Apply Now for Australia Awards Scholarships 2027 (Master’s Level) – Fully Funded Study in Australia

Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 (14:00 AEST)

About the Scholarship

Applications are now open for the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships 2027, a fully funded opportunity by the Australian Government for students from developing countries to pursue a Master’s degree in Australia. The Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term development awards funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They provide recipients with the opportunity to undertake full-time postgraduate study (Master’s level) at top Australian universities while gaining leadership and professional skills. This scholarship is highly competitive and aims to develop future leaders who will contribute to the growth and development of their home countries. The program continues the long-term commitment by the Australian Government to support partner countries through scholarships, fostering enduring people-to-people links between Australia and developing nations.

Scholarship Benefits

This is a fully funded scholarship, covering comprehensive expenses including :

• Full tuition fees: Complete coverage of course fees at participating Australian universities
• Return airfare:  Economy class travel to and from Australia
• Living allowance (stipend):  A fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses, paid at a rate determined by DFAT
• Establishment allowance: A once-off contribution towards accommodation expenses, textbooks, and study materials upon arrival
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Coverage for basic medical costs during the scholarship period
• Introductory Academic Programme (IAP): A compulsory programme covering study and life in Australia
• Supplementary academic support: Additional assistance as needed
• Pre-course English training: If required to meet university entry requirements (up to 12 months of English language training in-country)
• Fieldwork allowance: For research students and coursework master’s programmes with a compulsory fieldwork component
• Reasonable accommodation:  For scholars with disabilities

Key Dates

• Applications Open: 1 February 2026 
• Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 
• Study Commencement: 2027 (typically Semester 1)

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements:

• Be a citizen of an eligible developing country (participating countries in Africa, Asia, Pacific, and the Middle East) 
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of commencement
• Not be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia
• Not have previously received a long-term Australia Award
• Not already hold or be undertaking a Master’s degree or equivalent

Academic & Professional Requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree
• Demonstrate strong academic performance
• Have relevant work experience (requirements vary by country; for African applicants, typically at least 5 years of post-graduate work experience in a field relevant to the proposed study)
• Be employed at the time of application (for some country-specific programs)

English Language Proficiency:

Minimum scores required (results must be valid as at 1 January 2027):

• IELTS (Academic): Overall score of at least 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: Score of at least 84, with a minimum of 21 in all sub-tests
• PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with no communicative skill score less than 50

Leadership & Development Commitment:

• Demonstrate leadership qualities and potential
• Show a strong commitment to development in your home country
• Demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact in your community and country

Return Requirement:

• Be willing to sign a contract declaring compliance with scholarship conditions
• Agree to leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship
• Contribute to development in home country

Fields of Study

Priority areas vary by country but often include:

• Agriculture and Food Security
• Climate Change and Climate Action
• Public Health
• Education
• Engineering and Infrastructure
• Governance and Public Policy
• Digital Transformation
• Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)
• Mining and Energy
• Foreign Policy and International Security
• Water Security
• Economic Resilience and Regional Integration

Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP) Scholarships:

For applicants from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, additional scholarships are available in priority areas including:

• Water Security
• Climate Action
• Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion
• Combatting Transnational Crime
• Economic Resilience
• Subregional Integration

Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Review your country-specific eligibility criteria on the official Australia Awards website for your region.

Step 2: Research Courses and Universities

Identify eligible Master’s programs at participating Australian universities that align with your country’s priority development areas.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents:

• Passport (Proof of Citizenship)
• Undergraduate Degree Certificate
• Undergraduate Academic Transcript
• Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume)
• Two Referee Reports (employer and academic referees)
• Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
• Employment verification (where required)

Step 4: Submit Online Application

Applications must be submitted online through the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS).

Application Links:

General Application Portal: Click here 

Regional Application Pages:

• Africa: Click here   
• South Asia & Mongolia: Click here   
• Vietnam: Click here 
• Mekong Region: Click here  

Step 5: Interview (if shortlisted)

Eligible applicants are assessed and shortlisted for interview.

Scholarship Policy Handbook: Refer to the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook for detailed information about eligibility criteria and scholarship benefits.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Professional and personal qualities: Leadership potential, resilience, and adaptability
• Academic competence: Strong academic record and ability to succeed in postgraduate study
• Development impact: Potential to contribute to development outcomes in the home country
• Ambassadorial potential: Ability to promote relationships between home country and Australia

Important Conditions

• AI Usage Policy: Applicants may only use AI for basic tasks like spelling, grammar, and organising ideas. AI must not be used to write, improve, or paraphrase any part of the application. All responses must be original work.
• No Fees: Australia Awards never charges fees at any stage of the application process. Beware of scams.
• Single Application: Only one application per candidate per intake.
• Return Requirement: Scholars must return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing studies.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The Australia Awards Scholarship is more than just funding; it is a leadership and development programme .

Scholars gain:

• World-class education at leading Australian universities
• International exposure to diverse perspectives and best practices
• Access to a global alumni network: the Australia Global Alumni network, connecting scholars to Australia, the region, and each other 
• Leadership development through targeted training and engagement
• Skills to drive impact in their home countries upon return

Alumni Success Stories:

• Jeffrey Tarayao (Philippines): Graduated with a Master of Sustainable Development and brought electricity to thousands of low-income families
• Yumna Hasany (Pakistan): Studied Master of Public Policy and Governance at ANU, now an NGO program leader helping women at risk
• Angella Ndaka (Kenya): Studied Public Policy at ANU, appointed as a senior policy expert in Kenya’s TVET system

Since 1974, Australia has provided over 7,500 scholarships to Vietnamese nationals alone, with alumni making significant contributions to public health, education, technology innovation, and climate resilience. Many are now influential leaders in government, business, academia, and civil society.

For More Information: Visit the Official Australia Awards Website