (for 2025/2026 intake). Applications are made through the UNSW Admission/Scholarship portal.
  • Summary: UNSW offers a suite of fully funded postgraduate scholarships combining the Australia Government’s RTP stipend and university tuition waiver. The UNSW Higher Degree Research scholarships cover full fees and a competitive stipend (valued at over A$38k/year) for up to 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (MPhil). These are merit-based awards for research degrees across science, technology, humanities and more. The May 9, 2025 deadline is for new candidates aiming to start later in 2025. Both commencing and current students can apply. Selection emphasizes academic excellence, research potential and fit with faculty priorities.
  • Application Tips: Prepare a strong research proposal and identify suitable UNSW supervisors before applying. Highlight any publications or research experience. Ensure your transcripts clearly demonstrate high grades. Meet all admission requirements first, then apply for the scholarship in the same online application. Strong letters of recommendation from academic referees will boost your case. Tailor your application to show how your research aligns with UNSW’s research strategies.
  1. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
  • Provider: University of Melbourne
  • Level: Master’s by Research and PhD (Graduate Research)
  • Eligible Fields: All disciplines offered as research degrees at the University of Melbourne (humanities, sciences, engineering, health, business, etc.).
  • Financial Coverage: Full tuition fee remission for up to 2 years (MRes) or 4 years (PhD) AND a living stipend of A$38,500 per annum (2025 rate) for the same duration. Plus relocation grants and OSHC for international students.
  • Eligibility: Applicants (domestic or international) admitted to a graduate research degree at Melbourne. High academic merit is required (e.g. first-class Honours or equivalent). Open to new or current students.
  • Application Deadline: No separate scholarship application. Admission deadlines apply (for example, applications for Semester 1 usually close in October of the previous year). If already enrolled and seeking funding, students must apply by October 31, 2025 for consideration in the following year.
  • Summary: The University of Melbourne automatically considers top research candidates for its Graduate Research Scholarships (which include the Melbourne Research Scholarship and RTP stipend). Winners receive a full tuition waiver plus the RTP living stipend of A$38,500/year (indexed) for the length of the degree. About 600 awards are given annually, based on academic merit and research potential. There is no separate scholarship application; applicants simply apply for admission to a research program and outstanding candidates are offered the scholarship along with admission. In practice, international students apply by the standard course deadlines (often late October) and await offers. The Melbourne program is highly competitive and aims to attract world-class PhD and MRes students.
  • Application Tips: Focus on attaining an excellent admission application: high GPAs, strong test scores (if required), and compelling references. Contact potential supervisors early to refine your research topic. Since scholarship offers are merit-based, publishing or presenting any prior research will help. If you deferred entry but now want scholarship consideration, make sure to notify the university or reapply by the October deadline. Demonstrate a clear research plan and outstanding prior academic performance to maximize your chances.
  1. ANU University Research Scholarships
  • Provider: Australian National University
  • Level: PhD and Masters by Research
  • Eligible Fields: All doctoral and research masters areas at ANU (sciences, social sciences, engineering, business, etc.). Priority to projects matching ANU’s strategic research strengths.
  • Financial Coverage: Full tuition fees and a stipend (~A$38,154 per annum in 2024; 2025 rate likely similar), for up to 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (MRes). OSHC provided to international recipients.
  • Eligibility: International (and domestic) students admitted to an ANU research degree. Applicants need strong academic records (First Class Honours or equivalent). Those who have applied for admission can be considered.
  • Application Deadline: August 31, 2025 (ANU Round 1 for international candidates, for study commencing in 2026). ANU holds two main scholarship rounds each year; use the international closing dates.
  • Summary: The ANU University Research Scholarship (URS) is a combination of the Australian Government RTP stipend and ANU support. It fully funds PhD/MPhil study with living allowances and fee waivers. ANU’s Round 1 (closing 31 Aug 2025) is the major intake for international applicants. Offers are announced in early 2026. This scholarship is awarded purely on merit and research potential. ANU selects the top-ranked applicants (including fresh admittees and recently commenced candidates) each round. In the smaller Round 2 (April 2025), both domestic and international compete together. By taking Round 1, international students have ample time to prepare visas.
  • Application Tips: Apply for admission to ANU as early as possible and indicate you wish to be considered for a scholarship. Include a well-structured research proposal. Highlight publications or conference papers if you have them. Secure strong support from a potential supervisor and upload quality reference letters. Demonstrating fit with ANU’s research themes (via the proposal) will make your application stand out. Keep track of ANU’s scholarship announcements, and ensure all transcripts and test scores (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL) meet deadlines.
  1. University of Sydney RTP Scholarships
  • Provider: University of Sydney
  • Level: Master’s by Research and PhD
  • Eligible Fields: All fields offered by the University of Sydney. Research areas range from arts and business to engineering and health sciences.
  • Financial Coverage: Full tuition fee scholarship and a living stipend (A$41,753 p.a. for 2025 rate), plus OSHC and research allowances.
  • Eligibility: High-achieving international students commencing an eligible research degree. Must apply for admission to a Master by Research or PhD and meet entry requirements (usually a first-class Honours or equivalent).
  • Application Deadline: November 21, 2025 (for admission via Round 1&2, 2026 – intake research period 1/2 of 2026). Scholarship applications must accompany HDR admission applications by this date.
  • Summary: The University of Sydney offers competitive Australian Government RTP Scholarships and equivalent University bursaries to its research students. Successful applicants receive full fee offset plus a stipend of about A$41,753/year. The scholarship timeline follows Sydney’s research periods: for 2026 intakes starting early 2026, international applicants need to apply by 21 Nov 2025. The selection is rigorous, based on academic performance, research experience and potential. Sydney also may offer additional university-funded top-ups. This scholarship is effectively fully funded, covering all major expenses for the study duration (3–3.5 years for PhD, 1–2 years for MPhil).
  • Application Tips: Choose a proposed research topic aligned with Sydney’s strengths and include keywords from their research strategy in your application. Submit transcripts, CV, proposal and references well ahead of the deadline. Attend any virtual information sessions if offered. Ensure you complete all parts of the scholarship form accurately. Mention any high distinctions or publications. As Sydney looks for evidence of research potential, any relevant work experience (e.g. lab or field work) should be documented. Finally, request referee letters from academics who know your research skills well.
  1. University of Queensland Graduate School Scholarships (HDR)
  • Provider: University of Queensland
  • Level: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
  • Eligible Fields: All UQ research disciplines (from agriculture to zoology). Applicants must be undertaking an eligible research degree at UQ.
  • Financial Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver plus a living stipend (A$36,400 per annum for 2025), Overseas Student Health Cover, and grants for conference travel or relocation.
  • Eligibility: International applicants to UQ’s PhD or MPhil programs with an excellent academic background (typically first class Honours or equivalent). Must be newly commencing (within the specified rounds).
  • Application Deadline: May 18, 2025 (closing date for the 2026 intake scholarships; applications opened March 31, 2025). This deadline is for international candidates starting in any research quarter of 2026.
  • Summary: UQ’s Graduate School Scholarships include Australian Government RTP funding awarded in competitive rounds. International students applying by March 31 – May 18, 2025 (for 2026 start) are eligible. Scholarship winners receive a living allowance of about A$36.4k/year (indexed) tax-free plus tuition coverage and other benefits. The selection process involves ranking all candidates in the round by merit. UQ encourages early application (open rounds) so students can be considered for the scholarship alongside admission. There’s no separate scholarship application; you simply tick the scholarship consideration box on the UQ application. UQ also offers stipend top-ups for particularly outstanding candidates.
  • Application Tips: Apply for admission as early as possible in March, making sure your application is complete. Provide a detailed CV, list any publications or relevant work, and describe your research goals clearly. UQ values applicants who show initiative – contacting potential supervisors to mention your application can help. If English is not your first language, include your language test results. Clarify any pending results; UQ will allow conditional applications. Focus on how your past achievements and thesis topic align with UQ’s research excellence.
  1. Monash University Graduate Research Scholarships
  • Provider: Monash University
  • Level: Master’s by Research and PhD
  • Eligible Fields: All research areas at Monash (business, engineering, medicine, arts, etc.), with priority given to strategic research clusters.
  • Financial Coverage: Full tuition fee scholarship plus stipend (~A$36,063 per annum in 2025) and allowances. (Monash RTP Stipend is indexed annually.) OSHC and relocation grants for international students are included.
  • Eligibility: High-achieving international applicants for Monash research degrees. Requires an excellent prior degree (Honours or Master’s with research, usually first class or high GPA).
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 (closing date for Round 2, 2025 scholarships). Round 2 admits students for session 1, 2026.
  • Summary: Monash Graduate Research Scholarships are awarded in annual rounds. The 2025 Round 2 scholarship window closes May 31, 2025. Scholarships cover living stipend and fees for the full degree term (up to 3 years for PhD). Monash’s stipend rate ($36,063 for 2025) is above the national RTP base. These scholarships are very competitive – Monash awards them to outstanding candidates who have submitted the Graduate Research online application and met eligibility criteria. The selection looks at overall academic excellence, research potential and fit with faculty priorities. Because you apply through the Monash portal (after an Expression of Interest and faculty invitation), it’s essential to submit a complete admission application well before the deadline.
  • Application Tips: First, find a faculty or supervisor to support your application by drafting a strong Expression of Interest. Follow Monash’s guidelines for contacting professors. Prepare a clear and focused research proposal. Check all sections of your online application are complete (including referees’ details). Highlight any honors or awards in your academic record. Demonstrate familiarity with Monash’s research facilities or groups relevant to your project. If successful, you’ll receive the scholarship offer around July 2025 for a 2026 start.
  1. Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (FIPRS)
  • Provider: Flinders University (South Australia)
  • Level: Master’s by Research and PhD
  • Eligible Fields: All fields offered by Flinders, with emphasis on research concentrations where the university has strength (e.g., health, science, engineering, humanities).
  • Financial Coverage: Full payment of international tuition fees and a generous living stipend (the RTP stipend value, e.g. about A$37,000/year for 2025). Also includes allowances for relocation, thesis printing, and single OSHC.
  • Eligibility: International citizens (excluding Australians and New Zealanders) entering their first research degree at Flinders. Applicants must have the required grades for admission and meet English standards.
  • Application Deadline: August 31, 2025 (applications open May 1, 2025; close August 31, 2025). Awardees commence study in early 2026.
  • Summary: The FIPRS at Flinders is a fully funded research scholarship that waives tuition and provides a tax-free stipend. Up to 5 FIPRS awards are made each year. The stipend is the Government’s RTP living allowance (~A$37k for 2025) paid for 2 years (MPhil) or 3 years (PhD). Flinders selects recipients in a scholarship round for students starting the next year. To apply, you must first apply for admission to a research program; the scholarship application is submitted through the online enrolment form. If shortlisted, you may be asked to provide additional documents. The selection criterion is primarily academic merit and research potential. FIPRS recipients may also be eligible for other Flinders stipends or the Australian Government RTP scholarship concurrently.
  • Application Tips: Review Flinders’ research strengths and identify a faculty member for supervision. Make sure to choose a thesis project that fits those areas. Gather your transcripts, research proposal and any publications in advance. International applicants should ensure all visa and test requirements are clear. If you have started a Flinders HDR program recently, mention that in your application since it may help (Flinders may consider very new enrollees). Keep your referee details updated in the application system. Demonstrate in your statement how your background prepares you for independent research at Flinders.
  1. University of Adelaide Research Scholarships (UARS)
  • Provider: University of Adelaide
  • Level: Master’s by Research and PhD
  • Eligible Fields: All disciplines across University of Adelaide faculties (sciences, engineering, humanities, health, etc.).
  • Financial Coverage: Living stipend of A$35,300 per annum (2025 rate) plus full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the degree (up to 2 years for Masters, 3.5 years for PhD). Also includes OSHC and research allowances.
  • Eligibility: Outstanding international graduates accepted into Adelaide’s research programs. Typically requires first-class Honors or equivalent. Scholarships are for commencing HDR candidates (or recent graduates applying concurrently).
  • Application Deadline: June 5, 2025 (closing date for the 2025 second scholarship round – often called the International Minor Round). Opens May 1, 2025. (Applicants who completed University of Adelaide study may have special rounds; however, June 5 is the key final cut-off for 2025 international applicants.)
  • Summary: The University of Adelaide offers its own Research Scholarships (often alongside Australian Government RTP funds) to attract top international researchers. These scholarships fully fund fees and provide an annual living allowance ($35,300 in 2025). The awards are given in two main competitive rounds each year; international candidates apply in the “minor” (mid-year) round for intake later in 2025 or early 2026. Successful applicants will have been admitted to a research degree. The selection is based on academic merit and research accomplishments. Adelaide also provides relocation and early completion bonuses to recipients. Because the stipend is slightly lower than some other universities, selection is very competitive. Nevertheless, it remains a fully funded pathway to pursue any PhD/MRes at a Group of Eight university.
  • Application Tips: Carefully prepare the online scholarship application through the Adelaide Graduate Research School portal. Provide a concise research proposal and elaborate your grades (convert GPAs to Australian scale if needed). Emphasize any leadership or awards, as Adelaide notes broad achievement in selection criteria. Engage with potential supervisors early – mention their names and why your project fits their expertise. Double-check Adelaide’s translation of overseas marks; if your grades seem lower in conversion, attach clarifications (course outlines or grading scales). Finally, submit copies of your honors/degree certificates with translations if not in English. Because Adelaide ranks candidates, completeness and clarity of your academic record are crucial.
  1. University of Western Australia HDR Scholarships
  • Provider: University of Western Australia (UWA)
  • Level: Master’s by Research and PhD
  • Eligible Fields: All research areas at UWA (science, engineering, health, arts, law, agriculture, etc.).
  • Financial Coverage: Living stipend of ~$37,000 per annum (2025 rate) and full tuition fee waiver. Additional allowances include relocation grants, research support and OSHC.
  • Eligibility: High-achieving international students seeking a UWA research degree. Requires top academic results (Honours or equivalent). Applicants must meet admission requirements and be available for the next intake.
  • Application Deadline: August 31, 2025 (International HDR Scholarship Round opens July 1, 2025; closes August 31, 2025 for study commencing Feb–Mar 2026).
  • Summary: UWA’s Higher Degree by Research scholarships for international students are awarded each year in an “International Round”. Applications open 1 July and close 31 Aug 2025 for the 2026 cohort. Successful candidates receive a full RTP living allowance (estimated at $37,000 in 2025) plus full fee coverage for 3 years (PhD) or 2 years (Masters). These are highly desirable fully funded scholarships, and the selection process is merit-based. Applicants are ranked by a central committee considering academic excellence, research aptitude, and fit with UWA’s strategic priorities. Top scholars may also qualify for extra research allowances. The timeline allows offers in October 2025 for February/March 2026 start. UWA strongly encourages early application during the July–Aug window.
  • Application Tips: Review UWA’s research strengths (e.g. geothermal engineering, biosecurity, etc.) and align your proposal accordingly. Since only one window exists (July–Aug), mark your calendar. Prepare detailed transcripts and proof of English beforehand; UWA requires high proficiency (IELTS 6.5 minimum, often 7.0). Work on a coherent statement of purpose outlining your research plan. Connect with faculty members by email to introduce yourself and your ideas – a positive reply may help. When applying, ensure you select the scholarship option on the UWA application form. If you have completed a degree at UWA or in Australia, note that as well, as different rounds may apply to return applicants.