Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

Produced by @jorgebscomm for @empowervmedia

International study in Australia can be costly, but a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs exist to lighten the burden. From prestigious government-backed Australia Awards Scholarships to university-specific fee-remission awards and research stipends, this guide navigates the main funding avenues, eligibility criteria, and application strategies. We also cover lesser-known grants from private foundations and emergency support schemes, ensuring you’re equipped with the latest insights to maximise your chances of success.

A pink piggy bank wearing red glasses sits atop a stack of three books against a black chalkboard. On the chalkboard, a simple math equation written in white chalk shows "$ + "aboveanequalssignand"$" below it.

International study in Australia can be costly. (📷:sienanews)

Australia’s premier scholarship program, the Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS), is open to applicants from eligible developing countries and covers full tuition, a living stipend, and travel costs. These highly competitive awards aim to build enduring ties between Australia and partner nations by nurturing future leaders. The application window for yearly intakes opens early in the previous year, so early preparation is vital.

'Make a difference with an Australia Awards Scholarship' ▶️2m15s

In addition, the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) provides full fee remission and a living allowance to domestic and international postgraduate research candidates, particularly at the master’s and PhD level. These stipends can reach up to AUD 37,000 per year, significantly reducing your financial stress while you concentrate on research.

An infographic titled "GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA" highlights three scholarship programs. The first section, "Australia Awards Scholarships," is for developing countries, covers full tuition fees, provides a living allowance, and includes travel expenses. It features an icon of a graduation cap and rolled-up diploma. The second section, "Research Training Program," is for Master's and PhD researchers, offers a fee offset for a research degree, and provides up to $37,000 per year. It includes an icon of a microscope. The third section, "Commonwealth Regional Scholarship," supports regional students and helps with school boarding costs. It displays a silhouette of the Australian continent. A graduation cap icon is also present at the top right of the infographic.

(📷:empowervmedia)

Emerging initiatives like the Commonwealth Regional Scholarship Program, launched in 2024, extend support to regional and remote students attending boarding school, covering fees and associated costs. While not university-level, it illustrates Australia’s expanding commitment to equitable access across education sectors.

University-Specific and State Government Awards

Many top universities offer their own scholarships. At the University of Melbourne, the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship provides a 25 percent tuition remission to high-achieving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds (renewable annually for the duration of the degree). Similarly, research students can apply for the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, which includes full fees and a modest stipend, awarded to two outstanding candidates each year.

Sector-Wide and Professional-Development Grants

Aspiring teachers should explore the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships Program, offering up to AUD 40,000 in undergraduate support and AUD 20,000 for postgraduate teacher-education students, in exchange for teaching service in Australia’s priority areas after graduation. These awards recognise teaching as a national priority and help recruit talent into the profession.

For those interested in international development or public policy, the Australia for ASEAN Scholarships support master’s study in fields aligned with the ASEAN Outlook for the Indo-Pacific, covering full fees and a living stipend. Likewise, short courses and fellowships like the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme foster collaborative research and professional exchanges across the Pacific region.

Private Foundations and Industry-Sponsored Scholarships

Beyond government and university funding, numerous private foundations offer travel grants and merit-based awards. Organisations such as the Myer Foundation, through its flagship Sidney Myer Scholars Program, provide scholarships targeting leadership and community engagement, granting up to AUD 70,000 over three years to postgraduate students at participating universities.

Similarly, corporate schemes such as the Commonwealth Bank Scholars Program (not to be confused with government schemes) award grants to students in business, finance, and STEM fields, often including paid internships that blend study with hands-on experience.

Emergency, Short-Term, and Loan Assistance

Financial emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and many universities host hardship funds that provide short-term grants or low-interest loans to enrolled students. The StudyAssist portal outlines these resources, including loans through the Higher Education Loan Program that international students may access under specific circumstances.

Additionally, some can leverage loan programs from their home country (especially students from nations with bilateral agreements) combining these with Australian aid to cover gaps in funding.

Tips for Maximising Your Aid Prospects

To enhance your chances:

Start Early: Many scholarships have deadlines 6–12 months before your course begins.
Tailor Applications: Highlight not just academic merit but alignment with each program’s mission (leadership for Myer, community impact for AAS).
Seek Multiple Sources: Combine partial fee remissions, stipends, and grants to build a comprehensive funding package.
Leverage University Services: International student offices often run workshops on scholarship writing and financial planning.
Keep Documentation Handy: Academic transcripts, proof of achievements, and financial statements should be prepared well in advance.

A "Scholarship Application" form is prominently displayed on a dark surface. The form has been stamped with a large, green "APPROVED" across the center. Partially visible on the left are a pair of brown-rimmed glasses, and on the top right, a red mug is present. A black pen rests on the application form, near the "APPROVED" stamp. The form includes fields for personal information such as date, last name, street address, city, state, zip code, social security number, and telephone. Text at the top of the form outlines a policy of equal opportunity.

A variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs exist to lighten the cost of studying in Australia. (📷:freecollegeinfo)

Securing funding as an international student in Australia requires a strategic approach that blends awareness of government programs, university awards, private foundations, and emergency aid. By understanding each scholarship’s scope, eligibility criteria, and expectations, you can piece together a support network that makes your study goals financially viable. Australia’s multicultural campuses and supportive financial ecosystem await.

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