Introduction

Studying in Australia sounds like a dream, right? 

Kangaroos, coastal campuses, top-ranked universities and weekend trips to the Great Barrier Reef. 

But then, what about the cost, fees, living expenses?

In 2024, the average cost of studying in Australia touched INR 30 to 35 lakhs per year for Indian students, depending on the university and lifestyle choices. 

That’s a lot, but you don’t always have to pay the full price. You can opt for scholarships in Australia.

Australian universities, the government, and even private bodies offer tons of scholarships that can help cover tuition, living costs, or both. And some are specifically for Indian students. 

In this blog, we’ll break it all down, from types of scholarships, how much you can get, how to apply, and the top awards worth aiming for in 2025.

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What Are the Criteria for Applying to Scholarships in Australia?

To apply for scholarships in Australia, international students (including Indians) must typically meet three core criteria: academic performance, English proficiency, and admission to an eligible programme or university.

Most universities and government bodies assess your eligibility based on these:

  • Academic Merit: A minimum GPA of 65-85% in your previous qualification is commonly required. Some top scholarships (like the Australia Awards) expect even higher scores or a strong academic record across years.

  • English Language Proficiency: Almost all scholarships require valid English test scores. Minimum accepted scores usually are: IELTS: 6.5 or above, TOEFL iBT: 79-90, PTE: 58-65

  • Admission Offer: You must hold an unconditional or conditional offer from a recognised Australian university. The course level (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) should match the scholarship’s requirements.

Some scholarships may also consider Financial need or low-income background, Community involvement or leadership and specific country eligibility (many scholarships list India as a priority country)

The exact criteria depend on the scholarship, so it’s best to double-check the official university or government website before applying.

Suggested: Exams to Study in Australia

How Much Money Is Available Through Scholarships in Australia?

Most scholarships in Australia offer funding between INR 2 lakhs and INR 32 lakhs (around AUD 4,000 to AUD 60,000) depending on the course, university, and your profile.

Here’s how it usually works:

  • Government-funded scholarships like the Australia Awards or Destination Australia can cover full tuition fees, living costs, travel, and even health insurance. These can go up to AUD 60,000 per year (INR 32 lakhs approx).

  • University scholarships often range between 10% to 50% tuition fee waivers, depending on your academic merit or English proficiency scores. For example, Deakin University offers up to 100% tuition fee waivers for top performers, while University of Newcastle grants up to AUD 60,000 in total benefits.

  • Some scholarships also provide bi-monthly living allowances (around AUD 2,000) or one-time relocation grants for students moving from India or other eligible countries.

List of Scholarships in Australia

There are countless university and government scholarships to study in Australia for Indian students and other students. These scholarships are designed to attract meritorious students and those who want to pursue work after graduation. Here is a list of government and universities in Australia for international students scholarships you can refer to:

  • Australian Awards Scholarships
  • Victoria University Scholarship
  • Australian Government Research Training Program
  • Destination Australia Scholarship
  • Deakin University Scholarship
  • University of Newcastle Excellence Scholarship
  • Griffith University Academic Scholarship
  • Edith Cowan University Scholarship
  • Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
  • University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

Let's discuss each of the scholarships in Australia for Indian students one by one below:

1. Australian Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships is a long-term award offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It aims to contribute to developing partner universities' needs that align with the policies.

This scholarship opportunity in Australia is for people from developed countries, especially Indo-pacific ones, to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate study at the participating universities and TAFE institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

 

Must be enrolled in Participating institutions in undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

 

Benefits

  • Full tuition fees waiver
  • Air travel ticket payment
  • Establishment allowances
  • Contribution to living expenses
  • Pre-course English fees
  • Overseas Student Health Cover

2. Victoria University Scholarship

Victoria University supports hundreds of international students annually through its scholarships. It provides a range of externally funded and university-specific scholarships to support students.

This scholarship provides financial assistance to students during their studies. Some offer a stipend to cover the tuition fees and living costs, while others provide only partial funding opportunities.

Some popular scholarships are VU Global leaders, International, Pathway, and Future Leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

Students commencing their higher education diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) studies in 2024-25.

Benefits

10% to 20% tuition fees

Suggested: Education Loan for Australia

3. Australian Government Research Training Program

This training program aims to support domestic and international students pursuing a research-based master's and doctorate degree. It is valid for around 42 recognised Australian institutions covering their tuition fees.

Students are required to apply for the scholarship from the university before the deadlines. The selection of the students will be based on academic merit, research training, and their academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria

  • International students enrolled in an accredited course at an Australian university.
  • Must satisfy the academics of your respective master and doctorate students.
  • A minimum language test scores should be
    1. TOEFL: 79
    2. IELTS: 6.5
    3. PTE: 62

Benefits

  • Stipend
  • Student Health Cover
  • Relocation Allowance
  • Dependent Child Allowance
  • Thesis Allowance

4. Destination Australia Scholarship

Destination Scholarships are offered by the Australia Department of Education. It is for domestic and international students looking for financial aid in Australia.

However, the total number of universities and tertiary scholarship providers changes yearly. You need to apply to a recognised education provider to avail it. Anyone from Certificate IV level to a PhD level can apply for the scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Students enrolled into Certificate IV level to a PhD program
  • Full paying and non-sponsored students
  • At least 75% in previous academic
  • Have Valid Student Visa
  • Tertiary education course

Benefits

Over 15,000 AUD per year

Suggested: How to Settle in Australia?

5. Deakin University Scholarship

Deakin University provides scholarships to students with consistently high academic performance and with the potential to make a leading contribution to the university and their communities. Those applicants who fail to fill out the scholarship form can be automatically considered.

This scholarship in Australia is for international and domestic students to start their university studies. It is recommended to apply at least one month before starting your studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be a prospective university student
  • Have an overall score in between 79% to 85% based on the type of scholarship.
  • WSM of 65 or more in last education
  • Overview of any extracurricular activities
  • Personal Statement

Benefits

20% to 100% of tuition fees

6. University of Newcastle International Excellence Scholarship

University of Newcastle International Students scholarships in Australia for Indian Students applies to their full-time on-campus degree program at the university. The amount under this scholarship is varied based on the type of program chosen to study.

The university also doesn't have a specified deadline for the scholarship. The students will be selected based on their GPA and ATAR during the admission process.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Have Valid Indian Passport
  • Enrolled full-time UG and PG Program at University
  • Paid the full course fees
  • Have a GPA of at least 6.5 for PG
  • An ATAR score of 93 for UG

Benefits

Upto 60,000 AUD

Suggested: Australia Student Visa Guide

7. Griffith University Academic Scholarship

Griffith University offers financial assistance to both their international and domestic students. Some of these are full scholarships for international students in Australia, while some grants a tuition fees waiver.

The university doesn't require any application to be eligible for the scholarship, you will be assessed on a theoretical basis. It will be applied prior to the census data of each trimester on meeting the ongoing enrollment requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be an international student
  • Have a minimum of 5.5 GPA or above in 7 point scale or equivalent.
  • Satisfy all academics and language proficiency requirements.
  • Be full time. Students starting their studies in 2025.

Benefits

  • Upto 50% tuition fees
  • Or upto 30,000 AUD

8.  Edith Cowan University Scholarship

ECU world-ready scholarship rewards needy students financially by assisting them in getting a world-class education. All the academic scholarships offered to international students are assessed automatically at the time of their application, making it easier for them to apply directly to their chosen course and be assessed simultaneously.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be an international student
  • Study in the university campus
  • Not be in receipt of any other scholarships
  • Commencing the program in 2024 to 2024
  • Studying any one of the eligible program

Benefits

20% to 50% tuition fees

Suggested: Exams to Study in Australia

9. Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

The Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award designed to recognise academic excellence among international students. It supports students enrolling in selected undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at Macquarie University. The scholarship is competitive and awarded based on academic performance and course selection.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Full-time international student
  • Commencing UG or PG coursework at Macquarie
  • Must meet academic and English requirements
  • Cannot hold another Macquarie scholarship

Benefits

  • Up to AUD 10,000 (INR 5.4 lakhs approx)
  • One-time tuition fee reduction

10. University of Melbourne Graduate Research

This scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards offered by the University of Melbourne. It is open to high-achieving domestic and international students pursuing a master’s by research or doctoral degree. The scholarship automatically considers eligible applicants when they apply for eligible programmes.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applied for or enrolled in a graduate research programme at University of Melbourne
  • Strong academic and research record

Benefits

  • Full tuition fee waiver (up to AUD 110,000+)
  • AUD 37,000 annual stipend (INR 20 lakhs approx)
  • Relocation grant (AUD 2,000–3,000)
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Government Funded Scholarships for Indian Students

There are a few major government-funded scholarships in Australia that Indian students can apply for, and they’re designed to cover more than just tuition. These are competitive, but if you meet the eligibility, they’re worth going for. Most of them are either fully funded or offer large financial support including living costs and travel.

Here are the top government scholarships available:

Scholarship Name

Who Can Apply

What It Covers

Australia Awards Scholarships

UG and PG students from Indo-Pacific countries, including India

Full tuition fee, airfare, living allowance, OSHC, establishment costs

Research Training Program (RTP)

Masters by research or PhD students

Full tuition waiver, stipend (~AUD 37,000/year), relocation allowance, OSHC

Destination Australia Scholarship

Students enrolling in regional Australian universities

AUD 15,000 per year for up to 4 years (INR 8.1 lakhs/year), applies to all levels

These scholarships are funded either by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Department of Education. Make sure to apply early and meet the specific university and course eligibility guidelines.

Suggested: Education Loan for Australia

How to Apply for Scholarships in Australia?

Applying for scholarships in Australia isn’t complicated—but it does need clarity, planning, and early action. Most universities offer different types of scholarships, and some require separate applications. The key is knowing where to look and what to prepare.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you apply the right way:

Step 1 - Start by shortlisting your universities and courses

Different universities offer different scholarships. Choose the ones aligned with your field and goals.

Step 2 - Check the eligibility for each scholarship

Go to the official university or government site and look at who can apply, don’t assume all scholarships apply to international students.

Step 3 - Note the deadlines and application windows

Most scholarships close months before intake. Keep a spreadsheet or reminder - missing a date = missing your shot.

Step 4 - Prepare essential documents in advance

Common requirements include academic transcripts, proof of English language, CV, SOP, and recommendation letters.

Step 5 - Check if the scholarship needs a separate application

Some scholarships are auto-considered when you apply to the university. Others may need an additional form or essay.

Step 6 - Apply online through official portals only

Whether it’s a university portal or a government site like Australia Awards, stick to official sources and avoid third-party sites.

Step 7 - Follow up, but don’t panic

Once applied, keep checking your email and portal for updates. Scholarship decisions may take a few weeks to months.

How are Scholarships Beneficial for Studying in Australia?

In 2024, the average cost for international students in Australia was around INR 32 lakhs (AUD 60,000) per year, including living expenses in Australia. That’s a big number for most Indian families. With tuition, rent, groceries, and everything in between, your budget can take a serious hit.

This is where scholarships make all the difference.

  • They open doors. 
  • They reduce stress. 
  • And they let you focus on your studies, not your bills.

Here’s how a scholarship can genuinely help you while studying in Australia:

  • Covers a large chunk of your tuition fees: Some scholarships cover 20 to 100 percent of your course fee depending on your academic profile.

  • Helps with living and travel expenses: Certain scholarships offer stipends that can cover housing, local transport, or even airfare.

  • Less financial burden on your family: With partial or full scholarships, your parents don’t have to dip into long-term savings or take big loans.

  • Better access to top-ranked universities: Many top universities prefer applicants with scholarship potential, it signals academic merit.

  • Adds weight to your CV: Being awarded a scholarship shows you're driven, talented, and recognised, which looks great to future employers.

Important Tips For Getting Scholarships in Australia

Getting a scholarship is a mix of

  • Timing
  • Effort
  • Strategy

Every year, thousands of students apply for scholarships in Australia, but only a few actually get them. 

Why? 

Because most miss the small but crucial things that can make all the difference.

If you’re serious about securing funding for your studies, you need to treat the scholarship application like a goal, not an afterthought. 

Here are some key tips that can improve your chances:

1. Apply Early

Good scholarships run out fast. The earlier you apply, the higher your chances of grabbing one before the deadline rush.

2. Research Every Scholarship

Don’t just stick to the popular ones. Dig into university websites, government portals, and third-party sources to find options that match your course and background.

3. Community Life

Universities love students who go beyond books. Involvement in clubs, volunteering, or leadership roles can strengthen your scholarship application.

4. Assess Eligibility Criteria

Sounds basic, but many students skip this step and get rejected instantly. Always double-check if your course, nationality, and scores actually fit the scholarship terms.

5. Excellent Academics

High grades speak louder than words. Whether it’s a merit-based scholarship or a research grant, a strong academic record is always your biggest advantage.

Suggested: Post Study Work Permit inn Australia

From the Desk of Yocket

Scholarships can feel like a maze. You’ll find tons of options online, but not everything is meant for you. 

Some are country-specific, some are super competitive, and others may sound good but barely cover a fraction of your costs. 

That’s why it’s important to go beyond just “Googling” and actually understand how scholarships work in the context of your course, university, and timeline. Most students wait too long or apply without reading the fine print, and that’s where things go sideways.

At Yocket, we don’t promise shortcuts. But with Yocket Premium, we do make the process more structured and personalised. We help you identify scholarships that you actually have a shot at, align them with your application goals, and make sure you’re not missing key deadlines.

If you’re stuck or just want to stop second-guessing every step, it’s okay to ask for help. That’s what we’re here for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships in Australia

Which university gives the most scholarship in Australia?

What are the requirements for Australian scholarship for International Students?

Are there any specific scholarships available for different degrees?

Which universities in Australia offer international scholarships?

What is a merit based scholarship in Australia?

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time in Australia?

Are there scholarships available specifically for Indian women or underrepresented communities?

Do scholarships cover the entire cost of studying, including living expenses?

Will my chances improve if I apply early for scholarships?

Can I get a scholarship after I’ve already started studying in Australia?

Do I need to repay scholarships later?