Scholarships in Australia
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Australia is a premium study destination, but the right scholarship can cut your costs significantly. Australian universities are among the most active in offering India-specific awards, and the Australian Government funds dedicated programmes for Indian postgraduate researchers. Applying early, choosing the right university and submitting a strong personal statement are the keys to success.
Maximising Your Funding Opportunities
Most Australian scholarships reduce your tuition fees rather than paying you cash, and many are merit-based, rewarding your academic results and personal profile. Research students (PhD and research master’s) have access to the most generous funding, including tuition offsets and living stipends. Knowing which scholarships you’re eligible for helps you plan a more affordable, lower-debt degree.
Key Facts: Funding Your Education in Australia
- Merit Comes First: Most university awards are based on academic achievement and your application, not family income. The Sydney International Student Award, for example, recognises the academic achievements of applicants from selected countries. (Source: University of Sydney)
- Awards Are Usually Applied to Your Fees: Many scholarships are deducted directly from your tuition bill. The University of Sydney, for instance, makes no payment to the student: the award is applied to your offer and reduces the tuition you owe. (Source: University of Sydney)
- Research Students Get the Most Support: Research Training Program scholarships can include a full tuition fee offset, a living-cost stipend and allowances, including Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students. (Source: Department of Education)
Principal Scholarship Channels in Australia
1. Maitri Scholars Program (Australian Government, for Indian Students)
The Maitri Scholars Program is the Australian Government’s flagship scholarship for Indian students.
- What it supports: It helps top Indian students complete postgraduate STEM degrees at Australian universities in advanced manufacturing, critical technology, critical minerals and clean energy. It supports around 45 students over four years with A$11.2 million in government funding. (Source: Australian Minister for Education)
- How it works: The Centre for Australia-India Relations administers the scholarships, and Australian universities nominate PhD and master’s students. (Source: Australian Minister for Education) The current focus is PhD study in STEM fields that match Australia’s economic priorities with India. (Source: Centre for Australia-India Relations)
- Best for: High-achieving Indian students planning a PhD or research degree in STEM.
2. Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
The RTP is the Australian Government’s main funding stream for research degrees.
- What it covers: RTP scholarships can include one or more of a tuition fee offset, a stipend for living costs, and allowances for research-related costs. (Source: Department of Education)
- Duration: For a full-time research doctorate, support lasts at least 3 and up to 4 years, at the university’s discretion. (Source: Department of Education)
- How to apply: Universities run their own application, selection and offer processes, so you apply directly to your chosen university. (Source: Department of Education)
3. Destination Australia (Regional Study)
- What it covers: This government programme funds approved providers to offer scholarships of up to A$15,000 per student per year (≈ ₹9.9 lakh) to help with the cost of living and studying in regional Australia. (Source: Department of Education)
- How to apply: Both international and domestic students apply directly through an approved education provider. (Source: Department of Education)
4. India-Specific University Scholarships
Several leading universities offer scholarships just for Indian students:
- Sydney Scholars India Scholarship (University of Sydney):
- Worth up to A$40,000 (≈ ₹26.4 lakh), with 28 scholarships awarded each year. (Source: University of Sydney)
- Applicants must be Indian citizens living in India who have applied for, but not yet started, an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree. (Source: University of Sydney)
- UNSW International Student Award:
5. University Merit Scholarships
- UNSW International Scientia Coursework Scholarship: Either full tuition or A$20,000 a year (≈ ₹13.2 lakh) towards tuition for the minimum duration of the degree. Open to students starting full-time undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees. (Source: UNSW)
- Sydney International Student Award: A 20% contribution to tuition fees for the full length of your course, for citizens of selected countries and regions. (Source: University of Sydney) It is not available for the MBA, Executive MBA, study abroad or distance programmes. (Source: University of Sydney)
2026–27 Scholarship Quick Reference
| Scholarship | Level & Audience | Value | How / When to Apply* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maitri Scholars Program | Indian PhD & research students (STEM) | Tuition + living support | Nominated by your Australian university |
| Research Training Program | PhD & research master's students | Fee offset + stipend + allowances | Through your university's research round |
| Destination Australia | Regional study (all levels) | Up to A$15,000/year | Through an approved regional provider |
| Sydney Scholars India | Indian UG & PG coursework students | Up to A$40,000 | Annual round (previously April–June) |
| UNSW International Student Award | All Indian UG, PG & diploma students | 20% off tuition every year | Applied with your UNSW offer |
| UNSW Scientia Scholarship | High achievers, UG & PG coursework | Full tuition or A$20,000/year | Separate application each intake |
| Sydney International Student Award | Selected nationalities, UG & PG coursework | 20% off tuition | During the admission application |
*Deadlines change every intake. For example, UNSW’s Term 3, 2025 scholarship round closed on 15 July 2025 (source: UNSW), and the Sydney Scholars India round ran from 1 April to 2 June in 2024 (source: University of Sydney). Always check the official page for the current round.
The Eleevate Advantage: Winning Scholarship Applications
Australian scholarships are competitive and mostly merit-based, so your application quality matters. Many universities assess a short personal statement: the Sydney International Student Award, for example, asks for up to 200 words each on who you are, why you chose Sydney, and what you want to achieve. (Source: University of Sydney)
At Eleevate Overseas, our scholarship team identifies every award you’re eligible for, helps you write compelling, authentic statements, times your applications around each university’s intake deadlines, and positions research applicants for RTP and Maitri nominations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there scholarships in Australia specifically for Indian students?
Yes. The Australian Government's Maitri Scholars Program supports Indian students in postgraduate STEM degrees. (Source: Australian Minister for Education) Universities also offer India-specific awards, such as the Sydney Scholars India Scholarship worth up to A$40,000 (source: University of Sydney) and UNSW's 20% International Student Award, which all Indian students are eligible for (source: UNSW).
2. Can I combine more than one scholarship in Australia?
Sometimes. UNSW says its International Student Award can be combined with other international student scholarships. (Source: UNSW) For research degrees, you can't receive an RTP fee offset if you already hold an equivalent Commonwealth award that offsets your fees. (Source: Department of Education) Always check each scholarship's terms.
3. Do Australian scholarships cover the full degree?
Many do, but not all. UNSW's Scientia Scholarship runs for the minimum duration of your programme (source: UNSW), and the Sydney International Student Award applies for the full length of your course (source: University of Sydney). Some awards cover only your first year, so read the terms carefully.
4. How do I get a fully funded PhD in Australia as an Indian student?
Apply for a Research Training Program scholarship through your chosen university. It can include a full tuition offset, a living stipend and allowances such as OSHC. (Source: Department of Education) Indian STEM researchers can also be nominated by their university for a Maitri Scholarship. (Source: Centre for Australia-India Relations)
5. What do I need to apply for an Australian university scholarship?
Most university scholarships require an offer, or a submitted application, for a full-time degree, plus strong academic results. Many also ask for a personal statement. The Sydney International Student Award, for example, asks for up to 200 words on each of three questions about your background, motivation and goals. (Source: University of Sydney)
6. What if I don't win a major scholarship?
You still have options. Look for automatic awards such as UNSW's 20% International Student Award (source: UNSW), consider regional study with Destination Australia funding of up to A$15,000 a year (source: Department of Education), and plan for part-time work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods (source: Study Australia).
