Australia is home to over 110,000 Indian students — making India the third-largest source of international students in Australia. Despite the large Indian student population, many are not aware of the scholarship opportunities available to them. This guide covers every major funding source for Indian students in Australia.
India and Australia Awards — Key Context
India is one of the eligible countries for Australia Awards Scholarships — the Australian government's flagship fully funded scholarship programme. Indian students have received Australia Awards annually, though India's allocation is smaller than South/Southeast Asian and Pacific Island nations.
1. Australia Awards Scholarship — Fully Funded
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | Full tuition + AUD 26,000+ living allowance + flights + OSHC |
| Level | Undergraduate, Master's, PhD |
| India eligibility | Yes — India is eligible |
| IELTS min | 6.5 (competitive: 7.0+) |
| Deadline | April–May each year |
| Return obligation | 2 years in India post-study |
India-specific priority areas for Australia Awards:
- Education and human development
- Agriculture and food security
- Health (particularly public health) | Environmental sustainability and climate adaptation
- Governance and civil society
To strengthen an Australia Awards application as an Indian student:
- Connect your study proposal to one of these priority areas
- Show how your education will benefit Indian development
- Demonstrate leadership in India's public or private sector
2. Research Training Programme (RTP) — Best PhD Funding for Indians in Australia
The RTP is available to Indian PhD students at any Australian university:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | Full tuition + AUD 32,500–AUD 42,000 stipend |
| Level | PhD and MPhil |
| India eligibility | Yes — open to all international students |
| IELTS min | 6.5–7.0 |
Indian PhD students are among the largest international groups in Australian research programmes — particularly in STEM, public health, and engineering.
3. University Scholarships for Indian Students
University of Melbourne — India-Australia Strategic Research Fund
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | Varies (research collaboration funding) |
| Level | PhD and research |
| Focus | India-Australia bilateral research |
UNSW Sydney — India-Australia Research Partnership
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | PhD stipend + tuition |
| Level | PhD |
| Focus | Engineering, Science, Business |
University of Sydney — International Research Scholarships
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | Full tuition + AUD 32,500 stipend |
| Level | PhD |
| India eligibility | Open to all international students |
Monash University — International Merit Scholarship
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | 25–50% tuition reduction |
| Level | Undergraduate and graduate coursework |
| India eligibility | Open to all international students with strong academic records |
Australian National University (ANU) — ANU India Connections
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | Varies by programme |
| Focus | India-specific research connections |
ANU has active research partnerships with Indian institutions including IITs and IIMs, which can facilitate research placements and co-funded scholarships.
Deakin University — India Scholarship
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | 20–30% tuition reduction |
| Level | Undergraduate and graduate |
| India eligibility | Yes — specifically for Indian students |
4. India-Based Funding Bodies for Australia Study
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | Up to $100,000 total |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Eligible destinations | USA, UK, Europe — also covers Australia for some programmes |
ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | Stipend + fee waivers |
| Level | Various |
| Relevant | ICCR has bilateral scholarship programmes with Australian universities |
5. Australian Government India-Australia Bilateral Education Programmes
Australia and India have a Strategic Partnership that includes education cooperation. Check the Australian High Commission in New Delhi for bilateral scholarship programmes — these are periodically announced and may offer additional funding for specific study areas.
IELTS Requirements for Indian Students in Australia
India is one of the most IELTS-active countries in the world. For Australian universities:
| University Tier | IELTS Min | Scholarship Competitive Score |
|---|---|---|
| Go8 (Melbourne, Sydney, UNSW, Monash, ANU) | 6.5 – 7.5 | 7.0 – 7.5 |
| Mid-tier (Deakin, Griffith, La Trobe) | 6.0 – 6.5 | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| AHPRA professions (Medicine, Nursing) | 7.5 (each skill 7.0) | 7.5 |
| AITSL (Teaching) | 7.5 (each skill 7.0) | 7.5 |
Australia Awards India requires IELTS 6.5 minimum — competitive applicants score 7.0+.
Australia vs Canada for Indian Students — Scholarship Comparison
| Factor | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Best scholarship | Australia Awards (fully funded) | Lester B. Pearson / Vanier |
| PhD funding | RTP (full tuition + stipend) | TA/RA + fellowships |
| IELTS requirement | 6.5 min (Australia Awards) | 6.0 min (SDS pathway) |
| Post-study work | 2–4 years (485 visa) | 3 years (PGWP) |
| PR pathway | SkillSelect | Express Entry |
| Wages | AUD 24.10/hr (highest globally) | CAD 15.65–17.40/hr |
Australia offers higher wages and longer post-study work for healthcare workers; Canada offers a clearer and faster PR pathway.
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble — Australia Awards requires IELTS 6.5; competitive applicants and professional programmes require 7.0–7.5. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback with instant band scores.