Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, offering internationally recognized degrees, world-class research, and a high quality of life. However, like many English-speaking countries, tuition fees and living expenses can be costly for international students. The good news is that many top Australian universities offer scholarships—some fully funded—to support high-achieving students from around the globe.
This article highlights the best Australian university scholarships for international students, including tuition fees, funding coverage, and how to apply.
🦘 1. University of Melbourne – Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based
- Tuition Fees: AUD $40,000–$48,000/year
- Funding: 100% tuition remission (full) or 50% tuition fee waiver
- Eligibility: High-achieving international students applying for undergraduate programs
The University of Melbourne offers over 1,000 scholarships annually for international undergraduates. No separate application is needed—students are considered automatically.
🔗 https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
🎓 2. Australian National University (ANU) – ANU Global Diversity Scholarship
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based
- Tuition Fees: AUD $40,000–$46,000/year
- Funding: AUD $15,000–$25,000 toward tuition and living costs
- Eligibility: International students from underrepresented countries in undergraduate or postgraduate programs
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students, including research-focused awards.
🔗 https://www.anu.edu.au/study/scholarships
🌊 3. University of Sydney – Sydney International Scholarships (SIS)
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based (Undergraduate & Postgraduate)
- Tuition Fees: AUD $42,000–$50,000/year
- Funding: Up to AUD $40,000 (full or partial tuition)
- Eligibility: All international students applying for full-time study
This scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, and students are automatically considered upon admission.
🔗 https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships
🔬 4. University of Queensland (UQ) – International High Achievers Scholarship
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based
- Tuition Fees: AUD $38,000–$46,000/year
- Funding: 25%–50% tuition reduction
- Eligibility: International students with excellent academic records
UQ also offers fully funded PhD scholarships for research students through the Graduate School Scholarship Program.
🔗 https://scholarships.uq.edu.au
🏛 5. Monash University – Monash International Merit Scholarship
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based
- Tuition Fees: AUD $37,000–$45,000/year
- Funding: AUD $10,000/year (renewable up to AUD $50,000 total)
- Eligibility: International students in undergraduate or postgraduate programs
Highly competitive and awarded to the top 10% of applicants. Additional scholarships are available for women in STEM and research students.
🔗 https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships
📚 6. University of New South Wales (UNSW) – International Scholarships
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based
- Tuition Fees: AUD $39,000–$49,000/year
- Funding: Full or partial tuition waivers (up to 100%)
- Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate international applicants
UNSW offers over $2 million in scholarships each year, including the UNSW Global Academic Award and International Scientia Coursework Scholarship.
🔗 https://www.unsw.edu.au/scholarships
🌿 7. University of Adelaide – Global Citizens Scholarship
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based
- Tuition Fees: AUD $38,000–$45,000/year
- Funding: 15%–30% tuition fee discount
- Eligibility: High-achieving students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs
This scholarship is automatically assessed upon application and based on academic performance.
🔗 https://scholarships.adelaide.edu.au
🐨 8. Macquarie University – Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based
- Tuition Fees: AUD $35,000–$43,000/year
- Funding: Up to AUD $10,000 toward tuition
- Eligibility: International students in any undergraduate or postgraduate program
This scholarship is competitive and requires a separate scholarship application along with the degree application.
🔗 https://www.mq.edu.au/study/international/scholarships
🧪 9. University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – International Undergraduate Full Tuition Scholarship
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based
- Tuition Fees: AUD $33,000–$42,000/year
- Funding: Full tuition for standard duration of program
- Eligibility: Top academic achievers only (limited number)
UTS also offers other partial scholarships and faculty-based awards for students in science, engineering, business, and design.
🔗 https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/international/essential-information/scholarships
✅ Tips for Applying as an International Student in Australia
- 📅 Start Early: Most scholarships close months before the intake (typically March or July).
- 📝 Strong Application: Emphasize academic achievements, community involvement, and leadership.
- 📤 Separate Application: Some scholarships require separate forms in addition to your university admission.
- 💬 English Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores are usually required.
💡 Why Choose Australia?
- ✅ Post-study work opportunities with Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
- ✅ Safe, multicultural environment
- ✅ Globally ranked universities and strong research programs
- ✅ High employability for graduates
🧭 Final Thoughts
Australia offers a wide range of scholarships to international students to reduce the burden of tuition and living expenses. Whether you are an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD candidate, top universities like Melbourne, ANU, Sydney, and UQ provide funding options that make studying in Australia more accessible.
If you’re planning to apply, start researching early and focus on universities that best match your academic strengths and career goals.