Study in Australia with Financial Support Behind You
Australia is one of the top three study destinations for international students globally, and for good reason. World-class universities, a multicultural society, strong post-study work rights, and a clear pathway to permanent residency make it an outstanding choice. The best part is that you do not have to fund it all yourself.
There are hundreds of scholarships available specifically for international students studying in Australia, offered by the Australian Government, individual universities, and private organisations. Gemini Education helps you find, shortlist, and apply for the scholarships you are most likely to win.
Government Scholarships in Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships are one of the most prestigious government-funded scholarship programs in the world. Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), these scholarships cover full tuition fees, return airfare, living allowance, and health cover for students from eligible countries in the Indo-Pacific region, Africa, and the Middle East.
Target group: Students from developing countries, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and many others
Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, living allowance, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Application period: Typically February to April each year
Research Training Program (RTP)
The Research Training Program is a Commonwealth-funded scholarship for domestic and international students undertaking higher degrees by research (HDR) at Australian universities. If you are planning a research master's or PhD, this is one of the most valuable funding opportunities available.
Covers tuition fees and a living allowance stipend
Available at most Group of Eight universities and beyond
Highly competitive, with selection based on academic merit and research potential
University Scholarships in Australia
Nearly every major Australian university offers its own scholarships for international students. Here is a snapshot of what is available at some of the most popular institutions:
University | Key Scholarship |
|---|---|
University of Melbourne University of Sydney Australian National University University of Queensland Monash University UNSW Sydney University of Adelaide Curtin University | Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (up to AUD 10,000/yr) International Research Scholarship (full tuition + stipend for HDR) ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship (up to 100% tuition) UQ Excellence Scholarship (up to AUD 10,000) Monash International Merit Scholarship (up to AUD 10,000/yr) Scientia Scholarship (full tuition + AUD 40,000 development support for PhD) Global Citizens Scholarship (25% tuition reduction) Curtin International Scholarship (up to 25% tuition) |
VET and Vocational Scholarships in Australia
Australia has a strong vocational education and training (VET) sector with particular demand in aged care, disability support, childcare, and community services. While VET scholarships for international students are limited compared to higher education, there are several funding options worth exploring:
Skills for Education and Employment (SEE): Government-funded, primarily for residents, but relevant context for VET applicants
State government grants and subsidies in Victoria, Queensland, and NSW for priority industries
Some TAFE institutions offer partial fee reductions for students in high-demand fields
Gemini Education has a specific focus on VET pathways in aged care, disability, and childcare, and can advise you on the most cost-effective routes into these programs.
Industry-Specific Scholarships in Australia
Nursing and Healthcare
The Australian Government Nursing Scholarship Program supports nursing students
Several state health departments offer grants and scholarships for international nursing graduates who commit to working in regional areas
Engineering and STEMEngineers Australia and several universities fund STEM scholarships for high-achieving international students
Destination Australia Scholarships support study in regional areas, including engineering at regional universities
Business and MBA
Many top business schools offer partial scholarships for MBA students, including AGSM, Melbourne Business School, and the University of Sydney Business School
Destination Australia Program
The Destination Australia Program encourages international students to study and live in regional Australia. Scholarships of up to AUD 15,000 per year are available across a range of institutions and disciplines. This is an underused opportunity that Gemini actively promotes to eligible clients.
How to Get Started
The first step is a free consultation with our education advisors. We review your academic background, intended study level, target institutions, and financial situation, then present a tailored list of scholarships worth applying for.
Step 1: Book a free consultation at geminieducation.com.au/contact
Step 2: Receive your personalised scholarship shortlist
Step 3: Work with our team to prepare your application documents
Step 4: Submit before deadlines with confidence
Most Australian university scholarships have application deadlines several months before the semester intake. For Semester 1 (February start), applications often close in October or November. Start early.