Scholarships to Study in Australia for Indian Students

Scholarship Opportunities to Study at Australian Universities

Scholarships are an important source of financial support for students planning to study abroad. Every year there are a number of international students whose dreams of studying abroad are fulfilled through scholarships. Scholarships open to international students studying in Australia are majorly funded by government organisations, private organizations or institutions/universities for which the student can apply based on their eligibility criteria and terms and conditions.

Australia is one of the few countries that offers a few government-based scholarships to international students. The scholarship encourages bright minds to pursue higher education and perform research from Australian universities and contribute to the world. Along with government-based scholarships, individual Australian institutes also offer scholarships to international students which are either merit- or financial need-based.

As the cost of education is high in Australia, scholarships come to the rescue of those students who are unable to take the chance to study abroad due to the high expenditure that they will have to incur. Scholarships are available to students from all the major nations of the world and the eligibility criteria for the same are determined by the institute or organisation that is awarding the scholarship. It is therefore important to check the eligibility criteria and apply as soon as the scholarship is announced for that particular year. The application process has to be done directly with the scholarship provider and international students can directly mention their queries to them. 

Popular Scholarships In Australia For International Students

There are many scholarships, grants and bursaries that help students study in Australia. They are offered by the Australian government, education providers and other public and private organisations based in Australia. The scholarship amount keeps changing every year and students must check the website of the scholarship provider to know the latest scholarship award amount. The scholarships are provided to encourage international students to study and live in Australia. 

Following are some of the popular scholarships for international students in Australia:

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Government-based Scholarships for International Students in Australia

To encourage tertiary education in the country, the Australian government provides scholarships to international students. Check the types of scholarships offered to international students by the Australian Government.

Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Stipend Scholarship

Both domestic and international students taking part in Higher Degree Research programmes in Australian universities are provided funding by the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training. It is a merit based scholarship and is provided based on the academic performance of students.

Australia Awards Scholarships

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides Australia Awards Scholarships to develop the needs of the partner countries while fulfilling bilateral and regional agreements. Students can develop skills and knowledge to become forebearers of change and development in their own countries

Destination Australia Program

This is a scholarship programme specially targeted for regional Australia where the tertiary education providers are given funds to offer scholarships to domestic and international students. It offers opportunities for students to take up high-quality education, training and research while experiencing life in regional and remote Australia. 

Australian Government Research Training Program

This is a scholarship targeted for high quality international postgraduate students who wish to engage in research activities in Australian universities. Applications are assessed on the academic merit and research capacity of students. 

CSIRO Scholarship Programme

To create a strong STEM-oriented workforce, postgraduate students are provided with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) scholarship. It helps them undertake a higher degree by research. Students can complete research at one or more sites across Australia. 

CSIRO Data61 Scholarship Programme

To build next generation of research leaders in data science to progress in industry, academia or research, CSIRO offers Data61 scholarships to PhD students. They get opportunities to progress research in strategic priority areas. 

John Allwright Scholarship

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research provides scholarships to scientists from partner countries to obtain postgraduate scholarships at Australian universities. The focus of this scholarship is on increasing crops, agribusiness and forestry-related research. 

Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships

It is a competitive and merit-based scholarship programme supported by the Australian government. It contributes towards studies, research and professional development opportunities between the country and the world. 

Institute-based Scholarships for International Students in Australia

Besides government scholarships, Australian universities and institutes also provide scholarships to fund the education of international students. Students must check in with the respective universities before applying for the scholarships. Check various scholarships offered by specific institutes in Australia to international students: 

Australian Catholic University Scholarship for International Students

The Australian Catholic University provides students with the following scholarships:

ACU International Student Scholarship

This scholarship is provided to students with outstanding academic merit in previous courses. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible for this ACU International Student Scholarship. 

The scholarship will cover half of the full-time fees for the minimum duration of the course. 20 scholarships are available annually including 14 in semester 1 and 6 in semester 2. 

Eligibility for ACU International Student Scholarship

The eligibility criteria for the scholarship are:

• Must be an international student.

• Must be enrolled in a pathway/ diploma/graduate/certificate course.

• Must be in the first year and enrolled in a full-time study course.

• Must have achieved at least 80% in the last two years(in case of undergraduate applicants) and four years (in case of postgraduate applicants).

• Must not be receiving any other ACU scholarship.

Global Excellence Scholarships

This is a merit-based scholarship given by Peter Faber Business school of ACU. No formal scholarship application is required. Students will be considered based on the application made to the university. The scholarship promotes academic excellence and sustainability. The amount of scholarship is up to AUD 5,000 for students studying business and information technology.

Eligibility for Global Excellence Scholarships

The Peter Faber Business School defines the eligibility criteria for the scholarship as:

• Must be a first-year full-time student of business and information technology.

• Must be an international student.

• The scholarship does not apply to higher degree research or honours programs, or certificates or diplomas.

Allianz Care Scholarship

It provides a partial tuition fee waiver to one undergraduate and one postgraduate international student. The scholarship covers a value of up to AUD 7,500. 

Eligibility for Allianz Care Scholarship

Students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must start a new course in Semester 1 in the current year.

• Must have a student visa.

• Must hold an Allianz Care visa length OSHC policy.

• Must have an unconditional full offer.

Australian National University (ANU) Scholarship for International Students

The following scholarships are awarded to international students by Australian National University (ANU):

ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship

This scholarship attracts international students of high calibre from different nations to study at ANU. It offers multiple scholarships for its various undergraduate and postgraduate students. The scholarships are divided into 12 categories and they are designed in such a way that students from every country fall under a category. Applicants will be assessed for one of the categories based on their citizenship.

The students do not need to apply separately for the scholarship. All eligible international students will be automatically considered. The selection will be done based on academic merit. Qualifications of the candidates will be converted to a common scale for consideration. 

Value of the Scholarship

The scholarship provides a 25% waiver on tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate education. Students from India are eligible to get a 25% or even 50% fee waiver under the programme ‘Chancellor's International Scholarship - India’. 

Eligibility Criteria

Students who are eligible to get this scholarship are:

• Those who are defined as overseas students under the terms of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000.

• They must not hold a 995 visa.

• They must hold an offer to commence their studies at a particular program.

• They must not have received a scholarship earlier for the same level of study. 

• They must not be a student of Doctor Of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) or Master Of Military and Defence Studies

Deakin University International Students Scholarship 

Deakin University offers scholarships to international students based on their academic performances and contribution to society.

Eligibility Criteria for Deakin University International Students Scholarship 

Following are the eligibility criteria that a candidate must meet to be considered for Deakin University International Students Scholarship:

• The applicant must be an international student enrolled in a coursework degree programme at Deakin University.

• Applicants must be eligible to study at Deakin University. 

• Candidates must have achieved 65% marks in previous studies.

How to Apply for Deakin University International Students Scholarship?

Students need to complete the Deakin International Scholarship Program application form which can be downloaded from the official website of Deakin University and email the completed form to the Deakin International Admissions office.

Important Dates

Students can apply for the Deakin University International Students Scholarship at any time before the commencement of studies at the university. Students are expected to submit the scholarship application at least one month before the commencement of their studies. 

Value of Deakin University International Students Scholarship

The scholarship covers 25% of tuition fees.

Supporting Documents

International students are required to submit the following documents:

• A completed Deakin University scholarship application form.

• A 300-word personal statement.

• A completed application to study at Deakin University along with academic transcripts.

Students may also be called for an interview. 

Monash International Merit Scholarship

Monash University offers merit-based scholarships to all eligible international students who enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme at the university campus. A total of 31 scholarships are offered under this category and students must have a valid offer from Monash University to be considered for a scholarship. 

Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

The following are the eligibility conditions for Monash International Merit Scholarships: 

• The applicant must be an international student.

• Must enrol in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at Monash.

• They must have received an offer from the university.

• Students must have a weighted average mark of 85.

• Students must submit an application statement of 500 words. 

How to Apply for the Monash International Merit Scholarship? 

Students enrolled at Monash University must submit a separate application before the deadline. 31 scholarships are offered to students under this category and each scholarship may have a separate application process.  Applicants must confirm details of the application process and deadline carefully before submitting the application form.

Value of Scholarship 

The value of the scholarship is AUD 10,000 per annum till the completion of the course.

University Excellence Scholarships - University of Woolongong

International students studying at the University of Woolongong are eligible to get a 30% reduction in tuition fees with this scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to bachelor's degree students who have an honours degree. Students of  Doctor of Medicine, Nutrition Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, Exercise Science, Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, Education, Social Work and Psychology are excluded from this scholarship. 

There is an unlimited number of scholarships and students do not need to apply separately. They are automatically selected for it on application to the university. 

Eligibility Criteria

The students who will be considered eligible for the scholarship are:

• Students enrolled in the UoW undergraduate program.

• Be an international student.

• Must have an excellent result.

• Do not receive any other scholarship, discount or bursary.

Above are some of the popular scholarships available for international students in Australia. Apart from this, there are several scholarships offered by different universities and institutes. Students can confirm and apply for scholarships in specific institutions.

Scholarships by the Indian Government

Studying abroad comes with a cost and often the expenses hinder the dreams of international students. Besides merit and hard work, it is also essential to have monetary support to bear the cost of education and other study abroad expenses. The Government of India realises this and therefore it provides external support in form of scholarships to meritorious students who aspire to study abroad. 

There are various types of Indian government scholarships to study abroad. The selection criteria depend upon merit, destination, subject, needs and other factors such as caste, gender, sports, etc. The scholarships are provided at all levels of higher education that is undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies. The few popular scholarships for international students to study abroad given by the Indian government are as follows.

Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies

This is a need-based scholarship to promote the educational advancement of students from Other Backward Classes and Economically Backward Classes. This helps them get better opportunities to study abroad and enhance their employability. It provides an interest subsidy on the interest payable for the period of a moratorium for the education loans. The student must have secured admission in approved courses at the bachelor’s, master's or doctoral levels. They must take a loan from a scheduled bank under the Education Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks Association (IBA).

National Overseas Scholarship

This scholarship is specially designed to facilitate education for low-income students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans category to obtain a master’s or PhD degree from abroad and improve their social and economic status. Bachelor's degree courses are not included in this scheme.

At least 125 awards are given to students under this scheme. Among these, 30% of the awards will be given to women candidates. Candidates with an unconditional offer letter from the top 500 QS-ranking universities will be selected for the first round of scholarships. Tuition fees, visa fees, medical insurance premiums, air passage, maintenance allowance and contingency allowance will be paid. 

How to Get a Scholarship in Australia?

Given the competitiveness of scholarships, it is very difficult to proclaim that students will get one. Therefore, students must follow this certain tips that will increase their chances of getting a scholarship in Australia:

• An applicant must apply for as many scholarships as possible. There are various organisations including the Australian government, educational institutions, departments, government organisations in India and other private institutions that provide scholarships to international students. There are many course-specific scholarships that students can opt for. 

• It is necessary to craft a perfect scholarship application as it is a do-or-die situation. One should make sure that it is free of errors and clear as a simple mistake can cost one the scholarship. Lack of detail, poor presentation, grammatical errors and spelling errors are some of the common mistakes that get scholarship applications rejected.

• Australian institutes look for students who have active community life. Therefore, some scholarships are based on community participation. They look for candidates with leadership capabilities and one must mention their qualities in the scholarship application. Even if it is a need-based or merit-based scholarship, the chances are enhanced if the student has an active community life.