Discover fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students in 2026! Learn about top programs like Australia Awards and RTP, eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and application tips.
Australia is a premier destination for international students, hosting over 800,000 from around the world in 2024, drawn to its high-quality education, vibrant multicultural cities, and stunning natural landscapes. With top universities like the University of Melbourne, Sydney, and Monash ranking in the global top 50, pursuing studies Down Under can be life-changing. However, tuition fees averaging $30,000-$50,000 per year for undergraduates and higher for postgraduates can be a barrier.
Enter fully funded scholarships in Australia for 2026, which cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more, making education accessible for talented students from all backgrounds. Programs like the Australia Awards Scholarships and Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships offer comprehensive support, with over 1,000 awards available annually through government and universities. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also provide pathways to post-study work visas and permanent residency.
In this blog post, we'll explore the top fully funded opportunities for 2026, including eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips to secure them. Whether you're aiming for undergraduate, Master's, or PhD studies, these scholarships can turn your Australian dream into reality—let's dive in!
Highlights of Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia
- Government-Backed Funding: Programs like Australia Awards and RTP provide full tuition, stipends up to $33,500/year, travel, and health coverage for international students.
- Diverse Study Levels: Opportunities for undergraduate, Master's, PhD, and research degrees across fields like STEM, business, health, and humanities.
- Global Accessibility: Open to students from 150+ countries, with a focus on developing nations in the Indo-Pacific for Australia Awards.
- High Value Awards: Scholarships worth $150,000+ over the program duration, including living allowances and establishment grants.
- University-Specific Perks: Institutions like Melbourne and Sydney offer merit-based awards with stipends, relocation support, and career development.
- Renewable Support: Many awards, such as UWA Global Excellence, are renewable based on academic performance, totaling up to $48,000 for undergraduates.
- Post-Study Benefits: Graduates can access Temporary Graduate visas for work experience, enhancing career prospects in Australia's booming economy.
What Are Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia?
Fully funded scholarships in Australia are financial awards that cover all major study-related expenses, including tuition fees, living allowances, health insurance, travel, and sometimes books or research costs. These are sponsored by the Australian Government, universities, and international organizations to attract high-achieving international students and promote global collaboration. Key programs for 2026 include the Australia Awards Scholarships, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which support development-focused studies for students from developing countries.
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships, funded by the Department of Education, provide stipends and tuition offsets for higher degree by research (HDR) students at eligible universities. University-specific scholarships, such as the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships or the University of Sydney International Scholarships, offer similar comprehensive support.
In 2025-2026, over 1,000 fully funded opportunities are available, with values ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 annually.
These scholarships emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and potential impact, helping Australia maintain its status as a top study destination. For official details, visit dfat.gov.au or education.gov.au.
Why Choose Scholarships in Australia?
Australia's education system ranks among the world's best, with eight universities in the QS Top 100. “The RTP Scholarship allowed me to conduct cutting-edge research in environmental science at the University of Melbourne, fully funded, and opened doors to global collaborations,” shared a 2024 recipient from Indonesia. These scholarships remove financial hurdles, enabling focus on innovation and personal growth.
Post-study, international graduates can work for up to four years via the Temporary Graduate visa, with strong job markets in tech, healthcare, and renewable energy. Australia's welcoming environment, with support for cultural integration and mental health, makes it ideal for over 800,000 international students annually.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for 2026
Here are some of the leading fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students in 2026, based on verified sources:
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Institution: Various Australian universities and TAFE institutions.
- Coverage: Full tuition, return airfare, establishment allowance, living expenses (fortnightly contribution), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), Introductory Academic Program, and supplementary support.
- Eligibility: Citizens of participating developing countries (e.g., Indo-Pacific region), with a bachelor's degree or equivalent, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+), and commitment to return home for two years post-study.
- Deadline: Applications open February 1, 2025; close April 30-May 31, 2025 (varies by country).
- Details: Aimed at leaders from developing nations; supports undergraduate, Master's, and PhD in priority fields like health, education, and governance. Administered by DFAT. Visit dfat.gov.au.
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
- Institution: Eligible Australian higher education providers (e.g., University of Sydney, Melbourne).
- Coverage: Tuition fee offset, stipend ($33,511 full-time base for 2025, indexed for 2026), allowances for ancillary costs.
- Eligibility: International students undertaking HDR (Master's by Research or PhD), with strong academic record and research potential.
- Deadline: Varies by university (typically September-October 2025 for 2026 start).
- Details: Government-funded; supports up to 4 years for PhD, 2 years for Master's. Apply through universities. Visit education.gov.au.
- Melbourne Research Scholarships
- Institution: University of Melbourne.
- Coverage: Living allowance ($31,200/year), full fee offset, OSHC, relocation grant.
- Eligibility: International students for Master's or PhD research.
- Deadline: October 31, 2025 (for Round 1).
- Details: Includes RTP benefits; supports high-achieving researchers. Visit scholarships.unimelb.edu.au.
- University of Sydney International Scholarships
- Institution: University of Sydney.
- Coverage: Tuition fees and living allowance ($40,000/year).
- Eligibility: International students for Master's or PhD.
- Deadline: September 2025 (for Semester 1, 2026).
- Details: Merit-based; supports research degrees. Visit sydney.edu.au.
- Monash University Scholarships
- Institution: Monash University.
- Coverage: Annual living allowance ($35,600), relocation ($550), research allowance ($1,500/year).
- Eligibility: International students for PhD research.
- Deadline: August 31, 2025 (International Round 3).
- Details: Includes RTP stipend; for doctoral studies. Visit monash.edu.
- Deakin University Scholarships
- Institution: Deakin University.
- Coverage: Stipend ($28,600/year), relocation ($500-$1,500), health insurance.
- Eligibility: International students for postgraduate research.
- Deadline: October 15, 2025.
- Details: Supports HDR students. Visit deakin.edu.au.
- UWA Global Excellence Scholarship
- Institution: University of Western Australia.
- Coverage: Up to $48,000 over four years for undergraduates, $24,000 over two years for postgraduates.
- Eligibility: High-achieving international students (ATAR 85+ or equivalent).
- Deadline: Varies by course (applications open now for 2026).
- Details: Tuition reduction based on academic merit. Visit uwa.edu.au.
- Rotary Peace Fellowship
- Institution: University of Queensland (among others).
- Coverage: Tuition, room and board, travel, internship expenses.
- Eligibility: International students with experience in peace and development.
- Deadline: May 15, 2025.
- Details: For Master's in peace studies; up to 50 awards. Visit rotary.org.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026
Eligibility varies but common criteria include:
- International Status: Non-Australian citizens/permanent residents requiring a student visa.
- Academic Excellence: Minimum GPA equivalent to Australian 80-90% (e.g., ATAR 85+ for undergrad, 3.5 GPA for grad).
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 79+, or equivalent.
- Leadership and Impact: Demonstrated through extracurriculars, work experience, or research proposals for graduate awards.
- Country Focus: Australia Awards for developing countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines); RTP open to all but competitive.
- Program Enrollment: Full-time study at an Australian university; specific fields for some (e.g., peace for Rotary).
- Financial Need: Not always required, but proven for some government awards.
Verify on official sites, as requirements may update for 2026.
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia
These scholarships provide unparalleled support:
- Financial Coverage: Full tuition (up to $50,000/year), stipends ($28,000-$50,000), health insurance, airfare, and establishment allowances.
- Academic Resources: Access to top research facilities, mentorship, and collaborative projects at globally ranked universities.
- Career Opportunities: Post-study work visa (2-4 years), with 90% of international graduates employed within six months.
- Cultural Immersion: Live in diverse cities like Melbourne or Sydney, with support for integration and well-being.
- Personal Development: Leadership training, internships, and networks fostering global impact.
A 2024 Australia Awards scholar from Vietnam said, “The scholarship covered everything, allowing me to focus on my Master's in public health and contribute to my community.”
Application Process for 2026
The process varies but generally involves:
- Research and Choose: Identify scholarships via studyinaustralia.gov.au or university sites.
- Apply for Admission: Submit university applications (e.g., via QTAC or direct portals) by October-December 2025 for Semester 1, 2026.
- Scholarship Application: For Australia Awards, apply online at OASIS (February-April 2025); for RTP, through university portals (September-October 2025).
- Submit Documents: Transcripts, English scores, CV, recommendation letters (2-3), personal statement, research proposal (for grad).
- Selection and Interviews: Merit-based review; interviews for some (e.g., Australia Awards in May-June 2025).
- Notification: Results by July-September 2025; accept and apply for student visa.
- Commence Studies: Start February or July 2026.
No application fees for most; use official links.
Tips for a Successful Application
To enhance your chances:
- Start Early: Prepare documents by late 2024 for 2025 deadlines.
- Tailor Essays: Align with scholarship priorities (e.g., development impact for Australia Awards).
- Showcase Achievements: Highlight leadership and research with evidence.
- Secure Strong References: Choose academics familiar with your work.
- Meet Language Requirements: Achieve high IELTS/TOEFL scores.
- Seek Guidance: Contact university international offices or dfat.gov.au.
- Proofread: Ensure applications are error-free.
A 2023 RTP recipient advised, “Emphasize your research potential and how it benefits Australia.”
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students in 2026, such as Australia Awards and RTP, offer transformative opportunities to study at elite institutions without financial strain. With comprehensive benefits like tuition coverage, stipends, and career support, these awards empower over 1,000 students annually to achieve academic and professional excellence.
By meeting eligibility criteria—strong academics, leadership, and English proficiency—and submitting compelling applications by deadlines like April 30, 2025 (Australia Awards) or October 2025 (RTP), you can secure your spot.
Australia's innovative education system and post-study prospects make it an ideal choice. Don't wait—visit dfat.gov.au or education.gov.au to start your application today and embark on a rewarding journey in Australia!
FAQs About Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia
- What does "fully funded" mean in these scholarships?
It covers full tuition, living stipends, health insurance, travel, and sometimes books or research costs, ensuring minimal personal expenses. - Who is eligible for Australia Awards Scholarships?
Citizens of developing countries in the Indo-Pacific, with a bachelor's degree, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+), and commitment to return home post-study. - What is the value of RTP Scholarships?
Tuition offset plus a stipend of approximately $33,500 (2025 rate, indexed for 2026) for up to 4 years for PhD or 2 years for Master's by Research. - When are the application deadlines for 2026?
Australia Awards: February 1 to April 30, 2025 (varies by country); RTP: Varies by university, typically September-October 2025. - Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, but check for conflicts; many like RTP are held concurrently with university awards if eligible. - What fields of study are covered?
Most disciplines, but Australia Awards prioritize development areas like health and education; RTP focuses on research fields. - Do I need a student visa?
Yes, apply after scholarship acceptance; scholarships provide proof of funding to support your visa application via homeaffairs.gov.au.