The Best FULLY or PARTIALLY-FUNDED Scholarships for International Students in Australia

Every year, the government and universities provide a wide range of FULLY or PARTIALLY-FUNDED scholarships for international students in Australia. These scholarships cover all or some of your tuition and may also include accommodation expenses, as well as housing costs, health insurance, etc.

In this article, we will explore all the potential and popular scholarships that both undergraduate and graduate students can go for.

Key Takeaways

• There are many types of scholarships in Australia from government-funded to university-specific ones.
• You must fulfill certain entry requirements to apply for a scholarship
• Each scholarship has different values but we will only focus on the fully or partially (at least 50%) funded scholarships here.

What’s the Difference Between Fully vs Partially Funded Scholarships?

When you plan to apply for scholarships, it is crucial to understand the differences between Fully vs Partially-Funded scholarships. Here are their key different points:

• Fully-funded scholarships provide comprehensive funding that covers all your tuition and may also include funding for other expenses such as accommodation, living costs, or travel. Meanwhile, partially-funded scholarships only provide funding for parts of your tuition and/or other expenses.
• Fully-funded scholarships are highly competitive due to its great value and scarce availability. On the other hand, partially-funded scholarships are widely available.

Entry Requirements for Applying for a Scholarship in Australia

Numerous valuable scholarships are available for international students to study in Australia. However, you must fulfill a few of the following prerequisites to be eligible for Australian scholarships:

• An excellent Grade Point Average (GPA), typically 3.0/4.0 or 7.0/10. Some demanding scholarships even require a higher GPA between 8.0 and 9.0/10.
• Academic PTE of at least 50 (Depending on the levels or majors, higher scores are required)
• A bachelor’s degree (for master’s or doctorate level) or a high school diploma (for bachelor’s degree)
• 1 to 2 years of job experience in a relevant industry can be an extra requirement for a master’s or doctorate’s scholarships.

In addition, make sure you submit all the necessary paperwork, according to the awarding institution’s website, to successfully apply for the scholarship. Generally, many universities require the following standard documents from scholarship applicants:

• Filled-out scholarship application
• A personal statement (500 – 1000 words)
• A copy of your diplomas and transcripts from school, with official translations into English
• A copy of your ID or passport
• A mission statement
• Letter of recommendation from a professional or academic source
• SAT, ACT, GRE, and GPA test results
• Evidence of your language skills, such as a PTE test score
• Enrollment confirmation or a letter of course acceptance
• Financial records

Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available to assist international students financially during their studies in Australia.

Other documents, such as an essay and a medical report, might also be required by some universities.

Types of Australian Scholarship Opportunities  

For overseas students, Australia offers various types of scholarships that are very alluring and suitable for each level of study. A wide range of scholarships is provided by different organisations and education providers, giving students diverse options to choose from. To pick the right one and increase your chances of approval, it is best to learn about their differences like the value and requirements.

Let’s dive into the most common types of international student scholarships for study in Australia.

Government-funded Australian Scholarships for International Students

First, we will discuss the scholarships that are funded by the Australian Government. The 3 most popular ones are:

• Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS): These are prestigious international scholarships and long term awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They are designed to support the development needs of partner countries and develop the next generation of global leaders. Students of all study levels (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral) from several countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Middle East regions are eligible to apply for this scholarship. It covers the student’s full tuition, travel, living expenses, and other costs. Recipients gain valuable knowledge and professional development, enabling them to drive change and contribute to the development of their own countries after they undertake study in Australia. In 2021, students from 20 different countries received 818 Australia Awards Scholarships.

• Destination Australia Awards: The Australian Government launched the Destination Australia program to give both domestic and foreign students the chance to study in more rural and regional parts of the country, including Lismore (New South Wales), Ballarat (Victoria), and Gatton (Queensland). Students can receive up to $15,000 AUD annually through the scholarships.
• Research Training Program (RTP): The RTP supports both domestic and international students undertaking higher degree by research or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities. The program provides a stipend to assist with living expenses for those undertaking research. These scholarships aim to develop a new generation of leaders and professionals by supporting students in their academic and research pursuits.

University-specific Scholarships for International Students in Australia

In addition to government-provided scholarships, universities in Australia offer their own scholarships to eligible international students. They provide scholarships based on a wide range of qualifying criteria, such as academic merit, home country and field of study. Students can contact the university’s international office for guidance on available scholarships and support throughout the application process.

Some university scholarships are offered in partnership with private organisations, expanding the range of opportunities available. Additionally, students should explore other scholarships outside university-specific programs to maximize their chances of receiving financial aid.

So, if you opt for these opportunities, there are a lot of things you need to do so that you can find the best scholarship for you. To help you with that, we have curated a list of the best 15 fully-funded university-specific scholarships for your consideration in the next part.

Top 10 FULLY or PARTIALLY-FUNDED University-specific Scholarships for International Students in Australia

Fully-funded scholarships are definitely the best option that all students want to aim for. Having one means you could cut your intuition down to 50% or even 0%.

Many of these scholarships are aimed at high achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

Here are the best 10 fully/partially-funded university-specific scholarships for both undergraduate and post-graduate international students in Australia.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Description: International students who have demonstrated consistently strong academic performance and the capacity to play a significant role in Deakin University will be awarded with the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship.

Eligibility: 

• Must be a new international student starting a Deakin coursework degree
• Participate in the Vice-Chancellor’s Professional Excellence Program (VCPEP)
• Fulfill the prerequisites for your course, such as the English language proficiency criteria
• Have attained a minimum 85% average (or its equivalent) in prior coursework

Selection criteria: 

• A complete application for the International Scholarship Program (PDF, 536KB)
• A personal statement (300 words)
• 2 references showcasing your leadership abilities and/or community development
• Your course application including academic transcripts

How to apply: Visit the website: Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence

Description: Regardless of whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, this scholarship will be automatically awarded to all new coursework applications submitted to the Western Sydney University.  You can enjoy the scholarship valued up to 50% of tuition fees.

Eligibility: 

• Must be a new international student starting a coursework program at the WSU, excluding those entering the university programs via the International College or The College pathways (for undergraduate) and some specified programs (for postgraduate)
• Have obtained an offer of admission to Western Sydney University
• Fulfill the academic requirements for the scholarship and all other admission requirements.

Selection criteria: 

• Academic merit 
• A personal statement explaining how you believe the scholarship will help you with your studies and future career.

How to apply: Visit the website: Scholarships for International students

Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships (VCIHAS)

Description: For foreign students with a track record of academic success and brilliance, the Charles Darwin University offers a small number of the Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships. 50% of the tuition for the entire course is covered by this scholarship.

Eligibility:

• Must be a new international student starting a coursework at the CDU
• Fulfill the prerequisites for your course, such as the academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen course
• Have a minimum overall score of 95% in their highest completed qualification
• Do not hold another scholarship from an Australian or foreign sponsoring agency
• Recipients must fulfill all scholarship requirements before completing their program

Selection criteria:

• Academic merit in your highest completed qualification
• A supporting statement (up to 600 words) indicating why you should be awarded a scholarship

How to apply: Visit the website: International student scholarships

George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship

Description: This scholarship, which will be awarded in recognition of exceptional academic achievement, is open to international students starting their first undergraduate or graduate program at the Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus.

Eligibility: 

• Be a new international student starting a coursework degree at the Swinburne University
• Exclude some courses such as Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting, Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting / Bachelor of Business (for undergraduate) and Master of Physiotherapy, Master of Occupational Therapy, master degrees by research and doctorate degrees (for postgraduate)
• Fulfill any course or scholarship-specific entry requirements
• Not simultaneously be receiving a reduced fee arrangement or another type of tuition subsidy from another organisation.

Selection criteria: 

• Academic merit

How to apply: No extra application needed as you are automatically considered when enrolling at Swinburne University.

Australian National University Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Description: The goal of this scholarship is to entice a wide variety of exceptional overseas students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) to enroll at Australian National University (ANU). These scholarships are divided into 9 categories with 2 categories applicable, offering 50% value for students from South East Asia, Europe, Central & South Americas.

Eligibility: 

• Must be an international students, defined under the terms of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 and does not have a 995 visa (except for those attending an eligible postgraduate program)
• Have received an offer of admission to study at the ANU in an eligible program (except Doctor Of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) & Master Of Military and Defence Studies)
• Have not received the scholarship for the same level of study before or an external sponsorship

Selection criteria: 

• Academic merit

How to apply: Visit the website: ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship

UNSW’s International Scientia Coursework Scholarship (PUCA1025)

Description: The University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers this scholarship to support international undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students starting full-time study at the school.

Eligibility: 

• Must be an international student
• Participate in a full-time coursework in a UNSW undergraduate or graduate program (with the exception of UNSW online and UNSW Canberra).
• Have been offered admission to a qualified program 
• Have attained a minimum 85% average (or its equivalent) in prior coursework

Selection criteria: 

• Academic merit
• Evidence for leadership skills at schools, in workplaces or communities
• Proof that you took part in extra-curricular activities ((sporting, cultural activities, volunteer/work experience)
• Reasons for studying at UNSW

How to apply: Visit the website: Scholarship Application Online 

La Trobe Vice Chancellor Scholarship

Description: La Trobe’s Vice-Chancellor Scholarship is given to students who have achieved excellence in extracurricular activities, athletics and community service in addition to their academic pursuits. You can be awarded a 50% or 100% fee reduction with this highly competitive scholarship.

Eligibility: 

• Must be an international student but not a humanitarian or other permanent visa holder
• Participate in one of the eligible courses
• Fulfill the requirements for your course, such as the English language proficiency and other conditions stated on Offer Letter
• Have received the offer letter before applying for the scholarship

Selection criteria: 

• A good academic merit (minimum WAM requirement 80)
• English language proficiency evidence
• Written statement 

How to apply: Visit the website: La Trobe Vice Chancellor Scholarship

Griffith University Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Description: Every year, a selection of outstanding international students who are starting undergraduate and graduate coursework degree programs at the Griffith University are awarded with the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship. The award value is 50% of tuition fees.

Eligibility: 

• Must be an international student  
• Have received an offer to study full time at the University
• Satisfy all academic and English language entry requirements for your chosen program

Selection criteria: 

• Good academic record of a minimum GPA in previous studies of 6.0 or above on a 7 point scale or equivalent.

How to apply: Visit the website: Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship

University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship 

Description: This highly competitive scholarship awards a 50% reduction of tuition fees to overseas students who have excelled academically in their prior education and are about to start undergraduate or graduate study at the University of Adelaide.

Eligibility: 

• Must be an international student  
• Participate in the the University of Adelaide in their coursework award program
• Have a minimum GPA of 6.9 on a 7.0 scale or comparable score for entry to an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
• Have attained a minimum 85% average (or its equivalent) in prior coursework

Selection criteria: 

• Academic merit

How to apply: Visit the website: Global Academic Excellence 50% International Scholarship

University of Technology Sydney Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Description: To assist exceptional overseas students enrolling in undergraduate and postgraduate programs is this scholarship’s goal. Those who demonstrate a dedication to innovation, entrepreneurship and social causes will be eligible for a 100% scholarship.

Eligibility: 

• Must be an international student, starting full-time studies on campus (Sydney)  
• Fulfill all admission requirements for the selected program by the closing date of the scholarship application
• Have finished an Australian Year 12 or high school studies (for undergraduate) or a Bachelor degree (for postgraduate), no longer than 3 years prior to commencing at UTS and be admitted based on this qualification to UTS
• Have achieved a minimum 85% average (or its equivalent) in high school qualification (for undergraduate) or a minimum 90% average (or its equivalent) in Bachelor qualification (for postgraduate).

Selection criteria: 

• Academic merit
• Applicant’s response to questions asked in the UTS online scholarship application

How to apply: Visit the website: Scholarships for international students

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship 

Following all the requirements to apply for a scholarship will make you eligible but not guarantee success for you. To increase your chances, there is something you can do.

How to write a strong personal statement

Some scholarships will require you to write a personal statement to explain why you deserve the grant. Here are some tips to help you write a strong personal statement:

• Write about a subject that interests you the most to produce a more intimate and emotional essay that will captivate the reader
• Talk about your influence on other people and how this affected you to make your application stand out
• Provide real examples to back up your statements

CV/resume tips for scholarship committees

A strong scholarship CV/resume should highlight your main competencies (academic backgrounds, honors and accomplishments) and any volunteer or professional work you have.

Besides, you can better capture the interest of the scholarship committees with a compelling and tailored resume objective. It should include your most outstanding academic records, achievements and job aspirations, especially how they support you to pursue higher education.

Finally, it is a good idea to use a template, which you can easily find on the Internet. It can act as your guideline to ensure that you will not miss any important points in your scholarship CV/resume.

Proving leadership & community impact

Your leadership ability and community impact are 2 things that every scholarship committee would love to see in your application. They want to grant the awards to candidates who know how to guide and motivate people. Besides, candidates with social or charitable acts are always favored.

These are things you must prepare for a while before applying for scholarships. Fake or ingenuine experiences won’t get you through to the scholarship. Instead, you can start by joining school clubs or doing some simple social work like blood donation, providing free tutoring, etc.

Where to Find & Search for Scholarships (Official Sources)

On the website of the Australian Government, you can find a great scholarship search tool. It helps you locate a suitable financing option depending on a variety of criteria, such as your home country, the university you are attending, your study field and level of education. You will have all the necessary information from the value of each award to the eligibility criteria.

Moreover, if you already choose your university, you can go to its website to find information about the scholarships they offer. This way is more convenient as you don’t have to wander through a field of offerings and somehow get lost. So, it is best to decide your university you want to attend, then find the available scholarship.

Conclusion

Overall, the government and universities provide a number of fully or partially funded scholarships for international students in Australia. These scholarships are given to applicants based on their outstanding academic merit and other qualities.

Make sure you thoroughly read the selection criteria, eligibility requirements and deadlines to carry out a successful application process. Good luck!

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for a scholarship? 

Students of all levels from undergraduate to doctoral or even vocational students can apply for grants and scholarships from the Australia Government or universities.

2. Is it possible for me to get multiple scholarships simultaneously?

Although it is often not possible to receive more than one scholarship from the same organization, it is viable to combine scholarships from various sources (government and university).

3. Should I submit my scholarship or course application first?

You must apply for your course first. Because scholarship programs require you to have a course offer or you can be evaluated automatically during the admissions process.

4. How many scholarships should I submit an application for?

To increase your chances, apply for 3 to 5 different scholarships. Aim for a combination of lesser, more accessible awards and highly valued, competitive scholarships.

Last updated on 16/11/2025