Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia for International Students 2026/2027: Eligibility, Stipends and How to Apply

 Studying in Australia is a dream for many international students. The country offers recognised universities, modern research facilities, diverse communities, and opportunities to develop skills for an international career. However, tuition fees, accommodation, transport, food, and health insurance can make studying abroad expensive.

The good news is that several Australian universities and government programmes offer scholarships to eligible international students. Depending on the award, financial support may include full tuition fees, a living allowance, health insurance, travel assistance, and other study-related expenses.

For the 2026/2027 academic period, students can investigate opportunities such as Australia Awards Scholarships, the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP), University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships, Australian National University research scholarships, and University of Queensland research funding.

Before applying, understand that AUD $10,000–$20,000 per month is not a typical scholarship stipend in Australia. Research scholarships commonly provide annual living allowances of around AUD $35,000–$55,000, depending on the university and award. That is approximately AUD $2,900–$4,600 per month, not $10,000–$20,000. Some scholarships also cover tuition separately, which can make the overall package substantially more valuable.

This guide explains the main opportunities, degree levels, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and practical ways to improve your chances.

1. Australia Awards Scholarships 2027

Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious Australian Government awards designed to help students from eligible partner countries gain knowledge and skills that contribute to their countries' development.

The programme supports selected applicants undertaking eligible full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian institutions. The available degree levels and courses depend on the rules for each participating country.

What does the scholarship cover?

The official programme generally provides several important benefits:

• Full tuition fees for the approved course.

• Return economy-class air travel.

• A one-time establishment allowance to help with initial accommodation and study expenses.

• A contribution towards basic living expenses, paid fortnightly.

• Overseas student health cover for the award holder.

• An introductory academic programme before formal study begins.

• Possible additional academic support or eligible research fieldwork assistance.

The exact award conditions depend on the programme and your country. The living allowance is set by the Australian Government and should not be confused with a promise of AUD $10,000–$20,000 every month.

Who can apply?

Eligibility depends on nationality, academic background, professional experience where required, and the priorities established for your country. Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to development in their home countries.

For example, the Africa programme lists Nigeria among its participating countries. Nigerian applicants should review the current Nigeria/Africa country profile to confirm eligible fields, degree levels, and any additional requirements.

Are applications open for the 2027 intake?

The main Australia Awards application round for study commencing in 2027 closed on 30 April 2026. As of October 2026, applicants should not assume that the standard 2027 round is still accepting applications. Check the official country-specific page for announcements and prepare for the next relevant intake if you missed the deadline.

Official website: Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia Awards Scholarships.

2. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)

If you want to pursue a research master's degree or PhD, the Research Training Program is one of the most important scholarship schemes to understand.

The Australian Government provides RTP funding to eligible universities, which then select scholarship recipients through their own admission and scholarship processes. International students can be eligible, but awards are competitive, and availability varies by institution.

What funding is available?

An RTP scholarship may provide one or more of the following:

• A tuition-fee offset.

• A stipend to help with living expenses.

• Allowances for eligible research-related costs, relocation, thesis preparation, or health insurance.

Not every student receives every benefit. International applicants should confirm whether the university's offer includes both tuition coverage and a living stipend.

RTP stipend amounts for 2026 and 2027

The Australian Government lists the following annual full-time stipend range:

Year	Base annual stipend	Maximum annual stipend
2026	AUD $34,315	AUD $53,608
2027	AUD $35,550	AUD $55,537

These are annual amounts, not monthly payments. The maximum is not automatically awarded to every student; universities determine the stipend within the applicable range.

Which students can apply?

RTP funding supports eligible research master's and research doctorate students, including international students enrolled in accredited programmes at participating universities.

The programme is not a general scholarship for every undergraduate BSc student. If you are applying for a bachelor's degree, you should concentrate on undergraduate merit awards and other university-specific funding.

How do you apply?

You apply through the university, not directly to the Australian government. Find a research programme that fits your interests, review its admission requirements, and contact the graduate research office to learn about the scholarship process.

You may be able to apply to multiple universities. Since each institution sets its own selection process, deadlines, and documentation requirements, keep a separate checklist for every application.

Official website: Australian Government Department of Education, Research Training Program.

3. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

The University of Melbourne offers graduate research scholarships to high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking eligible research master's or doctoral degrees.

This opportunity is particularly relevant if you have a strong academic record and want to conduct research in science, engineering, medicine, information technology, agriculture, business, education, social sciences, or another eligible discipline.

What are the benefits?

The university's published scholarship information lists the following benefits for eligible stipend-and-fee-offset awards:

• Full tuition-fee coverage for up to two years for a master's by research.

• Full tuition-fee coverage for up to four years for a doctoral degree.

• A living allowance of AUD $39,500 per year at the 2026 full-time rate.

• A relocation grant of AUD $3,000 for eligible students moving from outside Australia.

• Single overseas student health cover for eligible international students who need a student visa.

The stipend is paid according to the scholarship's conditions and is intended to support living costs. AUD $39,500 per year is approximately AUD $3,292 per month when averaged across 12 months. It is not a $10,000 monthly payment.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must meet the admission requirements for an eligible graduate research programme. Scholarship selection is competitive and considers factors such as previous academic results and research potential.

How to apply

Start by identifying a suitable research degree and reviewing its admission deadline. The university states that eligible new applicants who submit a graduate research application by the relevant course deadline are automatically considered for graduate research scholarships.

However, automatic consideration does not guarantee an award. Make sure your academic records, references, research proposal, and other required materials are complete.

Official website: University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships.

4. Australian National University (ANU) PhD Scholarship

The Australian National University in Canberra offers research scholarships for eligible domestic and international students pursuing a PhD or another approved higher degree by research.

ANU is worth investigating if you have a strong academic background and want to work in fields such as public policy, economics, science, engineering, computing, international relations, or the humanities.

What does the scholarship provide?

The ANU PhD Scholarship provides a stipend for eligible research candidates. The university states that payments are made over a period of 3.5 years for qualifying recipients.

Applicants typically need to have applied for admission to a PhD or professional doctorate by research and hold suitable previous qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree with first-class honours or a master's degree with a research component. Equivalent qualifications may be considered under the applicable rules.

The ANU HDR Fee Merit Scholarship is a separate award for eligible international research students who also receive an ANU University Research Scholarship. It can cover international student fees for up to four years of a PhD or two years of a Master of Philosophy, along with Overseas Student Health Cover for the student and eligible immediate family.

How to apply

Choose a research area and check whether the university has suitable supervisors and research facilities. Review the admission and scholarship requirements together because meeting the academic admission standard does not necessarily mean you will receive funding.

Prepare your transcripts, CV, references, research statement or proposal, and any other documents requested by your intended research school.

Official website: Australian National University scholarships.

5. University of Queensland Graduate Research Scholarships

The University of Queensland (UQ) provides research scholarship opportunities for eligible international students undertaking a PhD, Master of Philosophy, or qualifying professional doctorate.

Its Graduate Research School Scholarships include support connected with the Australian Government's RTP funding arrangements.

What are the benefits?

UQ lists a 2026 living stipend of AUD $39,220 per year, tax-free under the stated scholarship arrangements, indexed annually. Eligible awards may also cover tuition fees and single Overseas Student Health Cover.

The advertised scholarship duration is generally 3.5 years, with a possible extension under the university's policies and the terms of the award.

This stipend averages about AUD $3,268 per month across 12 months. Your actual payments follow the university's payment schedule and scholarship conditions.

Who can apply?

Applicants must meet the admission conditions for an eligible higher degree by research and be nominated or assessed through the appropriate school, institute, and graduate research processes.

A competitive application should show strong academic results, research ability, and a suitable match between the proposed project and the university's expertise.

Application process

UQ advises applicants to check their research degree eligibility, identify an appropriate supervisor, and prepare the required documents. Scholarship consideration takes place in specified rounds, so you should check the deadlines for international applicants rather than relying on a general year-round expression-of-interest process.

For example, UQ published an international scholarship round for commencement in Research Quarter 4 of 2027 or early 2028, with a full application closing date of 19 October 2026. Applicants interested in that round should check the official page immediately to confirm the deadline and any updates.

Official website: University of Queensland Graduate Research School Scholarships.

6. Scholarships for BSc Students in Australia

Students who have completed secondary school and want to study for a Bachelor of Science or another undergraduate degree should understand that the most generous Australian living stipends are usually associated with research degrees rather than bachelor's programmes.

That does not mean undergraduate funding is unavailable. Australian universities offer a variety of merit-based scholarships, international student awards, faculty-specific grants, and tuition-fee reductions.

Where should you look?

Start with the international scholarship pages of universities offering your intended course. Depending on your grades and nationality, you may find awards for engineering, information technology, science, agriculture, business, health-related subjects, or other fields.

Some awards cover a percentage of tuition fees, while a smaller number may offer full tuition coverage. Living allowances, accommodation, travel, and insurance are separate benefits and must be verified individually.

The Australia Awards may also support eligible undergraduate study for applicants from participating countries, subject to country-specific rules and approved courses. However, the 2027 application round has closed, so prospective applicants should monitor future rounds.

How to improve your chances

Keep your academic results strong, confirm the required secondary-school subjects, and prepare English-language evidence where necessary. Write a clear personal statement that explains your academic goals and why you have selected the course.

Do not assume that an undergraduate scholarship will provide a monthly stipend simply because it covers tuition. Before accepting an offer, calculate your remaining expenses and determine whether you can meet them.

7. Scholarships for MSc and PhD Students

Master's and PhD applicants should distinguish between coursework degrees and research degrees.

A coursework master's focuses mainly on classes, assignments, examinations, and sometimes a project. A research master's or PhD focuses much more heavily on a thesis, research methods, and original investigation.

RTP funding, Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships, ANU research scholarships, and UQ research awards are primarily relevant to eligible higher degrees by research.

If you want to study for a coursework MSc, you should search for university merit scholarships, faculty awards, government scholarships available to your nationality, and external funding.

For PhD applications, your research fit can be just as important as your grades. Identify departments conducting work in your field and read about their current projects. If appropriate, contact a potential supervisor with a concise message outlining your background, research interests, and relevant experience.

8. Documents Needed for Australian Scholarship Applications

Most scholarship applications require several documents, although the exact list depends on the institution and degree level.

Academic transcripts and certificates: Provide official records showing your previous qualifications and grades.

Passport: Check that your passport is valid and your personal information matches the other documents.

Curriculum vitae: Summarise your education, relevant employment, research, publications, technical skills, awards, and projects.

Statement of purpose: Explain your academic interests, career plans, and reasons for choosing the programme.

Recommendation letters: Request references from lecturers, employers, or research supervisors who can speak confidently about your ability.

English-language test results: Provide IELTS, TOEFL, or other evidence accepted by the university, unless you qualify for an approved exemption.

Research proposal: Master's by research and PhD applicants may need to describe their proposed topic, objectives, methods, and expected contribution.

Evidence of research experience: Publications, dissertations, laboratory work, conference presentations, and relevant projects may strengthen a research application.

Prepare translations or certified copies if the institution requires them. Use the official checklist for each application rather than submitting the same documents automatically to every university.

9. How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia

Follow these steps to make your search more organised.

Step 1: Choose your degree level. Decide whether you want a BSc, coursework MSc, research master's, or PhD.

Step 2: Identify suitable universities. Compare programmes, entry requirements, research strengths, location, and funding options.

Step 3: Check scholarship coverage. Confirm whether the award pays tuition, provides a stipend, includes health insurance, or offers relocation assistance.

Step 4: Check deadlines. Australian universities have different application and scholarship rounds. Some require you to apply for admission first, while others assess scholarship eligibility during the same process.

Step 5: Prepare strong documents. Make sure your records, references, personal statement, and research materials are accurate and complete.

Step 6: Submit your application through the official portal. Do not rely on social media posts or unofficial agents for the final submission process.

Step 7: Read the award conditions. Confirm the duration of funding, academic-progress requirements, payment schedule, and any work or return-home obligations.

Since it is October 2026, some 2027 scholarship rounds have already closed, while other university research rounds may still be accepting applications. Check the current official deadlines before investing time in an application.

10. Avoid Scholarship Scams and Misleading Salary Claims

Scholarship advertisements can sometimes make unrealistic promises. Be cautious of websites claiming that every international student can receive AUD $10,000–$20,000 every month simply by completing an online application.

Always verify the annual stipend, tuition coverage, and other benefits directly with the university or government programme. A scholarship worth AUD $40,000 per year is substantial support, but it is not the same as AUD $40,000 per month.

Never pay an unverified agent who guarantees scholarship approval. Legitimate scholarship providers publish eligibility rules, selection processes, and award conditions.

Also, remember that a tuition waiver does not necessarily cover rent, food, transport, travel, or health insurance. Compare the full package and estimate your living expenses before accepting an offer.

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships in Australia can help international students pursue undergraduate study, master's qualifications, and doctoral research without carrying the entire financial burden themselves. Australia Awards Scholarships provide comprehensive support for eligible students from participating countries, while the Australian Government's RTP and university awards at Melbourne, ANU, and Queensland are important options for research master's and PhD applicants.

However, a stipend of AUD $10,000–$20,000 per month is not a typical Australian scholarship benefit. Published research stipends are generally quoted annually, and some awards also cover tuition and other expenses separately. Choose your degree carefully, check the latest official eligibility requirements, and prepare your documents before the deadline. With realistic expectations and a well-planned application, you can identify funding opportunities that fit your academic goals for 2026/2027 and beyond.