Australia Awards Scholarships
Australian Government · All India
| Scheme Name | Australia Awards Scholarships |
| Provided By | Australian Government |
| Eligibility Summary | Masters, MBA · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 30 April 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Australia Awards Scholarships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
AUD 34,000 (approx. ₹45.5 Lakh+)
The Australia Awards Scholarship is fully funded. It covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the study program. Scholars also receive a fortnightly Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) stipend, which is approximately AUD 34,000 per year. Using an exchange rate of 1 AUD = INR 68.40 (as of September 2026), this equates to approximately INR 2,325,600 annually for living expenses. Additionally, the scholarship includes a one-time establishment allowance to assist with initial accommodation costs, textbooks, and study materials, return economy class airfare, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), Introductory Academic Program (IAP) fees, and Pre-course English (PCE) fees if required. Supplementary academic support and fieldwork expenses may also be covered for eligible research students. The scholarship amounts are directly managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and disbursed accordingly; specific Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not explicitly mentioned for this international scholarship.
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Age:Be a minimum of 18 years of age on 1 February of the year of commencing the scholarship.
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Nationality:Be a citizen of a participating country (as listed on the Australia Awards website) and be residing in and applying for the scholarship from their country of citizenship.
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Residency Status:Not be a citizen of Australia, hold permanent residency in Australia, or be applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently.
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Relationship Status:Not be married to, engaged to, or in a de facto relationship with a person who holds, or is eligible to hold, Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, at any time during the application, selection, and mobilization phases.
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Academic Level:Not be applying for a scholarship for a course of study at an academic level lower than already achieved (e.g., applying for a Master's when holding a PhD).
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Target Degree Levels:Available for full-time Undergraduate, Master's, or Doctoral (PhD) degrees at participating Australian universities and TAFE institutions, in fields of study related to your country's priority areas for development.
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Work Experience:Most countries require at least 24 months (2 years) of relevant work experience. Country-specific requirements may vary.
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English Proficiency:Meet the specified English language requirements:
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IELTS:Overall 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0).
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TOEFL iBT:Minimum 84 (with all sub-tests minimum 21).
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PTE Academic:Overall 58 (with no skill less than 50).
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The English test result must be valid on 1 January 2027, and the test date must be no later than 1 January 2025.
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Commitment to Return:Agree to sign a contract declaring they will return to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship to contribute to its development.
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Visa Requirements:Be able to satisfy all requirements of the Department of Home Affairs to hold a student visa.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Masters, MBA |
| Course / Stream | Masters, MBA |
| Minimum Marks | 75% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Certified copies of post-secondary and tertiary certificates/degrees (and high school certificates if applying for undergraduate).
- ✓Official certified post-secondary and tertiary transcripts of results.
- ✓Birth certificate.
- ✓ID Card (e.g., National Identity Card) or valid passport.
- ✓Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
- ✓English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic) valid on 1 January 2027, with test date no later than 1 January 2025.
- ✓Academic referee report(s) (two for Masters by Research or PhD applicants, one for Masters by Coursework).
- ✓Other referee report(s) (at least one professional/work supervisor report for Masters by Coursework applicants).
- ✓Development Impact and Linkages Plan (DILP).
- ✓Research proposal (highly desirable for PhD and Masters by Research applicants, often requiring confirmation from a proposed supervisor).
- ✓Plan to return home (reintegration plan).
- ✓Country-specific documents (e.g., Nominating Agency Declaration, letters of endorsement from senior government officials for public servants, proof of citizenship, disability status confirmation).
Selection Process
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The selection process for Australia Awards Scholarships is highly competitive and merit-based
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Applicants are assessed on three primary criteria: academic competence, the potential impact their study will have on development challenges in their home country, and professional and personal leadership attributes, including relevant work experience and commitment to development
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Applications undergo an initial eligibility check and shortlisting
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Only shortlisted candidates are then invited for an interview
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Demonstrated strong academic performance at the undergraduate level and relevant work experience (typically 2-3 years for postgraduate applicants) are generally expected
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The program targets individuals who can drive change in their home countries and contribute to India's development priorities.
Renewal Policy
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Australia Awards Scholarships are granted for the minimum duration required for the recipient to complete their designated academic program at an Australian higher education institution, including any necessary preparatory training
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There are no explicit annual renewal conditions beyond maintaining satisfactory academic progress throughout the awarded period
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Implicitly, recipients are expected to pass all examinations in the first attempt, avoid active backlogs, and maintain regular class attendance (typically 75% or higher) to continue receiving the scholarship
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The scholarship is designed to cover the full program length, so renewal beyond the initial awarded duration is not typically part of the conditions.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Determine Eligibility
Verify that you meet all general and India-specific eligibility criteria, including age, citizenship, residency, and academic qualifications. Ensure you do not hold permanent residency in Australia or New Zealand.
- 2Review Course Eligibility
Research and identify at least two preferred courses at participating Australian universities that align with India's development priorities and meet the institution's specific entry requirements.
- 3Register on OASIS
Create an account on the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) portal, which is the official application platform.
- 4Complete Online Application Form
Fill out all sections of the application form accurately and thoroughly, providing personal information, academic history, and professional experience.
- 5Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather and upload all required documents. These typically include: * Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates. * English language proficiency test scores (IELTS Academic minimum 6.5 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT minimum 78 with at least 21 in all subtests, or PTE Academic overall 58 with no communicative skill less than 50). Scores must be valid until January 1 of the scholarship commencement year. * Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume outlining employment history and duties. * At least one academic recommendation and one additional professional/work supervisor reference, submitted using the official DFAT reference form. Two academic references are required for Masters by Research or PhD applicants. * A personal statement (often a Development Impact and Linkages Plan - DILP) of no more than 500 words, demonstrating how your study will contribute to India's development. * Research proposal (highly desirable for PhD and Masters by Research applicants), often requiring confirmation from a proposed supervisor. * A plan to return home (reintegration plan). * A letter of endorsement from your institution (may be required for specific programs).
- 6Submit Application
Ensure all sections are completed and documents are uploaded before the application deadline (typically April 30 for the intake two years later, e.g., April 30, 2026, for the 2027 intake).
- 7Status Tracking
While not explicitly detailed as an online tracking guide, applicants are usually informed about the status of their application through the OASIS portal or via email after initial shortlisting and interview stages (typically July-August for interviews and late in the year for offers). It is recommended to regularly check the official Australia Awards website and OASIS for updates.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What exactly does the Australia Awards Scholarship cover for Indian students?
The Australia Awards Scholarship is fully funded and provides comprehensive coverage, including 100% of tuition fees, a fortnightly living allowance (stipend of approximately AUD 34,000 per year for 2027 intake, equating to about INR 2,325,600 annually), a one-time establishment allowance for accommodation and study materials, return economy class airfare, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and costs for Introductory Academic Programs (IAP) and Pre-course English (PCE) if needed. It may also cover supplementary academic support and fieldwork expenses for research students.
Am I required to return to India after completing my Australia Awards Scholarship?
Yes, a binding condition of the Australia Awards Scholarship is that recipients must sign a contract agreeing to return to their home country (India) for a minimum of two years after completing their studies in Australia. This condition ensures that scholars contribute to India's development using the skills and knowledge gained from their scholarship.
What are the key eligibility requirements for Indian students applying for the scholarship?
Key eligibility criteria for Indian applicants include being a citizen and resident of India, being at least 18 years of age by February 1 of the scholarship commencement year, and not holding Australian or New Zealand permanent residency. Applicants must possess at least a Bachelor's degree, meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen Australian university, and demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT score of 78 (minimum 21 in all subtests), or PTE Academic score of 58 (no communicative skill less than 50). While not strictly mandatory, most successful applicants for postgraduate studies have 2-3 years of relevant professional work experience.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Australian Government website before final submission.