Scholarships for Australia

 The majority of international students in Australia are full-fee paying students. There is intense competition for the international student scholarships offered in Australia.

International students can apply for scholarships offered by the Australian Government, education institutions and a number of other organisations. Scholarships offered cover various educational sectors including vocational and technical education, student exchanges, undergraduate and postgraduate study and research. Australian Government scholarships are not available for international students undertaking English language training specifically in Australia. However, there are several English language training scholarships offered by Australian institutions.

Australian Scholarships

Australian Scholarships is an initiative of the Australian Government that brings together and expands existing scholarship programmes in the Asia-Pacific region managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). Australian Scholarships also introduces a new AusAID managed programme - Australian Leadership Awards. Further information can be found at: www.australianscholarships.gov.au/

A brief overview of each of the component programmes of Australian Scholarships follows:

Endeavour Programme

The Endeavour Programme brings together under one umbrella all of the Department of Education, Science and Training's (DEST) international education scholarships. The Endeavour Programme showcases the excellence of Australia's education, science and training sectors by bringing high achieving students, researchers and professionals to Australia to undertake short or long term study, research and professional development in a broad range of disciplines. It also encourages Australians to do the same abroad. Further information can be found at: www.endeavour.dest.gov.au/

Australian Leadership Awards

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALAs) focus on developing leaders who can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in both their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. ALAs provide support for scholarships for post-graduate studies in Australia and short-term fellowship opportunities in specialised research, study or professional attachments through participating Australian organisations. Further information can be found at: www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar

Australian Development Scholarships

Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries to promote good governance, economic growth and human development. ADS provide people with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive change and influence the development outcomes of their own country, through obtaining tertiary qualifications at participating Australian institutions. Further information can be found at: www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar

Other funding sources for Australia

International and charitable organisations offer scholarships for international study. You must apply for these scholarships in your home country, not in Australia.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities website provides a scholarships guide for Commonwealth postgraduate students offered by Governments, Rotary International, World Bank, World Health Organisation, Asian Development Bank, United Nations, Rockefeller Foundation and other organisations.