The Australia Awards Scholarship is one of the world's most comprehensive government-funded scholarship programmes — covering full tuition, living allowance, return flights, health cover, and more. Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), it is designed to build human capacity and development in recipient countries.
What the Australia Awards Scholarship Covers
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Full tuition at the chosen Australian university |
| Living allowance | AUD 26,000+ per year (approximately AUD 2,167/month) |
| Return flights | Economy class; arrival and departure |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Full duration of studies |
| Establishment allowance | AUD 5,000 one-off payment on arrival |
| Pre-course English training (if required) | Full costs covered |
| Academic support | Access to tutoring and academic assistance |
| Introductory academic programme | Orientation before study begins |
| Fieldwork (select programmes) | May be covered |
Total annual scholarship value: approximately AUD 75,000 – AUD 95,000 (tuition + living + other costs).
Eligible Countries
Australia Awards are available in approximately 60 countries, primarily:
Indo-Pacific region: Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Pacific Island nations, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives
Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and others
Middle East / Other: Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and select others
Not eligible: Students from developed countries (US, UK, EU, Canada, Japan, South Korea, etc.) are not eligible for Australia Awards.
Eligible Study Levels
| Level | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor's) | Yes (most countries) |
| Master's by coursework | Yes |
| Master's by research | Yes |
| PhD | Yes |
| Short courses / professional development | Some programmes offer this |
Selection Criteria
Australia Awards selects candidates on three main criteria:
1. Academic Merit
- Strong academic results throughout schooling
- Relevant qualifications and professional experience
- Evidence of capacity to complete a rigorous Australian degree
2. Leadership Potential
- Demonstrated leadership in community, workplace, or civic contexts
- Evidence of ability to influence positive change
- References from employers or community leaders
3. Development Impact
- Clear connection between your proposed studies and development priorities in your home country
- Realistic plan for how you will apply your qualifications after returning
- Alignment with your country's development plan or government priorities
IELTS Requirement for Australia Awards
A key requirement for Australia Awards is demonstrating sufficient English proficiency:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard minimum | IELTS 6.5 overall |
| Per-skill minimum | No skill below 6.0 (standard) |
| Higher requirement (some programmes) | IELTS 7.0 or higher |
| Pre-departure English training | If your IELTS is below the university's requirement, DFAT pays for English training |
Important: If you score below the host university's English requirement, Australia Awards may still select you and pay for English language training before your studies begin. You do not necessarily need to meet the full university requirement before applying.
However, a stronger IELTS score significantly improves your application — candidates with 7.0+ are more competitive, demonstrate language readiness, and may not require pre-departure training.
Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility (February–March)
- Confirm your country of citizenship is eligible
- Check the specific priority areas and eligible disciplines for your country
- Confirm you meet age and work experience requirements (varies by country)
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Programme and University (March–April)
- Australia Awards scholarships are not tied to a specific university — you apply for the scholarship and choose your university preference
- Select universities and programmes aligned with your development focus
- Check IELTS requirements for your preferred universities
Step 3: Prepare Your Application (April–May)
Key documents typically required:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts
- IELTS/TOEFL scores (or plan to sit)
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Personal statement / development impact statement
- Two to three referee reports
- Evidence of employment and experience
Step 4: Submit and Interview (May–June)
- Most countries have a country-based selection process
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a selection panel
- Interviews assess motivation, leadership, and development commitment
Step 5: Award and Preparation (July–October)
- Award notification
- Pre-departure briefing and orientation
- Pre-course English training (if required)
- Departure and arrival in Australia
Return Service Obligation
All Australia Awards recipients must return to their home country for a minimum of 2 years after completing their studies. This obligation is a condition of the award and is monitored by DFAT.
Post-Study Opportunities
While Australia Awards has a return service obligation, recipients gain:
- World-class Australian qualifications
- Alumni network across 60+ countries
- Access to Australia Awards Alumni activities and professional development
- Some countries' governments actively track and support Australia Awards alumni in government roles
How to Write a Strong Development Impact Statement
The most common reason strong academic candidates are not selected is a weak development impact statement. Tips:
- Be specific about your home country's development needs — reference specific government plans, sector gaps, or policy areas
- Explain why your chosen degree addresses these gaps — generic statements ("I want to contribute to development") are not competitive
- Describe your current role and how it will change — what will you do differently after this degree?
- Be realistic — grand claims are less convincing than specific, achievable commitments
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble — Australia Awards expects IELTS 6.5, and competitive applicants score 7.0+. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback with instant band scores to help you reach your target.