The Australian Government International Scholarship 2027, also known as the Australia Awards Scholarship, is now open for applications. This prestigious fully funded scholarship provides students from developing countries, including South Africa, the opportunity to study at leading universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions in Australia.

Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the programme aims to build global partnerships, develop leadership skills, and support sustainable development in participating countries.

This guide explains the eligibility requirements, benefits, fields of study, and step-by-step application process.

About the Scholarship Provider – Australian Government

The scholarship is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Through its global education programmes, the Australian Government aims to:

Strengthen international partnerships
Promote sustainable development
Build leadership and professional capacity
Encourage knowledge exchange between countries

The Australia Awards Scholarships provide fully funded long-term study opportunities for students from developing nations.

About the Australian Government International Scholarship Programme

The scholarship supports students from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific who wish to pursue:

Undergraduate degrees
Postgraduate degrees

At participating Australian universities and TAFE institutions.

Students from South Africa and several African countries are eligible to apply.

Eligible Countries (Africa)

Students from the following African countries may apply:

Algeria
Angola
Botswana
Côte d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of Congo
Egypt
Ethiopia
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Kenya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nigeria
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Priority Fields of Study (Africa)

Fields supported by the scholarship may vary by country, but priority areas for African applicants include:

Agriculture and Food Security
Climate Change
Foreign Policy and International Security
Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion
Mining and Energy

These areas are designed to support economic development and sustainability in participating countries.

Scholarship Benefits

The Australia Awards Scholarship is fully funded and covers the entire duration of the study programme.

Benefits include:

Full tuition fees paid directly to the university
Return economy-class flights to Australia
Establishment allowance for accommodation, books, and study materials
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) paid every two weeks
Introductory Academic Program (IAP) orientation
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the scholarship
English language training if required
Additional academic support where necessary
Fieldwork travel support for eligible Master’s and research students

Recipients must sign a contract agreeing to comply with the scholarship conditions.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries
Must be 25 years or older on 1 February 2027
Must have completed an undergraduate degree equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree
Must not already hold or be studying toward a Master’s degree
Must intend to study full-time in Australia
Must be willing to study at a participating Australian university or TAFE institution
Must demonstrate commitment to contributing to development in their home country
Must agree to return to their home country for at least two years after completing the scholarship
Must have at least 5 years of post-graduate work experience related to the intended field of study
Must be employed at the time of application
Must not have previously received a long-term Australia Award

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 84 with at least 21 in each section
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58 with no communicative skill below 50

Test results must still be valid on 1 January 2026.

How to Apply for the Australian Government International Scholarship 2027 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applications must be submitted online at: Australian Government International Scholarship Application

Read the Australian Government International Scholarship Application Guide before applying.

Applicants should download and read the following:

Follow these steps to apply successfully.

Step 1: Review the Official Guidelines

Before applying, download and read:

Australian Government International Scholarship Intake Information for African students
Australia Awards Scholarship Handbook

These documents contain detailed eligibility and application requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Typical application documents include:

Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
CV or resume
Employment confirmation
English language test results
Development impact statement

Ensure all documents meet the official requirements.

Step 3: Submit the Online Application

Applications must be submitted through the official scholarship portal for Australia Awards Scholarships.

Create an account and complete the application form online.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Closing Date: 30 April 2026
Time: 14:00 AEST

Late applications will not be accepted.

Key Conditions for Scholarship Recipients

Students awarded the scholarship must:

Study full-time in Australia
Comply with all scholarship conditions
Return to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies

This requirement ensures that knowledge gained in Australia contributes to development in the applicant’s home country.

Why Apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship?

This programme offers:

Fully funded international education
Access to world-class universities in Australia
Professional development opportunities
Global networking and leadership training
Opportunity to contribute to development in your home country

The Australia Awards Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious international scholarships available to students from developing countries.

Final Reminder

Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 (14:00 AEST)

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to leadership and development in your country, start preparing your application early and ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline.