What is an Australia Awards Scholarship?

An Australia Awards scholarship is a prestigious opportunity provided by the Australian Government to individuals from developing countries, particularly those in the Indo-Pacific region, to pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies. These scholarships aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia’s partner countries, aligning with Australia’s aid priorities and bilateral agreements. The scholarships cover various benefits, including full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses, Recipients are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to national development, and failure to do so may result in incurring a debt to the Commonwealth of Australia.

How to Apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship

To apply for an Australia Awards scholarship, follow these steps

1. • Check the open and close dates

     Applications for the 2025 intake open on 1 February 2024 and close on 30 April 2024.
     

• • Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria
    

• • • Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
    • Be a citizen of a participating country and be residing in and applying for the scholarship from your country of citizenship.
    • The candidate should not be a citizen of Australia or applied for any other purpose in Australia.
    • Not be current serving military personnel.
    • Meet English language proficiency requirements.
      

• • Prepare for English language requirements

• • • His / Her IELTS overall score should be of at least 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
    • With a minimum of 21 in all sub-tests is required to achieve a TOEFL (iBT) score of at least 84.
    • Obtain a PTE Academic overall score of 58 with no communicative skill score less than 50.
      

• • Submit your application online

• • • Applications must be submitted through DFAT’s Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS).
      

• • Provide supporting documents

• • • Include all required documents, such as academic transcripts, certificates, and English language proficiency test results, with your application.
      

• • Wait for the selection process

• • • Applications will be shortlisted after eligibility checks, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
    • The selection process includes an interview, and applicants will be assessed against academic competence, potential outcome, and professional and personal leadership attributes.
      

• • Prepare for preparatory training
    

• • • Successful applicants will be required to attend course counselling, pre-departure briefing, the university’s Introductory Academic Program, and other required preparatory study on arrival in Australia.

The Eligibility Criteria for Australia Awards Scholarships

• • Citizenship and residency

    Applicants must be citizens and residents of a participating country, applying from their country of citizenship.
    

  • Age

    There is no specific age limit, but applicants must not have previously been a recipient of Australia Awards unless they have lived outside Australia for double the time period of staying in Australia.
    

  • Academic background

    Applicants must have completed at least 16 years of education and five years of relevant work experience in Pakistan, or have a Grade Point Average (GPA) as specified for the PhD and Masters Awards.
    

  • English language proficiency

    Applicants must have achieved an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 or higher, or meet the specific English language proficiency requirements for their country.
    

  • Marital status

    Applicants must not be married or engaged to a person who is eligible to hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent resident status.
    

  • Military personnel

    Applicants must not be current-serving military personnel.
    

  • Visa status

    Applicants must not be a citizen of Australia, hold permanent residency in Australia or be applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently.
    

  • Return to home country

    Scholarship recipients must return to their home country at the completion of their study for at least two years.