The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships offered by the Australian Government. They are designed for students from developing countries who want to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies in Australia and return home to contribute to national development.
For 2026–2027 intake, the scholarship remains highly competitive but offers complete financial support for selected students.
What is Australia Awards Scholarship 2026?
The Australia Awards Scholarship is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It focuses on building leadership skills and supporting development priorities in partner countries.
It is not just a study scholarship—it is a development-focused program requiring scholars to return home after completing their studies.
Scholarship Benefits Overview
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 100% covered at Australian universities |
| Return Airfare | Economy class round-trip ticket |
| Living Allowance | Fortnightly stipend for daily expenses |
| Establishment Allowance | One-time settlement support (books, housing, etc.) |
| Health Insurance | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) |
| Introductory Program | Pre-study orientation in Australia |
| English Support | Pre-course English training (if needed) |
| Fieldwork Support | Available for research-based programs |
Official source: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships
Eligibility Requirements (2026 Intake)
Eligibility varies by country, but the general requirements include:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible participating country
- Must meet academic entry requirements for chosen program
- Bachelor’s degree for master’s applications (or equivalent)
- Relevant work experience (often required for development-related fields)
- Strong English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Must commit to return to home country for at least 2 years after study
Important restriction:
- Applicants cannot be Australian permanent residents or intending migrants
Each country has its own priority fields such as:
- Education
- Health
- Agriculture
- Climate change
- Governance
- Infrastructure development
Step-by-Step Application Process (2026 Guide)
Applying for Australia Awards is done mainly through an online system called OASIS (Online Australia Scholarships Information System).
Step 1: Check Country Eligibility
- Visit your country’s specific Australia Awards page
- Confirm opening/closing dates
- Check priority study fields and eligible courses
Step 2: Prepare Documents
You will typically need:
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Updated CV (development-focused)
- Work experience letters
- English proficiency test results
- Referee reports
- Development Impact Statement (very important)
Step 3: Apply via OASIS Portal
- Register on the official OASIS platform
- Fill out personal and academic details
- Upload all required documents
- Submit before deadline
Applications are only accepted once per cycle, and late submissions are rejected automatically.
Official application guide: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/how-to-apply-for-an-australia-awards-scholarship
Step 4: Selection Process
Applications go through multiple stages:
- Eligibility screening
- Academic and professional assessment
- Shortlisting
- Interview (if selected)
- Final selection by DFAT panel
Step 5: Final Award & Visa Process
If selected:
- You receive official scholarship confirmation
- University admission is arranged
- Visa application begins
- Pre-departure briefing is provided
Final Thoughts
The Australia Awards Scholarship 2026 is one of the strongest fully funded opportunities for students who want to study in Australia and build a career that impacts their home country.
However, success requires more than good grades. Selection is strongly based on:
- Leadership potential
- Work experience in development-related fields
- Clear plan to contribute after returning home
- Strong motivation statement
If you are planning to apply, start early and focus heavily on your development impact statement, because that is often the deciding factor.