The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are long-term development scholarships funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They are aimed at students from developing countries, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific region, to help them pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Australian universities and TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions.
Scholarship Details
The scholarships are open to students from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, and some parts of the Caribbean. Each country has its specific eligibility criteria and priority fields of study, so applicants should check their country’s guidelines on the Australia Awards website.
The Scholarship has Full Financial Coverage of;
- Full tuition fees
- Return airfare to and from Australia
- Establishment allowance (for accommodation, books, and study materials)
- Living expenses stipend
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Academic and personal support services
- Additional support for research (if required)
Deadline
- Applications generally open in February/March and close around April/May each year.
- Country-specific deadlines may vary, so check the official website for details.
Field of Study Focus
Scholarships are awarded in fields that support the development priorities of the recipient’s home country, such as:
- Governance and Public Policy
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Health and Medicine
- Engineering and Technology
- Environmental and Climate Change Studies
- Education
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible developing country (mostly from the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East)
- Have strong academic performance
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements (usually IELTS or TOEFL)
- Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies to contribute to national development
Scholarship recipients must return to their home country and work in a field related to their studies for at least two years, ensuring that the skills gained benefit their country.
Application Process
- Review your country’s specific requirements on the Australia Awards website.
- Prepare Documents like Academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, work experience (if required), and a statement of purpose.
- Apply Online by submitting your application via OASIS before the deadline (https://oasis.dfat.gov.au/).
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an interview.
Visit the official Australia Awards Scholarships website: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards