Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students 2026: Government, University & Private Awards
Priya Sharma
Senior USA Education Consultant
Priya is a senior education consultant at EEC with over 12 years of experience helping Indian students secure admissions and visas to top US, Canadian, and UK universities. She has personally guided 3,000+ students through the F-1 visa process with a 97% success rate.
Scholarships in Australia for Indian students in 2026 range from fully-funded government awards covering tuition, living expenses, and airfare to university-specific merit bursaries of AUD $15,000–30,000 per year. The Australia Awards Scholarships, Destination Australia (AUD $15,000/year), Research Training Program (RTP) for PhD students, and dozens of university-level scholarships offer Indian students realistic pathways to reduce the cost of studying in Australia by 20–100%. With the Subclass 500 visa fee now at AUD $2,000, the financial requirement standing at AUD $29,710/year for living costs, and OSHC health insurance mandatory for every international student, scholarships in Australia for Indian students have never been more critical for affordability. The Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced GTE on March 23, 2024, means visa officers assess whether your financial capacity is genuine — and a scholarship letter significantly strengthens your GS case. This comprehensive 2026 guide from EEC — 27+ years of experience and 50,000+ Indian students placed — covers every major scholarship available to Indian students in Australia, including exact values, eligibility criteria, winning strategies, Group of Eight opportunities, and a month-by-month deadline calendar to ensure you never miss a funding opportunity.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia — Complete 2026 Overview
Australia offers four main categories of scholarships for Indian students: government-funded national awards (Australia Awards, Destination Australia), university-specific merit scholarships, Group of Eight research funding (RTP), and external/industry-sponsored awards. Together, these provide thousands of funded places every year across bachelor's, master's, and PhD programmes at CRICOS-registered institutions. Here is a snapshot of the most valuable scholarships in Australia for Indian students available in 2026:
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| Scholarship | Value (AUD) | Coverage | For Whom | Deadline (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Full funding (tuition + living + airfare) | Fully funded | Master’s & PhD at select universities | Apr–May 2026 |
| Destination Australia | AUD $15,000/year | Living cost support at regional campus | UG/PG at designated regional institutions | Varies by university |
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Full tuition + AUD $32,000+ stipend/yr | Full tuition waiver + living stipend | PhD/research master’s at any Australian university | Year-round |
| Melbourne Graduate Scholarship | AUD $10,000–$25,000/year | Partial to major tuition reduction | High-achieving master’s applicants | Oct–Nov 2025 |
| ANU Chancellor’s Intl Scholarship | Up to AUD $15,000/year | Tuition reduction up to 50% | Outstanding UG/PG applicants | Dec 2025 |
| Sydney International Scholarship | AUD $10,000–$25,000/year | Partial to near-full tuition | Master’s/PhD with 80%+ GPA | Jan 2026 |
| UNSW International Scholarship | AUD $10,000–$25,000/year | Tuition reduction | UG/PG with 85%+ GPA | Auto with application |
| Monash Intl Merit Scholarship | AUD $15,000/year | Tuition reduction | UG/PG with strong academics | Auto with application |
| UTAS International Scholarship | AUD $10,000–$25,000/year | 25–50% tuition reduction | International students, 65%+ | Auto with admission |
| CDU Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | AUD $10,000–$25,000/year | 25–40% tuition reduction | All programmes, merit-based | Auto with admission |
The total scholarship funding available across these programmes exceeds AUD 100 million annually for international students at Australian universities, and Indian students are among the largest recipient groups globally. Whether you are pursuing an MBA in Australia, a master's degree, or a budget-friendly regional diploma, there is a scholarship category suited to your profile. Fully-funded scholarships like Australia Awards are rare and intensely competitive, but partial awards of AUD $10,000–$30,000 are far more accessible — and when combined with 48-hour/fortnight part-time work at AUD $24.95/hour (or AUD $31.19 casual rate), they can make Australian study genuinely affordable for Indian families across all income levels in 2026.
Not sure which Australian scholarships you qualify for? EEC's scholarship specialists assess your academic profile, extracurriculars, and financial situation to match you with the best-fit funding opportunities — completely free. 50,000+ Indian students guided since 1997.
Book Free ConsultationAustralia Awards Scholarships — Australia's Most Prestigious Government Award
The Australia Awards Scholarships are the Australian Government's flagship international scholarship programme — fully funded, covering tuition fees, return airfare, a living allowance (Contribution to Living Expenses), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), introductory academic programme costs, and supplementary academic support. These are the most valuable scholarships in Australia for Indian students pursuing master's and PhD studies. Administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia Awards target developing countries — and India is an eligible country with a strong track record of successful applicants.
Australia Awards — Eligibility & Details for Indian Applicants
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| Requirement | Details | Tips for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | Indian citizens are eligible | Must not hold Australian PR or citizenship. Must return to India for 2 years after completion. |
| Level of Study | Master’s by coursework, master’s by research, or PhD | Undergraduate programmes are NOT covered. MBA is eligible at select universities. |
| Academic Minimum | Bachelor’s degree with strong GPA (typically 65%+) | Higher GPA significantly improves selection chances. 75%+ recommended. |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) | PTE equivalent accepted. Some programmes require 7.0+. Prepare well in advance. |
| Work Experience | 2+ years of professional experience preferred | Stronger applications come from candidates with relevant sector experience. |
| Return Obligation | Must return to India for minimum 2 years after studies | This is a binding condition — Australia Awards are NOT a PR pathway. |
| Priority Fields | Infrastructure, trade, education, health, governance, STEM | Align your programme choice with DFAT priority areas for India. |
The Australia Awards selection process is highly competitive — approximately 2,000–3,000 awards are given globally each year, with India receiving a share based on bilateral development priorities. The most critical factor for Indian applicants is demonstrating a clear link between your proposed study and India's development needs. DFAT prioritises candidates whose master's or PhD will directly contribute to infrastructure development, trade facilitation, governance improvement, health sector advancement, or educational capacity building in India. Indian students with 2+ years of relevant professional experience, strong academic records (75%+), and compelling Statements of Purpose that connect their study to India's development goals have the strongest chances. The application typically opens in February and closes in April–May 2026 for the following year's intake. Since the scholarship covers OSHC, tuition, living expenses, and airfare, successful Indian students pay virtually nothing — making Australia Awards the ultimate scholarship in Australia for Indian students in 2026.
Warning
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Destination Australia Scholarship — AUD $15,000/Year at Regional Campuses
The Destination Australia scholarship is the Australian Government's flagship programme for attracting international students to regional campuses. Valued at AUD $15,000 per year (approximately ₹8.33 Lakhs), Destination Australia provides direct living cost support to students studying at designated regional institutions across Australia. Unlike Australia Awards, Destination Australia has no return obligation — recipients can pursue the Subclass 485 post-study work visa, apply for permanent residency, and settle in Australia permanently. This makes it the most strategic scholarship in Australia for Indian students who want both funding and a PR pathway in 2026.
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| Feature | Details | Why It Matters for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
| Value | AUD $15,000/year | Covers approximately 50% of the AUD $29,710 annual living cost requirement |
| Duration | Matched to programme length (1–4 years) | Continuous support for entire bachelor’s or master’s degree |
| Regional Requirement | Must study at a designated regional campus | Regional campuses also give +5 PR points and extended 485 visa duration |
| PR Compatibility | No return obligation — full PR eligibility | Can apply for 485 visa then PR through 189/190/491 after graduation |
| Programme Level | Certificate IV, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD | Covers all qualification levels including TAFE diplomas |
| How to Apply | Through your regional university — not directly to government | Each regional university manages its own Destination Australia allocation |
| Number of Awards | Approximately 1,000 new awards per year nationally | Spread across 60+ regional campuses nationwide |
The strategic beauty of Destination Australia for Indian students is the triple benefit: (1) AUD $15,000/year in direct financial support, (2) regional campus study gives +5 bonus PR points and extended 485 visa duration, and (3) affordable regional universities already charge AUD $14,000–$24,000/year in tuition — meaning Destination Australia can cover 68–100% of your living cost gap. An Indian student at the University of Southern Queensland (AUD $14,400/year tuition) with Destination Australia (AUD $15,000/year) and part-time work earnings of AUD $2,400/month at AUD $24.95/hour effectively studies with minimal out-of-pocket cost. The Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced GTE on March 23, 2024, is also strengthened by a Destination Australia scholarship letter — visa officers view government-funded students as genuinely committed to study. For the complete list of affordable regional universities, see our cheapest universities in Australia 2026 guide.
Good News
Want to apply for Destination Australia at an affordable regional university? EEC identifies which regional campuses have Destination Australia allocations and helps Indian students build winning applications. Free consultation at 26 branches across India.
Book Free ConsultationUniversity-Specific Scholarships for Indian Students — Top 15 Awards (2026)
Beyond government awards, most Australian universities offer their own merit-based scholarships for Indian students ranging from AUD $5,000 to AUD $30,000 per year. These are often more accessible than Australia Awards and many are awarded automatically based on admission grades — no separate application needed. The 43 Australian universities collectively offer hundreds of international scholarship programmes. Here are the top university-specific awards for Indian students in 2026:
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| University | Scholarship Name | Value (AUD/yr) | Level | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne Graduate Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | PG | 80%+ GPA, competitive selection |
| ANU | Chancellor’s International Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 85%+ GPA, auto-considered |
| University of Sydney | Sydney International Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | PG | 80%+ GPA, merit-based |
| UNSW | Intl Scientia Coursework Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 85%+ GPA, auto-applied |
| University of Queensland | UQ International Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 80%+ GPA, auto-applied |
| Monash University | Monash Intl Merit Scholarship | $10,000 | UG/PG | Strong academics, auto-assessed |
| UWA | Global Excellence Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | ATAR/GPA equivalent, auto-applied |
| University of Adelaide | Adelaide Global Academic Excellence | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 85%+ GPA, auto-considered |
| University of Tasmania | UTAS International Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 65%+ GPA, auto-assessed |
| Deakin University | Deakin International Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 70%+ GPA, auto-applied |
| Macquarie University | VC’s International Scholarship | $10,000 | UG/PG | 80%+ GPA, auto-applied |
| QUT | QUT Intl Merit Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 75%+ GPA, auto-applied |
| Curtin University | Curtin International Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 75%+ GPA, auto-applied |
| Griffith University | Griffith Remarkable Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 75%+ GPA, merit-based |
| RMIT University | RMIT International Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | UG/PG | 75%+ GPA, auto-applied |
The key pattern for Indian students is clear: with 75%+ grades from an Indian university, you can access AUD $10,000–$30,000/year in automatic merit scholarships at most mid-tier Australian universities in 2026. With 85%+ scores, you unlock premium awards of AUD $10,000–$30,000/year at Group of Eight universities. Auto-applied scholarships are especially valuable because you do not need to write additional essays or fill separate applications — your admission grades trigger the scholarship automatically. EEC recommends applying to at least 3–4 Australian universities that offer auto-applied merit scholarships based on your academic profile. A strong academic record not only secures your scholarship but also strengthens your Genuine Student (GS) case for the Subclass 500 visa.
Pro Tip
Group of Eight Scholarships — Premium Funding at Australia's Best Universities
The Group of Eight (Go8) — University of Melbourne, Australian National University (ANU), University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Queensland (UQ), Monash University, University of Western Australia (UWA), and University of Adelaide — are Australia's most prestigious research-intensive universities. For Indian students, Go8 scholarships represent the gold standard of Australian funding: world-class education at universities ranked in the global top 100, combined with significant tuition reductions. Here is a detailed breakdown of Go8 scholarship opportunities for Indian students in 2026:
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| Go8 University | QS 2026 Rank | Top Scholarship | Value (AUD/yr) | RTP for PhD? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | #13 | Melbourne Graduate Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | Yes — full tuition + $32K+ stipend |
| ANU | #27 | Chancellor’s International | $10,000–$25,000 | Yes — full tuition + $32K+ stipend |
| University of Sydney | #18 | Sydney Intl Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | Yes — full tuition + $32K+ stipend |
| UNSW Sydney | #19 | Scientia Coursework | $10,000–$25,000 | Yes — full tuition + $32K+ stipend |
| University of Queensland | #40 | UQ Intl Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | Yes — full tuition + $32K+ stipend |
| Monash University | #37 | Intl Merit Scholarship | $10,000 | Yes — full tuition + $32K+ stipend |
| UWA | #72 | Global Excellence Scholarship | $10,000–$25,000 | Yes — full tuition + $32K+ stipend |
| University of Adelaide | #89 | Global Academic Excellence | $10,000–$25,000 | Yes — full tuition + $32K+ stipend |
The Research Training Program (RTP) is the most generous funding mechanism at Go8 universities for Indian students pursuing PhD or research master's degrees. RTP provides a full tuition waiver plus a living stipend of AUD $32,000+ per year (approximately ₹17.76 Lakhs) — effectively making the PhD free with a comfortable living allowance. All eight Go8 universities participate in RTP, and Indian students with strong research profiles (publications, conference papers, research experience) are competitive candidates. Unlike Australia Awards, RTP has no return obligation — PhD graduates can apply for the Subclass 485 post-study work visa (3–4 years for PhD holders), build Australian work experience, and pursue permanent residency through the points system. A PhD also earns maximum education points (20) in the PR points assessment. For Indian students with research aspirations, RTP at a Go8 university is the best fully-funded pathway to both an elite Australian qualification and permanent residency in 2026.
The University of Adelaide deserves special mention for Indian students. As the only Go8 university located in a regional area (Adelaide has regional status for immigration purposes), Adelaide offers a unique triple advantage: Go8 prestige, generous scholarships (AUD $10,000–$30,000/year), and +5 regional PR bonus points. An Indian student on an Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship saves AUD $10,000–$30,000 on tuition over a 2-year master's, earns +5 regional study points for PR, qualifies for extended 485 visa, and benefits from South Australia's active 190/491 state nomination programme. No other Go8 university offers this combination. For budget-conscious Indian students wanting Go8 quality with regional PR benefits, Adelaide is the clear winner in 2026. For a full comparison of Go8 vs affordable universities, read our cheapest universities in Australia guide.
“I applied to four Go8 universities through EEC. They matched me with the University of Adelaide's Global Academic Excellence Scholarship — AUD $15,000/year off my tuition. Combined with Adelaide being regional for PR, I save money AND earn +5 bonus PR points. My friends at Melbourne pay double the tuition with no regional benefit. EEC's scholarship strategy saved my family over ₹25 Lakhs.”
— Priyanka R., Master of Data Science, University of Adelaide — AUD $10,000/yr scholarship recipient
EEC's scholarship team has helped thousands of Indian students win AUD $10,000–$30,000 in Australian university scholarships. We match your profile to the most competitive opportunities across all Go8 and mid-tier universities.
How to Win Scholarships in Australia — 7 Proven Strategies for Indian Students
Applying for scholarships in Australia for Indian students requires more than good grades. The most successful scholarship applicants in 2026 follow a systematic strategy that maximises their chances across multiple awards. Here are 7 proven strategies from EEC's scholarship specialists:
Start Early — 12+ Months Before Intake
The biggest scholarships (Australia Awards, Go8 research awards) have deadlines 8–14 months before programme start. If you are targeting February 2027 intake, begin preparation by February 2026. Build your profile, gather recommendation letters, and research eligibility requirements early.
Apply to 4–6 Universities with Auto-Applied Scholarships
Don’t put all eggs in one basket. Apply to universities that offer automatic merit awards triggered by your admission GPA. EEC recommends 2 reach schools (Melbourne, Sydney, UNSW) and 3–4 match schools (Adelaide, UQ, Deakin, Macquarie, RMIT) to maximise funding chances across Go8 and mid-tier institutions.
Maximise Your Academic Score
Most Australian scholarships use academic grades as the primary filter. For Go8 scholarships: 80%+ opens most doors, 85%+ unlocks premium awards. For regional university scholarships: 65%+ is usually sufficient for automatic awards. If you are completing your bachelor’s, every mark counts in your final semester.
Build Research and Leadership Profile
RTP and competitive scholarships weight research output and leadership heavily. Document all activities: research publications, conference papers, internships, industry projects, volunteer work, coding competitions, community initiatives. For PhD scholarships, at least 1–2 publications dramatically improve your chances.
Write a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
For scholarships requiring essays, your SOP must show genuine passion for Australia, clear career goals, and how the scholarship enables your aspirations. Connect your goals to the Genuine Student requirement — show that you are coming to Australia for education, not just immigration.
Get Strong Recommendation Letters
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic excellence, research potential, and character. University professors, research supervisors, and employers who can write specific, detailed letters are far more valuable than generic certificates. For RTP applications, your proposed Australian supervisor’s support is critical.
Apply to Multiple Scholarship Categories Simultaneously
Don’t stop at one application. Apply for government awards (Australia Awards, Destination Australia), university-specific merit awards, department-specific funding, RTP (for research students), and any external scholarships simultaneously. Many Indian students miss AUD $10,000–$30,000 simply because they didn’t know about or apply to all available categories.
Pro Tip
Scholarship Deadlines for Australia 2026 — Month-by-Month Calendar
Missing a deadline means losing a scholarship opportunity permanently. Scholarships in Australia for Indian students have strict deadlines that vary by institution and award type. Australia has two main intakes — February/March and July — which means two separate deadline cycles. Here is the complete month-by-month deadline calendar for 2026:
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| Month | Scholarship / Deadline | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Feb–Apr 2026 | Australia Awards — Application period | Submit online application with SOP, references, academic transcripts |
| Mar–May 2026 | Destination Australia — Applications for July 2026 intake | Apply through regional university. Confirm campus allocation. |
| Apr–Jun 2026 | Go8 university scholarships — July 2026 intake deadlines | Submit master’s/PhD applications with scholarship consideration |
| May–Jun 2026 | Mid-tier university auto-applied scholarships — July 2026 | Submit admission applications. Scholarships assessed automatically. |
| Jul 2026 | July 2026 intake commences | Scholarship credited to first semester fees |
| Aug–Oct 2026 | Go8 scholarships — February 2027 intake applications open | Begin master’s/PhD applications for February 2027 |
| Sep–Nov 2026 | Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, UNSW — February 2027 deadlines | Submit applications. Go8 scholarships auto-assessed or separate form. |
| Oct–Nov 2026 | RTP — PhD applications for February 2027 | Apply with research proposal + supervisor confirmation |
| Nov–Dec 2026 | Destination Australia — February 2027 intake allocations | Apply through regional universities for February 2027 start |
| Dec 2026–Jan 2027 | Final scholarship decisions for February 2027 intake | Accept/decline offers. Use scholarship letter for GS visa application. |
| Feb 2027 | February 2027 intake begins | Arrive in Australia. Scholarship applied to tuition/living costs. |
The critical pattern is that most major scholarship deadlines fall 4–8 months before the intake start date. For the July 2026 intake, Indian students should have submitted applications by March–May 2026. For the February 2027 intake, applications should go in by September–November 2026. The February intake is increasingly popular among Indian students because it offers more preparation time for scholarship applications compared to the mid-year July intake. If you are currently completing your bachelor's degree in India and planning to study in Australia in 2027, your scholarship preparation should begin now. EEC helps you build a scholarship timeline aligned with your target intake and institution list.
Warning
Combine Scholarships with Part-Time Work for Maximum Savings
The smartest financial strategy for Indian students in Australia in 2026 is combining scholarship funding with 48-hour/fortnight part-time work. Here is a realistic example: An Indian student at the University of Adelaide wins AUD $15,000/year in tuition scholarship, reducing annual tuition from AUD $35,000 to AUD $20,000. Working 48 hours per fortnight at AUD $24.95/hour earns approximately AUD $2,400/month (AUD $28,800 over 12 months — covering most of the AUD $29,710 living cost requirement). With the casual loading rate of AUD $31.19/hour (common in hospitality and retail), monthly earnings can reach AUD $3,000. During university breaks, unlimited work hours push monthly income to AUD $4,000–$5,000. Combined, the scholarship and work income cover nearly all expenses, leaving the student's family responsible primarily for the initial visa costs and first-semester deposit. For education loan planning, this combined funding approach dramatically reduces the loan amount needed. Students considering alternative pathways should explore studying without IELTS, studying after 12th, or options for those with academic backlogs.
Scholarships in Australia for Indian students in 2026 are more accessible than most families believe. The competition is real — but so is the funding. From fully-funded Australia Awards to automatic AUD $10,000–$30,000 merit bursaries at mid-tier universities, every scholarship reduces your out-of-pocket cost and strengthens your Genuine Student visa case. The key is applying strategically: start early, apply broadly to 4–6 universities, maximise your academic profile, target auto-applied awards, and leverage Destination Australia at regional campuses for both funding and PR benefits. Whether you aim for a Go8 scholarship at the University of Melbourne or a regional award at Charles Darwin University, EEC helps Indian students maximise their scholarship outcomes. Book a free consultation with EEC — our scholarship specialists have helped thousands of Indian students secure funding at Australian universities. Visit your nearest EEC centre or compare Australia with other destinations to make your decision with confidence. For course-specific guidance, read our best courses for PR guide.
Frequently Asked Questions: Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
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