Scholarships in Australia 2027 for International Students
Quick Answer: The best scholarships in Australia 2027 for international students include Australia Awards (fully funded), the University of Sydney RTP (full tuition + ~A$42,754/year stipend), UWA Global Excellence (10–20% tuition reduction, closes Dec 22, 2026), and Destination Australia. Apply early — most 2027 deadlines fall between November 2026 and February 2027.
Australia remains one of the top study destinations for international students in 2027 — world-class universities, post-study work rights, and generous scholarships. But tuition for international students can exceed A$40,000 per year. The good news: Australian universities and the government offer dozens of scholarships for the 2027 intake, from fully funded research programs to partial tuition discounts.
This guide covers the best scholarships in Australia 2027 for international students — fully funded and partial options — with deadlines, eligibility, and official application links.
1. Australia Awards Scholarships 2027
The Australian government's flagship program. Fully funded: full tuition, return airfare, living allowance, health cover (OSHC), and establishment allowance. Open to students from partner countries across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
Funding: Fully funded
Level: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Deadline: Varies by country (typically April–May 2026 for 2027 intake — check your country's timeline)
Official link: australiaawards.gov.au
2. University of Sydney — Research Training Program (RTP) 2027
One of Australia's most generous research scholarships. The RTP covers full tuition fees plus an annual stipend of approximately A$42,754 (2026 rate; 2027 rate confirmed on the official page). Open to international higher-degree research students.
Funding: Fully funded (tuition + stipend)
Level: Master's by Research, PhD
Deadline: Check the Sydney scholarships portal — international rounds typically close in the months before each semester
Official link: sydney.edu.au/scholarships
3. UWA Global Excellence Scholarship 2027
The University of Western Australia offers high-achieving international students a tuition fee reduction of 10–20% across eligible undergraduate and postgraduate courses. A strong option if your grades are excellent but you missed fully funded rounds.
Funding: Partial (10–20% tuition discount)
Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate coursework
Deadline: December 22, 2026 (closing round for 2027 intake)
Official link: uwa.edu.au/study/scholarships
4. Destination Australia Scholarship 2027
Funded by the Australian Government, this program offers up to A$15,000 per year for students studying at regional campuses. A smart choice if you're open to studying outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane — living costs are lower too.
Funding: Partial (up to A$15,000/year)
Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, VET
Deadline: Varies by institution
Official link: education.gov.au/destination-australia
5. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
Melbourne's flagship research award: full tuition offset, ~A$38,500/year living stipend (2026 rate), plus relocation and OSHC allowances. Automatically considered when you apply for a graduate research degree — no separate application needed.
Funding: Fully funded
Level: Master's by Research, PhD
Deadline: Rounds throughout the year; apply with your course application
Official link: scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
6. ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship
The Australian National University offers tuition reductions of 25–50% for outstanding international students across most programs. ANU consistently ranks as Australia's top university.
Funding: Partial (25–50% tuition reduction)
Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Deadline: Multiple rounds per year
Official link: anu.edu.au/study/scholarships
7. UNSW International Scholarships 2027
UNSW Sydney offers a range of awards including the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship (full tuition or A$20,000/year) for high achievers. Sydney's tech and engineering reputation makes this especially valuable for STEM students.
Funding: Partial to full (varies by award)
Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate coursework
Deadline: Varies by award; check the UNSW scholarships site
Official link: scholarships.unsw.edu.au
8. Monash International Merit Scholarship
Monash University awards A$10,000 per year (up to 4 years) to outstanding international students. Renewable based on academic performance — a reliable partial option in Melbourne.
Funding: Partial (A$10,000/year)
Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate coursework
Deadline: Multiple rounds; apply with course application
Official link: monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships
9. University of Queensland — UQ International Scholarships
UQ offers several awards for international students, including tuition reductions of up to 25% and the UQ International Excellence Scholarship. Strong for agriculture, science, and business programs.
Funding: Partial (varies)
Level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Deadline: Varies by scholarship
Official link: scholarships.uq.edu.au
Bonus: Considering Nearby New Zealand?
If you're open to the wider Oceania region, the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) offers NZ$32,000/year plus full tuition for PhD students, with a November 2026 round closing soon. Worth a look alongside Australian options.
Fully Funded vs Partial Scholarships: Quick Comparison
| Scholarship | Funding Type | Key Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Fully funded | Varies by country |
| Sydney RTP | Fully funded (~A$42,754/yr) | Check portal |
| Melbourne Research | Fully funded | With course application |
| UWA Global Excellence | 10–20% tuition cut | Dec 22, 2026 |
| Destination Australia | Up to A$15,000/yr | Varies |
| ANU Chancellor's | 25–50% tuition cut | Multiple rounds |
How to Apply: 5 Practical Tips
- Start with the official pages. Scholarship aggregator sites are useful for discovery, but always verify deadlines and criteria on the university's own website before applying.
- Apply for admission first. Most university scholarships require (or automatically consider) a course application — get that in early.
- Watch the December cluster. Several 2027-intake rounds close in December 2026 (UWA: Dec 22). Don't leave applications to the last week.
- Prepare English test scores early. Most Australian universities require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Book your test at least 2–3 months before deadlines.
- Consider a migration agent or education counsellor if you're unsure about visa requirements — the student visa (subclass 500) has financial and English conditions worth confirming professionally.
Key Takeaways
- Fully funded options exist: Australia Awards, Sydney RTP (~A$42,754/year stipend), and Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships cover tuition plus living costs.
- Strong partial options: UWA Global Excellence (10–20% off, closes Dec 22, 2026), ANU Chancellor's (25–50% off), and Destination Australia (up to A$15,000/year).
- Most 2027 deadlines fall between November 2026 and February 2027 — apply early.
- Always verify deadlines on official university pages; aggregator dates can be outdated.
- Pair your scholarship application with a strong course application and early English test results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students in 2027?
The top fully funded options are Australia Awards (government), the University of Sydney RTP (full tuition + ~A$42,754/year stipend), and Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (tuition + living stipend). These cover tuition and living costs for the full degree.
Can I study in Australia for free as an international student?
Yes, through fully funded scholarships like Australia Awards or research programs (RTP). These are competitive and usually require strong academics. Partial scholarships (10–50% tuition cuts) are more widely available and easier to secure.
What is the UWA Global Excellence Scholarship deadline for 2027?
The closing round for the 2027 intake is December 22, 2026. It offers a 10–20% tuition fee reduction for high-achieving international students. Check the UWA scholarships page to confirm your course is eligible.
Do I need IELTS for Australian scholarships?
Most Australian universities require proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) for admission, which most scholarships build on. Some universities accept alternatives like PTE or prior English-medium study — check each university's policy.
When should I apply for 2027 scholarships in Australia?
Start now. Key rounds close between November 2026 and February 2027. Fully funded government programs often have earlier country-specific deadlines, so check the official pages immediately.
Are there scholarships for undergraduate students in Australia?
Yes. UWA Global Excellence, ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship, UNSW Scientia, and Monash International Merit all cover undergraduates with partial tuition reductions. Fully funded undergraduate options are rarer — Australia Awards is the main one.
Conclusion
Studying in Australia in 2027 is absolutely achievable with the right scholarship — whether that's a fully funded research program like the Sydney RTP, a government award like Australia Awards, or a partial discount like UWA Global Excellence (closing Dec 22, 2026).
Start your applications today, verify every deadline on the official university pages, and don't put all your hopes on one award — apply to several. Want more funding guides? Explore our scholarship guides and free resources on Boostnetic.