So you’re planning on studying in Australia in 2023 but can’t figure out how to pay for your desired course. You’ll be glad to learn that there are many Australian scholarships for international students to help you out with just that. Financed by the Australian Government or the universities themselves, there are several Australian scholarships for international students in 2023 to pick form. Before we get to the 15 best Australian scholarships that you must check out this year, let’s first understand what scholarships are.
What are Scholarships?
If you’re planning on studying in Australia, scholarships and grants will be a boon. Financial aid that help students in covering their tuition fees, scholarships can partially or entirely fund students’ degree costs. Some even offer living stipend for the duration of the course. These are different from student loans as there is not repayment obligation.
So who funds these Australian scholarships for international students? Various clubs, organisations, charities, and institutions provide Australian scholarships for international students pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree who promise academic excellence.
Scholarships in Australia for International Students

1. Australia Awards Scholarships
One of the best Australian scholarships for international students to consider in 2023, Australia Awards Scholarships, formerly known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), provides opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Australia Awards Scholarship in 2023, you must:
- Not be a permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand.
- Be a citizen or resident of one of the participating nations, such as Bangladesh, India, or Pakistan.
- Be 18 years old by February 1st, the scholarship's start date.
- Meet the minimum required English language scores.
- Qualify for your desired Australian university course.
- Meet the requirements set forth by the Department of Home Affairs for an Australia visa.
- Cannot have previously received an Australia Award, unless you have lived overseas for twice as long as you have stayed in Australia.
- Read the complete eligibility criteria in the Australia Awards Policy Handbook.
2. Destination Australia Scholarships
Financed by the Australian Government, Destination Australia scholarships provide international students in Australia financial aid for any higher education they may pursue. They are worth up to AU$ 15,000 per student per year. The Destination Australia Program supports initiatives that foster development and sustainability.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Destination Australia Scholarships, you must:
- Be an international student
- Hold a student visa lasting the duration of the scholarship
- Be a commencing student
- Have a full offer to study an eligible program
3. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
Taking the place of the Research Training Scheme and International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) is one of the best Australian scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate research degrees to apply to in 2023. Check with your university to find out more about the specific deadlines and application process for the TRP at your university.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Australian Government RTP, you must:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate research course.
- Possess a stellar academic record and strong research potential.
- Possess an unconditional offer of admission, be enrolled in a Ph.D. or master's by research program, or have an unconditional offer of admission.
4. University of Sydney International Scholarships (USydIS)
International students enrolling in postgraduate research degrees at the University of Sydney should also consider applying for the Univeristy of Sydney International Scholarship, which is one of the best Australian scholarships for international students to apply for in 2023. The USydIS will pay for tuition and living expenses for a maximum of three years, with the possibility of an extra semester for Ph.D. candidates.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the University of Sydney International Scholarship, you must:
- Be an international student undertaking a full-time course of study in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at the University of Sydney.
- Not have received any other scholarship within the two years before starting the RTP Fee Scholarship.
- Not have previously been the recipient of an RTP Fee Scholarship, unless it was for a Master by Research and you are now applying for an Australian scholarship for PhD.
- Not hold a research qualification equivalent to the degree of choice.
- Not have been considered for this scholarship up to 3 times in the 5 years prior.
5. Macquarie University Scholarships
Exceptional students who enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs at the Macquarie University North Ryde campus may be eligible to receive the Vice-International Chancellor's Scholarship, which will cover a portion of their tuition costs. The prize might be worth up to AU$ 10,000.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Macquarie University Scholarships, you must:
- Fulfill the academic requirements for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from Macquarie University.
- Achieve at least a WAM of 65 if applying for a postgraduate scholarship at Macquarie University or a minimum of 85 for an undergraduate scholarship.
- Be accepted into a full-time on-campus course at Macquarie University that begins in 2023.
- Enroll and commence your course as given in the Letter of Offer.
- Not defer the commencement of your course.
- Not have received another scholarship from Macquarie University.
- Not be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand.
6. Griffith Remarkable Scholarship
Outstanding candidates for Griffith University's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs are granted the Griffith Remarkable Scholarship. Half of the program's total tuition fees will be covered by the scholarship; the other half is due when the course is complete.
Eligbility
To be eligible for a Griffith Remarkable Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of any country other than Australia and New Zealand.
- Have at least 5.5 GPA on a 7-point scale.
- Fulfill all academic and English language requirements for your chosen course.
- Be enrolled in a full-time couse commencing in 2023.
- Have applied to study at Griffith University before the scholarship application’s deadline.
7. Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS)
One of the best universities in Australia, it is no surprise that the University of Melbourne established the Graduate Research Scholarship, an Australian scholarship for international students studying research. The program offers international students health insurance, a living allowance, relocation assistance, and tuition waivers.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS), you must:
- Have applied for and met the entry requirements for a Masters of Research or a Doctoral degree.
- Be enrolled in a research degree at the University of Melbourne.
8. Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships for International Students
The University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Overseas Scholarship, a highly competitive grant, recognizes international students who are beginning undergraduate and postgraduate study and have excelled academically in previous courses. The scholarship covers 50% of the cost of tuition.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships, you must:
- Be a commencing direct-entry international student of the University of Adelaide.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University of Adelaide.
- Be a citizen of any country other than Australia and New Zealand.
9. Monash University Scholarships
One of the best Australian universities for engineering, the Monash University scholarships for international students grants AU$ 10,000 annual tuition fee waiver throughout the degree program. It is provided to suitable undergraduate and graduate students depending on their academic standing. There is no need to submit a separate application for this scholarship.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Monash University Scholarships for international students, you must:
- Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program at Monash University.
- Meet the GRC’s qualifications.
- Hold an acceptable academic record, research output and prior research experience.
- Not have previously held a Postgraduate Research Award funded by the Australian Government or Monash University for more than six months.
10. Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship
A fully-funded Australian scholarship for international students, the Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate students and covers AU$ 22500 ever year.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of any country other than Australia and New Zealand.
- Not currently be enrolled at Swinburne, unless you are enrolled in their ELICOS program.
- Not hold any other scholarships from Swinburne.
- Have an academic result of at least 60% GPA.
11. Queensland University Law Scholarships
A partially funded Australian scholarship for international students, the Queensland University Law Scholarship is applicable to those studying masters degree programs in Queensland University, one of the best Australian law schools. This Australian scholarship will cover 25-50% of the tuition fees.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Queensland University Law Scholarship, you must:
- Have applied for a course at the University of Queensland as an international student.
- Submit an application in the prescribed format before the closing date.
- Not hold any other scholarship considered to be similar.
- Achieve a GPA of at least 4.5 in the course.
12. International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP)
An Australian scholarship for highly ranked, new Research Degree students with the potential for outstanding academic achievement and research potential, the International Research Training Program Scholarship not only covers the tuition fees, but also, Overhead Student Health Cover, and a living stipend of AU$ 32,500 per annum. This scholarship will last up to 3.5 years for PhD students and up to 2 years for Master by Research.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an International Research Training Program Scholarship, you must:
- Be an international student and hold a student visa.
- Meet the admission requirements for research doctorate degrees or Master by Research.
- Be awarded a living stipend scholarship or demonstrate funding for living expenses lasting the duration of your scholarship.
- Be nominated by the faculty of the IRTP.
- Not have received any other scholarship that covers your tuition fees.
13. Bond University Scholarships
Bond University offers fully-funded Australian scholarships for international students who have chosen to take up undergraduate studies at this university. The scholarship waivers 50% of the students’ tuition fees.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Bond University Scholarship, you must:
- Have already received an offer to commence your undergraduate degree at Bond University.
- Currently reside outside of Australia.
- Fill and submit the Application Form by the deadline applicable to your chosen starting semester.
- Not have already commenced studies at Bond University.
14. Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS)
The Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship is available for those applying to research studies at the University of Tasmania. For PhD students, the scholarship last 3.5 years, and 2 years for Masters students.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship, you must:
- Fulfill all the requirements of a full-time Masters or Doctoral degree at the University of Tasmania.
- Not be receiving an award, scholarship, or salary for the chosen program that covers more than 75% of the stipend.
15. La Trobe University Scholarships
La Trobe University offers several Australian scholarships to international students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate courses at La Trobe University. It offers students up to a 25% reduction in course fees and is aimed at high-achieving international students.
Eligibility
To be eligible for La Trobe University scholarships, you must:
- Be a citizen of any country other than Australia and New Zealand.
- Apply to start an undergraduate or postgraduate program at La Trobe University.
- Be a new international student applying for 2023/24 intakes.
- Be a full-fee paying student.
- Apply to a program from the LTIS List of eligible courses.
Tips for Bagging an Australian Scholarship for International Students
1. Get along with your local community
There are several Australian scholarships for international students who show active participation in their community, though some are based mainly on academic achievement. You can even include neighbourhood clubs, volunteer work and other endeavours in your cover letter.
2. If you require assistance, ask
Make sure your scholarship application, scholarship essay and personal statement are free of any errors and are presented well. We strongly advise asking a reliable instructor, friend, or parent fluent in English to proofread your application before submitting it if English isn't your first language or you're unsure of what you've written.
3. Verify that you met the requirements
Applying for an Australian scholarship for international students can be quite a hassle and is somewhat of a checklist procedure, so include all the information and documents needed and respect the word count or deadlines mentioned to make the process go smoothly.
4. Fill out multiple scholarship applications
Only being able to apply to one scholarship at a time is one of many international scholarship myths. We advise submitting applications for as many scholarships as you can because there are so many available to overseas students in Australia. Don't restrict yourself to a specific college or organization as; look into other options to increase your chances of receiving sponsorship.
If you’re considering ditching your dream of studying in Australia because a student loan sounds too expensive, Australian scholarships for international students will certainly help you pay your tuition fees. Be sure to check with your university for any other Australian scholarships for international students in 2023 that they might provide.