Scholarships in Australia for international and Indian students

Scholarships to study in Australia for international and Indian students

Introduction

Australia is a popular destination for overseas education among international and Indian students for its academic excellence, practical training, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. The Land Down Under boasts some of the finest universities in the world, offering a diverse range of programs to individuals. Studying abroad in Australia is undoubtedly a rewarding experience as it not only broadens your horizons but also offers access to top-tier education. However, studying in Australia involves a significant cost that can be a hurdle for many aspiring scholars.

Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available to help international and Indian students turn their academic dreams into reality. The Australian government and institutions offer these scholarships based on their academic excellence, talent in sports, and need-based or program-specific scholarships. There are a few scholarships that help intensify the relationship between Australia and other countries. The amount of these scholarships varies based on the degree and student profile.

In this MSM Unify guide on ‘Scholarships to study in Australia’, we will provide you with all relevant information about 6 Australian scholarships to make your study abroad dream smoother and more accessible.

Eligibility for scholarships in Australia

The eligibility criteria for different scholarships in Australia will be different. Some scholarships might apply to students from some specific countries, some scholarships might consider the academic background and standardized test scores, some scholarship providers may give weightage to extra-curricular activities, while others may consider your financial background.

However, the following are listed some basic eligibility criteria that might hold for most Australian scholarships

Please note: Eligibility criteria for scholarships in Australia may vary, and prospective applicants should carefully review specific requirements set by each scholarship provider.

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Types of scholarships in Australia for Indian students

 Before going into the popular 6 scholarships in Australia for international and Indian students, you must explore the types of scholarships in Australia. You have the flexibility to select the one that best aligns with your academic interests and personal profile. Broadly, there are six distinct categories of scholarship, each tailored to specific qualifications and circumstances. These categories are:

Merit-based scholarships

As the name implies, merit-based scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students who have exceptional academic achievements. The requirements may vary from one institution to another to make sure that students from diverse academic backgrounds have the opportunity to apply. To name a few scholarships that fall under this category are Chancellor’s Scholarships, Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships, and Dean’s Scholarships.

Sports scholarships

These scholarships are meant for students who exhibit exceptional talent in sports. It recognized the talent of both recreational players and elite athletes. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the type of sport and the level of proficiency, allowing several students to apply. These scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses to provide a unique opportunity for students to balance their academic pursuits with their passion for sports.

Faculty and departmental scholarships

These are merit-based scholarships tailored for students who want to pursue specific academic disciplines like architecture, design, engineering, and more. The eligibility criteria for these scholarships are aligned with the chosen course to study, making them ideal for individuals with clear academic directions.

Equity scholarships

These scholarships are meant for ambitious students who dream of studying abroad but face unique challenges. It acts as a lifeline by offering much-needed financial assistance and encouragement to students who deal with financial hardships, personal disabilities, or difficult medical conditions. Regardless of their circumstances, it embodies the spirit of equal opportunity and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in Australian education.

Accommodation scholarships

As the name suggests, Accommodation scholarships cover the cost associated with student accommodation. Students who do not meet the merit-based scholarship criteria can apply for this scholarship. These scholarships basically provide students with the cost associated with accommodation to ensure they can focus on their studies without worrying about their room and settlement expenses.

Government scholarships

The Australian Government offers international students four different types of scholarships. These government-backed initiatives are:

 With this diverse array of scholarships in Australia for international and Indian students, you can find the perfect avenue for financial support.

Popular scholarships to study in Australia

Australia offers many scholarships to domestic and international students to make overseas education accessible for everyone. If you are looking for more details about some of the best scholarships offered in Australia, read below.

Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade offers these long-term scholarships. They aim to contribute to the development needs of Australia’s partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements.

Through these scholarships, individuals from developing nations can enroll in graduate or postgraduate programs at participating universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) establishments on a full-time basis.

EligibilityStudents must be enrolled in participating institutions in undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Financial benefits

Full tuition fees

Economy class return air travel

Establishment allowance (once only)

Basic living expenses (at a rate determined by the department)

Pre-course English fees

Overseas Student Health Cover

Who can applyIndian and international students from eligible countries can apply
Application processYou can check the detailed information, and apply for Australia Awards Scholarships on their official website.

Deakin University Scholarship

Scholarships from Deakin University are awarded to students who have demonstrated a consistent ability to excel academically and who have the potential to play a significant role in the university and their communities. These scholarships in Australia are available to both domestic and international students to initiate their university education.

EligibilityBe a prospective university student

Have at least 65% in previous studies

Overview of any extracurricular activities

Personal Statement
Financial benefits20% to 100% of tuition fees
Who can applyInternational and Indian students can apply
Application processNo application is required.

This scholarship is automatically awarded based on eligibility and selection criteria.

It is advised to apply at least a month before

Victoria University Scholarships

Victoria University provides scholarships every year to hundreds of international students. To assist students, it offers a variety of university-specific and externally funded scholarships. Students who receive this scholarship can get financial assistance for their studies. While some only offer partial funding options, others provide a stipend to cover living expenses and tuition. The VU Global Leaders, International, Pathway, and Future Leaders scholarships are a few of the popular scholarships of VU.

Eligibility All new international students commencing a foundation, higher education diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) course with VU Melbourne in 2024 are eligible for the scholarship. You must also meet the course entry requirements.
Financial benefits Up to 30% off your first-year tuition fees – based on merit.
Who can apply International and Indian students can apply
Application process The university automatically assesses you for this scholarship after submitting the application for an eligible course.

Australian Government Research Training Program

The purpose of the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships is to facilitate both domestic and international students seeking research master’s degrees and research doctorate degrees. Valid for 42 prestigious Australian universities, these scholarships cover a stipend and international tuition fees.

EligibilityStudents should be enrolled in an accredited course at an Australian university.

Should meet the course requirements.

A minimum language test score should be:
  • TOEFL: 79
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE: 62
Financial benefitsStipend

Tuition fees

Relocation Allowance

Reimbursement of 420 AUD for master’s applicants and 840 for doctoral applicants
Who can applyInternational and Indian students can apply
Application processYou need to apply for the scholarship on the university’s official website. The selection of the students will be based on academic merit, research training, and their academic performance.

Preference will be given to those with publications and relevant experience.

Griffith University Academic Scholarship

Griffith University’s Academic Scholarship supports and rewards high-achieving students across diverse fields. This merit-based scholarship acknowledges outstanding academic performance, encouraging recipients to pursue excellence in their chosen disciplines. With a focus on supporting educational aspirations, the Griffith University Academic Scholarship contributes to fostering a dynamic and accomplished student community.

EligibilityStudents should be enrolled in an accredited course at an Australian university

A minimum of 5.5 GPA or above on a scale of 7

Meet all language proficiency requirements
Financial benefitsUp to 50% tuition fees
Who can applyInternational and Indian students can apply
Application processYou don’t need to apply for the scholarship manually. Just apply to study at Griffith; they will analyze your application themselves and inform you if you have succeeded.

Destination Australia Scholarship

The Destination Australia Program is a scholarship offered by the Australian Government Department of Education. The program provides financial assistance to domestic and international students in the form of scholarships. The aim is to promote tertiary education in regional Australia.

EligibilityShould be an international on-campus student

Have a student visa

Students enrolled on Certificate IV level to a Ph.D. program

Full-paying and non-sponsored students

Tertiary education course
Financial benefits

These scholarships will have a maximum value of:

  • $30 000 (2-year award)
  • $45 000 (3-year award)
Who can applyInternational and Indian students can apply
Application processYou need to apply for this scholarship through an educational consultant.

Application process for scholarships in Australia

The application process for popular scholarships in Australia is covered in the above section. However, in this section, we will cover the primary steps you need to take to apply for an Australian scholarship, in general. The following are the key steps:

Research

First, and foremost, search for relevant scholarships based on criteria such as:

Review the eligibility criteria and deadlines meticulously to shortlist scholarships that match your unique requirements.

Gather the requisite documents

The next step entails gathering the necessary scholarship application materials which usually include the official academic transcripts, resume, SOP (Statement of purpose), reference letters, proof of citizenship, etc.

While applying for an Australian scholarship, ensure that you write a compelling SOP that highlights your relevant achievements, leadership roles, as well as volunteer work. For crafting an SOP that sails you through, seek professional advice from MSM Unify overseas education consultants.

Complete the scholarship application forms

The next step entails completing the scholarship application forms online before the deadlines. Also, ensure that you submit all the required documents that have been asked for to avoid your application getting delayed or rejected.

Await results

Finally, you have to wait for a response from the scholarship providers. The scholarship review process can take a couple of weeks to months. If you get selected, you will receive a formal notification with the details of your financial award.

With meticulous efforts and guidance from our experts, you can navigate the scholarship application process in Australia successfully.

Documents required for scholarships in Australia

To apply for scholarships in Australia, you will need to gather specific documents that need to be submitted with your applications. The documents required will depend on the scholarship you are applying for, and its eligibility criteria. However, to give you  a fair idea, the following are some important documents that you might need to apply for scholarships in Australia:

Official academic transcripts

You will need to provide your official academic transcripts to enable the scholarship providers to verify your grades and overall performance. So, request for official transcripts from your high schools, or universities you have attended until now.

Resume

Update your resume, and highlight your education, work experience, extracurricular activities, volunteering stints, relevant skills, and accomplishments. A strong resume can make you emerge as a strong candidate for the scholarship.

Letters of reference

Most Australian scholarships will require you to submit letters of reference from your professors, or employers, who can vouch for your skills, approach, and professional achievements. Seek letters of reference from people who know you well and can conform to your abilities, work ethic, and other positive aspects.

Statement of purpose

Many scholarships will ask for a statement of purpose (SOP) or essay to assess your reason and motivation behind applying for the scholarship. So, make the most of this opportunity to express your passion for your chosen field of study and how the particular scholarship can help you achieve your goals.

Please note: The list of required documents for scholarships in Australia will depend on the scholarship you are applying for. So, verify the latest requirements with the respective scholarship providers or institutions.

Application deadlines for scholarships in Australia

Here are some application deadlines for scholarships in Australia in 2024:

Name of scholarships

Deadline

University of New South Wales International Scholarships31 July 2024
University of Sydney International Scholarship13 September/ 17 December 2024
Griffith Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship10 August 2024
Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence ScholarshipOngoing

These are some of the application deadlines for scholarships in Australia in 2024. It’s important to note that there are many other scholarship opportunities with different deadlines. So, get in touch with our expert study-abroad consultants to explore the appropriate scholarship opportunities.

Please note: Scholarship dates in Australia are subject to change. So, verify deadlines from official Australian scholarship websites before applying.

Tips for scholarships in Australia

When applying for scholarships in Australia, consider the following key tips from our expert consultants to better your chances of availing yourself of a scholarship:

Apply for relevant scholarships

Apply to all the relevant scholarships for which you fulfill the eligibility criteria. Also, it is important to apply for multiple scholarships to improve your chances of getting a scholarship.

Be realistic

You must apply to as many scholarships as possible, but logically! Assess if you meet the eligibility requirements and if you can qualify for the scholarship or not. MSM Unify study-abroad consultants can provide you with the right guidance.

Adhere to the deadlines

Track and adhere to the scholarship deadlines. It is better to make all the arrangements and collect the relevant documents well in advance to avert missing out on a potential scholarship.

Personalize your application

Personalize your application for every scholarship you apply for. Write a unique SOP for each application, and review the application form meticulously before submission.

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FAQs

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Q. How can I get a scholarship to study in Australia?

To get a scholarship to study in Australia, research the available programs, universities, and scholarships. Check the eligibility criteria and other application details on their official website. For any assistance, you can reach out to study abroad consultants. Being experts, they can help you explore diverse options.

To get a full scholarship to study in Australia, you need to identify the scholarships that provide full financial assistance and meet the eligibility criteria. Full scholarships in Australia generally demand academically excellent students who have exceptional skills and engage in impactful extracurricular activities. Create a compelling case by meeting the requirements to increase your chances.

Securing a 100% scholarship for a Master’s in Australia requires effort. Research universities with such programs and explore various scholarships. Ensure you have a minimum of 70% in your previous studies, maintain an outstanding academic record, have related experience, and participate in research or projects.

Eligibility criteria for Australian scholarships vary. Many of the scholarships are available for international and Indian students. In general, the requirements are academic merit, extracurricular activities involvement, and sports, and some scholarships also require relevant work experience. Check individual programs for detailed criteria.

With strategic planning and the right resources, you can study in Australia for free. Look for scholarships that provide a 100% tuition fee waiver, and seek financial aid or grants. Make sure you excel in academics, participate in extracurricular activities, and leverage work-study opportunities.  You can also consider working part-time to offset costs.

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