Australia Awards are prestigious scholarships funded by the Australian Government to support the long-term development of partner countries through quality education, research, and professional development opportunities in Australia. Managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the program aims to develop future leaders, strengthen skills and knowledge, and promote positive change globally. Through these awards, talented individuals gain valuable academic and leadership experience, build lasting international networks, and return home prepared to contribute to the productivity of Australia and the development of people-to-people links between Australia, our regional partners and the broader international community.

Priority fields of study

The priority areas of study are:

• Climate Change
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Economic Development
• Education 
• Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion
• Governance
• Mental Health and Rehabilitation Therapies
• Natural Resource Management
• Sustainable Infrastructure Development.

The level of study is offered for Master’s by Coursework and Master’s by Research at an Australian institutions.

SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE

• Full tuition fees 
• Return air travel 
• Establishment allowance on arrival
• Contribution to living expenses
• Supplementary academic support
• Overseas Student Health Cover
• Fieldwork allowance for research students and Master’s by coursework which has compulsory fieldwork activity. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be citizens of countries participating in the program and must meet the specific eligibility conditions of their home country. General eligibility requirements are as follows: 
1.    Meet one of these academic and work experience combinations:

• Four-year bachelor’s degree + 3 years of relevant full time work experience
• Three-year bachelor’s degree + one year master’s degree + 3 years of relevant full time work   experience
• Two-year bachelor’s degree + two-year master’s degree + 3 years of relevant full time work experience

2.    Scholarships will not be available for courses of study in Australia where the applicant has already achieved a qualification that is deemed to be equivalent to the Australian qualification.
3.    Meet the English language requirement:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each band
• TOEFL iBT: 84 overall, minimum 21 in each subtest
• PTE Academic: 58 overall, minimum 50 in each communicative skill

4.    Special consideration is offered for women, people with disability, traditionally marginalized groups, and public servants may be eligible with IELTS 6.0 overall and minimum 5.5 in each band, or equivalent TOEFL or PTE scores. If selected, they must still meet their university’s English requirements.

5.    The scholarships aim to support capable individuals who can contribute to development and leadership in their home countries.
6.    Special encouragement is given to women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from traditionally marginalized or disadvantaged communities.
 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
1.    Valid Passport 
2.    Original or provisional degree certificates from SLC or SEE or equivalent and above. Character and migration certificates are not accepted. 
3.    Academic Transcripts showing divisions or grades from SLC or SEE or equivalent onwards. 
4.    Valid English Language Certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE certificate. 
5.    Referee Reports

• Master’s by coursework: 2 reports, 1 academic and 1 professional
• Master’s by research: 3 reports, 2 academic and 1 professional 

6.    Development Impact and Linkages Plan and must be submitted in the specified format. 
7.    Curriculum Vitae which must be submitted in the specified format. 
8.    Current employment letter, if employed, and letters confirming all previous employment experience. 
9.    For Master’s by research applicants, research proposal and evidence of communication with a potential supervisor providing in-principle support for research proposal.

APPLICATION PROCESS
1.    Applicants must be lodged through Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS). 
2.    Applicants must submit all the required relevant supporting documents properly.
3.    It is requested to compile documents into single PDFs by document category and ensure scans are complete, legible and in correct orientation and order. 
4.    The documents format must be as requiring a specific format. 
5.    Applications will be assessed only if all eligibility requirements are satisfied.
6.    The shortlisted applicants will be notified of the shortlisting results.
7.    The selection interview assesses applicants on academic competence, potential contribution to their home country’s development, professional and personal leadership qualities, and relevant work experience.
8.    Successful applicants will be informed of the final selection outcome, barring to unforeseen circumstance. 
9.    A scholarship is offered subject to a confirmed place at a university and candidates meeting visa requirements to study in Australia.
10.    The selection process and planned schedule may change, depending on the operating environment and other conditions.
11.    Awardee travel will be subject to meeting the requirements imposed by the Australian Government, as determined by the federal Department of Home Affairs and Department of Education and by the relevant Australian State or Territory governments.
12.    An applicant shall learn about designated Chinese universities by visiting university official websites and identify the preferred scholarship program, major they offer, and the requirement for the application. 
13.    Professor findings and research alignment: An applicant shall find the suitable supervisor as per the research interest. Students are highly recommended to get the supervisor approval letter before submitting an application. Applicants for PhD shall sign the research plan or research proposal by the prospective supervisor. 
14.    An applicant shall attend the interview and the research presentation organized by the professor (if required). 

OFFICIAL SITES: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships