There are a range of scholarships available for international students wishing to study in Australia, which can provide help with funds for your study. There is strong competition for scholarships, so you should not rest all of your hopes on obtaining funding, but they are definitely worth investigating.
Types of scholarships in Australia
Scholarships may provide financial assistance with:
- your tuition fees
- your accommodation and living expenses
- both tuition and living costs.
Some scholarships cover the full amount of these costs for the duration of your course, while others cover a proportion of the total cost, cover costs for one year or provide a one-off payment for financial assistance.
Most scholarships are based on academic merit, although there is also some funding available for students from developing countries who are in financial need. Note that some scholarships are restricted to students from certain countries, while others may be related to a specific course, field of study or qualification level (postgraduate degrees, for instance).
Scholarship application tips
There are certain approaches you can take that will increase your chances of gaining a scholarship:
- Start researching scholarships as early as possible: Make a list of all potential scholarship providers and all the scholarships for which you are eligible, including the costs they cover, application requirements and application deadlines. Note that some institution scholarships do not require an application; you will be automatically considered when you apply for your course.
- Ensure that you supply all documentation required: Documentation may include academic transcripts, a letter of offer and references. Ensure you obtain certified and translated copies where necessary.
- Check your eligibility for each scholarship: Some scholarships are only available to international students from certain countries, while others may be related to a specific course, field of study or level of study (you might find some scholarships that are restricted to German students studying music, for example).
- Ensure that you fulfil all the necessary criteria: Some scholarships have additional requirements (such as the submission of an essay or personal statement) and have strict terms and conditions (such as word limits and deadlines), so make sure you read all of the fine print on the application form before filling it out.
- Your application should be reviewed by somebody who speaks fluent English: Scholarships committees might overlook your application if it contains grammar or spelling mistakes.
- Apply for as many scholarships as possible: Even if some scholarships are for lesser amounts, any type of funding is better than no funding at all. Be sure to reapply in future years if you miss out or if the scholarship you receive does not cover the full duration of your course.
- Ask for help with applications: If you have any questions about your eligibility or the application requirements, contact the institution or organisation offering the scholarship before applying.
Scholarship providers in Australia
Scholarships may be offered by the following groups:
- Your Australian education institution: Contact the international student team or look through their website for institution-wide and faculty-specific international student scholarships. Larger institutions usually have a scholarships database that allows you to input your details.
- Your accommodation provider: Some residential colleges and other accommodation providers offer scholarships for international students to assist with accommodation costs.
- The Australian Government: The Australian Government offers an extensive range of scholarships for international students under the Australia Awards scheme for both achievement and development, including Endeavour Awards, Australia Awards Scholarships, Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships and Australia Awards Fellowships.
- Government departments in your home country: You can contact the relevant authorities within your home country or your home country’s consulate in Australia.
- Your education institution in your home country: Your current education institution may offer scholarships and bursaries, especially if you are considering exchange or study abroad in Australia.
- Organisations: This includes relevant organisations based in Australia and your home country, as well as international organisations, including charities, industry associations and large companies.
The following websites outline some of the different scholarships available:
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