Top 20 Australian University Scholarships for International Students 2026-2027 — Complete Guide With Deadlines & Official Links
Australia is one of the world’s greatest study destinations — home to eight universities ranked among the global top 100, an extraordinary quality of life, strong post-study work rights, and some of the most generous scholarship programs available to international students anywhere on earth.
In 2026-2027, 20 major Australian university scholarships are open to international students — ranging from completely free PhD research degrees with full stipends to significant tuition fee reductions for undergraduate and coursework Master’s students.
This guide covers every scholarship, every deadline, all coverage details, and direct official website links so you can apply today.
One important note before you begin: Most Australian scholarships include OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) as a mandatory component — this is Australia’s government-required health insurance for international students. All scholarships marked as covering OSHC on this list include this insurance in their package, meaning your health coverage is arranged as part of the award.
Table of Contents
Understanding Australian Scholarship Types
Before the list, understand the two main scholarship categories:
Research scholarships (RHD — Research Higher Degree): Cover full tuition, a living stipend of approximately AUD $32,000–$38,500/year, and OSHC. These are for PhD and Research Master’s students who conduct original research. The most common of these is the Research Training Program (RTP) — the Australian Government’s base research scholarship available at every Australian university.
Coursework/undergraduate scholarships: Cover a percentage of tuition fees (20%–100%) for students in taught programs — bachelor’s degrees, coursework Master’s degrees, and professional programs.
The Top 20 Australian University Scholarships 2026-2027
🏆 1. Australia Awards Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition + Stipend + OSHC + Flights | Deadline: 30 April 2026 (for 2027 intake)
The Australia Awards Scholarship is Australia’s flagship government scholarship — funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) — and one of the most comprehensive funding packages available to international students anywhere in the world.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees at your Australian university
- Return economy airfare from home country
- Living stipend (approximately AUD $27,000/year)
- OSHC health insurance for full program duration
- Establishment allowance upon arrival in Australia
- Pre-course English language training (where needed)
Who can apply: Citizens of eligible developing partner countries across the Indo-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Both Master’s and PhD levels are covered.
Deadline: 30 April 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: australiaawards.gov.au
🏆 2. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 31 August 2026 (varies by university)
The Research Training Program (RTP) is the Australian Government’s primary research scholarship scheme, providing funding to domestic and international students pursuing Research Higher Degrees (PhD and Research Master’s) at any Australian university.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee offset (100% waiver)
- Annual living stipend (approximately AUD $32,500–$38,500 depending on university)
- OSHC health insurance
- Thesis allowance and relocation grants at some institutions
Who can apply: International students admitted to a PhD or Research Master’s program at any Australian university. Automatic consideration for most admitted research students.
Deadline: Varies by university — 31 August 2026 is a common cutoff at many institutions
👉 Apply through your target university — search “[University Name] RTP scholarship” for your institution’s specific portal
🏆 3. University of Melbourne Research Scholarship
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC + Grants | Deadline: 31 October 2026 (for 2027)
The University of Melbourne — Australia’s #1 ranked university and consistently among the global top 35 — offers research scholarships that exceed the RTP base package through additional university-funded top-up stipends and research grants.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual stipend starting at approximately AUD $38,500/year (including RTP + university top-up)
- OSHC health insurance
- Research grants and conference travel funding
- Access to world-class research facilities
Who can apply: International students admitted to PhD programs across all Melbourne faculties. Consideration is typically automatic upon PhD admission.
Deadline: 31 October 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: study.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships
🏆 4. University of Sydney International Scholarship (USydIS)
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 30 September 2026 (for 2027)
The University of Sydney International Scholarship (USydIS) is the University of Sydney’s primary research scholarship for international students — covering complete tuition plus a competitive living stipend for PhD and Research Master’s candidates.
The University of Sydney is consistently ranked among the world’s top 50 and offers exceptional research environments across medicine, law, sciences, engineering, and humanities.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual living stipend (approximately AUD $37,000+)
- OSHC health insurance
- Relocation allowance
Who can apply: International students applying for Research Higher Degrees at the University of Sydney with strong academic records.
Deadline: 30 September 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: sydney.edu.au/scholarships
🏆 5. Monash Research Scholarship
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 31 October 2026 (for 2027)
Monash University — ranked among the world’s top 50 and Australia’s largest university — offers fully funded research scholarships for international PhD students across all faculties, with particular strength in pharmacy, medicine, engineering, and business research.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual stipend (approximately AUD $32,500–$38,000)
- OSHC health insurance
- Research support funds
Who can apply: International students applying for PhD and Research Master’s programs at Monash University.
Deadline: 31 October 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/scholarships
6. UNSW International Scientia Scholarship
Coverage: 20%, 50%, or 100% Tuition | Deadline: 31 July 2026 (for 2027)
The UNSW International Scientia Scholarship is one of Australia’s most prestigious university-funded international scholarships — awarded to exceptional international students at all study levels at the University of New South Wales (consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 for engineering and technology).
Coverage tiers:
- 20% tuition fee reduction (merit scholarship)
- 50% tuition fee reduction (high merit)
- 100% tuition fee reduction (exceptional merit — research students)
The highest tier (100% tuition) is typically awarded to PhD research students and includes additional research support.
Who can apply: International students applying to undergraduate, coursework postgraduate, and research programs at UNSW.
Deadline: 31 July 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: scholarships.unsw.edu.au
🏆 7. University of Queensland Research Training Program
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 25 September 2026 (for 2027)
The University of Queensland (UQ) — consistently ranked among the world’s top 50 — provides fully funded research scholarships for international PhD students with particularly strong programs in biological sciences, chemistry, mining engineering, and public health.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual living stipend (approximately AUD $32,500–$36,000)
- OSHC health insurance
Who can apply: International students admitted to UQ’s Research Higher Degree programs.
Deadline: 25 September 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: uq.edu.au/research/support/scholarships
🏆 8. ANU University Research Scholarship
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 31 August 2026 (for 2027)
The Australian National University (ANU) — consistently ranked #1 in Australia and among the top 30 globally — offers one of Australia’s most prestigious research scholarship environments. ANU’s research programs in social sciences, international relations, physics, and environmental sciences are world-leading.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual stipend (approximately AUD $32,500–$37,000)
- OSHC health insurance
- Access to Canberra’s extraordinary research policy environment
Who can apply: International students applying to PhD and Research Master’s programs at ANU.
Deadline: 31 August 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: anu.edu.au/scholarships
🏆 9. University of Adelaide Research Scholarship
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 30 September 2026 (for 2027)
The University of Adelaide — one of Australia’s oldest and most respected research universities, ranked among the global top 100 — provides fully funded research scholarships particularly strong in agricultural sciences, wine science, engineering, and health sciences.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend (approximately AUD $32,500)
- OSHC health insurance
Who can apply: International students applying to research degrees at the University of Adelaide.
Deadline: 30 September 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/scholarships
10. Griffith International Student Scholarship
Coverage: 50% Tuition for UG/PG Coursework | Deadline: Varies (~October 2026 for S1 2027)
Griffith University — known for environmental science, criminology, business, and arts — offers 50% tuition fee scholarships to outstanding international students in both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs across its Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Logan campuses.
What it covers:
- 50% tuition fee reduction for the full duration of your program
- Available for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate students
Who can apply: International students with strong academic records applying to coursework programs at Griffith University.
Deadline: Approximately October 2026 for Semester 1, 2027
👉 Official Website: griffith.edu.au/international/scholarships
🏆 11. University of Tasmania Australian Government Scholarship
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: Ongoing for 2027
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) — particularly renowned for marine science, environmental research, and Antarctic studies — offers ongoing research scholarship consideration for international PhD students throughout the year.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend (RTP standard rate)
- OSHC health insurance
Deadline: Ongoing — applications reviewed continuously for 2027 intake
👉 Official Website: utas.edu.au/research/degrees/scholarships
🏆 12. La Trobe University Research Scholarship
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 30 September 2026 (for 2027)
La Trobe University offers fully funded research scholarships for international PhD students across its strong programs in health sciences, social sciences, and agricultural sciences.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend (RTP standard rate approximately AUD $32,500)
- OSHC health insurance
Deadline: 30 September 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: latrobe.edu.au/research/graduate/scholarships
🏆 13. Curtin University Research Training Program
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 31 October 2026 (for 2027)
Curtin University — Western Australia’s largest university with particular strength in mining engineering, resources, and applied sciences — provides fully funded research scholarships for international PhD students.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Annual stipend (approximately AUD $32,500)
- OSHC health insurance
Deadline: 31 October 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: scholarships.curtin.edu.au
🏆 14. Macquarie University Research Training Program
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 18 September 2026 (for 2027)
Macquarie University in Sydney offers fully funded research scholarships for international PhD students — with an earlier deadline than many comparable universities, making early preparation especially important.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend (approximately AUD $32,500)
- OSHC health insurance
Deadline: 18 September 2026 — earlier than most comparable universities
👉 Official Website: mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/scholarships
15. Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship
Coverage: 10%–30% Tuition (up to AUD $21,000) | Deadline: ~October 2026 (for S1 2027)
Swinburne University of Technology — Melbourne’s leading technology-focused university — offers merit-based tuition reductions for international students in undergraduate and coursework postgraduate programs.
What it covers:
- 10%–30% tuition fee reduction (up to AUD $21,000 total)
- Available for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate students
Who can apply: International students with strong academic records applying to coursework programs at Swinburne.
Deadline: Approximately October 2026 for Semester 1, 2027
👉 Official Website: swinburne.edu.au/scholarships
16. Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Coverage: 50% or 100% Tuition | Deadline: ~October 2026 (for S1 2027)
Deakin University — known for business, health, and education programs — offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship providing 50% or 100% tuition reduction to exceptional international coursework students.
What it covers:
- 50% or 100% tuition fee reduction
- For undergraduate and coursework postgraduate programs
Deadline: Approximately October 2026 for Semester 1, 2027
👉 Official Website: deakin.edu.au/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships
🏆 17. University of Wollongong Research Training Program
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 17 October 2026 (for 2027)
The University of Wollongong (UOW) — consistently ranked among the world’s top 250 universities — provides fully funded research scholarships for international PhD students in engineering, science, commerce, and health.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend (approximately AUD $32,500)
- OSHC health insurance
Deadline: 17 October 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: uow.edu.au/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/scholarships
🏆 18. Flinders University Research Scholarship
Coverage: Full Tuition + Stipend + OSHC | Deadline: 31 August 2026 (for 2027)
Flinders University in Adelaide — ranked among the world’s top 500 with particular strength in medicine, law, and environmental sciences — offers fully funded research scholarships for international PhD candidates.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend (approximately AUD $32,500)
- OSHC health insurance
Deadline: 31 August 2026 (for 2027 intake)
👉 Official Website: flinders.edu.au/research/research-degrees/scholarships
19. Western Sydney International Scholarship
Coverage: 20%, 50%, or AUD $3,000–$6,000/year | Deadline: ~October 2026 (for S1 2027)
Western Sydney University — known for nursing, education, and social work programs — offers tiered merit scholarships for international coursework students providing either percentage fee reductions or annual dollar amount reductions.
What it covers:
- 20% or 50% tuition fee reduction, OR
- AUD $3,000–$6,000 per year tuition reduction
Deadline: Approximately October 2026 for Semester 1, 2027
👉 Official Website: westernsydney.edu.au/international/home/scholarships
20. Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor’s High Achievers Scholarship
Coverage: 50% Tuition Fee | Deadline: 03 July 2026 (for S2 2026/2027)
Charles Darwin University (CDU) — the Northern Territory’s leading university with strong programs in environment, law, and Indigenous studies — offers a 50% tuition reduction to high-achieving international students through its Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship.
What it covers:
- 50% tuition fee reduction for coursework programs
- Available at undergraduate and postgraduate coursework levels
Deadline: 03 July 2026 (for Semester 2, 2026/2027) — one of the most immediate deadlines on this list
👉 Official Website: cdu.edu.au/international/scholarships
Quick Reference — All 20 Scholarships at a Glance
| # | Scholarship | Coverage | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia Awards | Full + Flights | 30 Apr 2026 |
| 2 | Australian Govt RTP | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 31 Aug 2026 |
| 3 | Univ. of Melbourne | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 31 Oct 2026 |
| 4 | Univ. of Sydney (USydIS) | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 30 Sep 2026 |
| 5 | Monash Research | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 31 Oct 2026 |
| 6 | UNSW Scientia | 20%–100% Tuition | 31 Jul 2026 |
| 7 | UQ Research Training | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 25 Sep 2026 |
| 8 | ANU Research | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 31 Aug 2026 |
| 9 | Univ. of Adelaide | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 30 Sep 2026 |
| 10 | Griffith International | 50% Tuition | ~Oct 2026 |
| 11 | Univ. of Tasmania | Full + Stipend + OSHC | Ongoing |
| 12 | La Trobe Research | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 30 Sep 2026 |
| 13 | Curtin RTP | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 31 Oct 2026 |
| 14 | Macquarie RTP | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 18 Sep 2026 |
| 15 | Swinburne Excellence | 10%–30% Tuition | ~Oct 2026 |
| 16 | Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s | 50%–100% Tuition | ~Oct 2026 |
| 17 | Wollongong RTP | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 17 Oct 2026 |
| 18 | Flinders Research | Full + Stipend + OSHC | 31 Aug 2026 |
| 19 | Western Sydney | 20%–50% or $3k–$6k | ~Oct 2026 |
| 20 | Charles Darwin VC | 50% Tuition | 03 Jul 2026 |
OSHC — Understanding Your Health Insurance Coverage in Australia
Every scholarship marked “Full + OSHC” on this list includes Overseas Student Health Cover — mandatory government-required health insurance for all international students in Australia on student visas.
What OSHC covers:
- Hospital treatment (public and some private)
- GP and specialist consultations
- Emergency ambulance services
- Limited pharmaceutical benefits through the PBS
What OSHC does NOT cover:
- Dental treatment (beyond emergencies)
- Optical (eye tests and glasses)
- Physiotherapy beyond injury-related treatment
Major OSHC providers: Medibank Private, BUPA, AHM, nib, and Allianz Care. Your scholarship will either arrange OSHC directly with a provider or reimburse you for your own enrollment.
Supplementary insurance tip: Many Australian international students purchase additional dental and optical insurance separately. Average cost: AUD $300–$500/year for comprehensive supplementary coverage.
Banking Setup for Australian Scholarship Winners
Setting up your Australian bank account correctly before or immediately after arrival is essential for receiving your stipend.
Best banking options:
ANZ — Best pre-arrival option: ANZ allows you to open an account online from your home country and collect your card at any ANZ branch upon arrival. Most popular bank among newly arrived international students. 👉 anz.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/everyday/access-advantage
Commonwealth Bank (CBA) — Best campus presence: CBA has branches at or near virtually every Australian university campus. Student account with no monthly fee. 👉 commbank.com.au
Wise — Best pre-arrival digital option: Provides an Australian bank account (BSB and account number) openable from any country. Ideal for receiving initial stipend payments before your Australian bank account is established. 👉 wise.com
PayID tip: Once your Australian account is open, set up PayID (linking your phone number to your account) — the standard instant payment method in Australia for receiving stipend transfers and everyday payments.
3 Action Steps to Take Right Now
Step 1: Identify your target scholarship type. Are you pursuing a PhD (research scholarship) or undergraduate/Masters coursework? This immediately tells you which scholarships on this list apply to you.
Step 2: Note every deadline relevant to your level. If you are a PhD applicant, your most urgent deadlines are the Australia Awards (30 April 2026), ANU and Flinders (31 August 2026), and Macquarie (18 September 2026). Begin preparing your documents and research proposal immediately.
Step 3: Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously. Most Australian research scholarships are awarded automatically alongside PhD admission — meaning applying to 4–6 universities simultaneously gives you 4–6 separate scholarship considerations with a single set of application documents.
Final Thoughts — Australia’s Scholarship Landscape Is Extraordinary
The 20 scholarships in this guide collectively fund thousands of international students every year at Australia’s world-class universities. Whether you are pursuing a fully funded PhD at the University of Melbourne or a 50% tuition reduction at Griffith or Deakin, the opportunity is genuine and accessible to students from every country in the world.
The Australia Awards deadline of 30 April 2026 is the most urgent. If you are eligible for that program, apply immediately. For PhD research scholarships, most deadlines cluster around August–October 2026 for 2027 intake — giving you time to prepare a strong application, identify a supervisor, and gather your documents.
Apply broadly. Start early. Australia is waiting.
