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Australia Awards are prestigious, transformative scholarships and short courses offered to emerging leaders from developing countries for study, research and professional development in Australia and the region so they can return home and contribute to their nations’ development, prosperity and resilience.
Host Institution(s): Recognized Australian Universities
Scholarship Worth: Fully-funded
Number of Awards: Several
Study Level: Undergraduates & Postgraduates
Nationality: International Students
DETAILS on Australia Awards for Developing Countries
For 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) offered 2,075 Australia Awards scholarships and short courses to individuals from 27 developing countries at an estimated cost of $200 million. For a snapshot of the latest facts and figures, read the Australia Awards Statistical Profile.
The Australian Government’s development policy, Australian aid: promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, enhancing stability, recognises that tertiary education is an important component of any investment in development. Find out more about Australia’s development assistance for education.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Australian Government Awards for Developing Countries, applicants are expected to meet the following conditions:
- Applicants from developing countries
- Applicants must enrol in full-time program
- Applicants should be enrolling for a Master’s degree study programme in an Australian public university
- Applicants who want to accept an Australia Awards Scholarship will need to sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia declaring that they will comply with the conditions of the scholarship.
- Scholars are required to leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship. Failure to do so will result in the scholar incurring a debt for the total accrued cost of their scholarship.
- Also, check country-specific eligibility for all participating countries
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Interested and eligible applicants seeking Australian Government Awards for Developing Countries should submit their application through Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS).
Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Visit the Official Website for Further Details
FAQs
1. What are the 2026 Australian Government Awards for Developing Countries?
The 2026 Australian Government Awards for Developing Countries refer to the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships, funded by the Australian Government.
These scholarships aim to promote knowledge, education links, and long-term partnerships between Australia and eligible developing countries. The program provides opportunities for students to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.
The awards are designed to help recipients gain skills and knowledge that will contribute to the development of their home countries after graduation.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the 2026 Australia Awards?
Eligibility requirements vary slightly by country, but generally, applicants must:
Be a citizen of an eligible developing country
Meet the minimum academic requirements for the chosen course
Satisfy English language proficiency requirements
Meet Australian visa requirements
Commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship
Applicants must also meet the specific country priorities outlined by the Australia Awards program in their home nation.
3. What benefits do the 2026 Australian Government Awards cover?
The Australia Awards Scholarships are fully funded and typically cover:
Full tuition fees
Return air travel (economy class)
Establishment allowance
Living expenses stipend
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Academic support and fieldwork support (if required)
This comprehensive funding ensures scholars can focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.
4. How can I apply for the 2026 Australia Awards Scholarships?
Interested applicants must submit their application online through the official Australia Awards portal before the deadline specified for their country.
The application process usually involves:
Creating an online account
Selecting an eligible course and institution
Uploading academic transcripts and certificates
Providing a personal statement
Submitting referee reports
Applicants are strongly advised to carefully read the country-specific application guidelines to avoid disqualification.