Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious international scholarships funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). 

These awards support individuals from eligible countries to undertake full-time TAFE, undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian institutions. Swinburne has been proudly involved in the Australia Awards scholarship program for over 20 years. 

At Swinburne University of Technology, Australia Awards scholars benefit from a vibrant academic environment, industry-connected learning, and personalised support services that empower them to become leaders of change in their home countries. The scholarships aim to foster enduring people-to-people links and contribute to the development priorities of partner nations through education, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
 

Eligibility and Conditions

In addition to country-specific eligibility requirements, applicants must meet general eligibility requirements including age and citizenship requirements, program and study area criteria, and all general entry and English requirements set forth by the University for the selection destination degree. Full eligibility details can be found in the Australia Awards Scholarship Handbook. 

Applicants who wish to join the Australia Awards Scholarship program will need to sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia declaring that they will comply with the conditions of the scholarship.

Upon completion of studies, awardees are required to return to their home country for at least 2 years (unless alternative arrangements approved by DFAT for a short-term visit ie. professional opportunities). Failure to do so will result in the awardee incurring a debt for the total accrued cost of their scholarship. View scholarships conditions on the DFAT Australia Awards website for further information.

Priority areas of study are listed under each country's profile on the Australia Awards website. Before selecting your course, you should review your country's priority sectors to ensure your chosen Swinburne course aligns. development to determine whether your chosen Swinburne course aligns.

If you are applying to undertake research as part of a Master or PhD program, find out more about our 15 designated research centres where you could complete your research.

Please refer to your individual country profile for detailed eligibility criteria.

Australia Awards scholarships are comprehensive and include a number of different benefits and entitlements.

Benefits offered to students include:

• full tuition fees
• return air travel–payment of a single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, via the most direct route
• establishment allowance–a once only payment as a contribution towards accommodation expenses, text books, study materials
• Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) – a fortnightly contribution to basic living expenses paid at a rate determined by the department.
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP)–a compulsory program prior to the commencement of formal academic studies covering information on living and studying in Australia
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only)–provided to cover the scholar's basic medical costs (with the exception of pre-existing conditions)
• Pre-course English (PCE) fees–if deemed necessary PCE may be available for students for in-country and/or in-Australia training
• supplementary academic support may be available to ensure a scholar's academic success or enhance their academic experience
• fieldwork (for research awards and Masters by coursework which have a research component where fieldwork is compulsory) may be available for eligible research students for one return economy class airfare via the most direct route to their country of citizenship or within Australia.
• A full list of entitlements can be found at the Australia Awards website or Australia Awards Scholarship Policy Handbook.

Before you apply, read our suggested application timeline below.

• January – April: Apply to Australia Awards in your home country (remember to list Swinburne as your 1st preference!)
• April – August: Australia Awards applications assessed 
• August: Australia Awards sends placement requests to institutions for shortlisted applicants 
• September – October: Institutions make course offers to Australia Awards. Australia Awards liaises with successful applicants and issues offer contracts to students
• October – December: Pre-departure arrangements (pre-departure seminar in your home country, visas, flights, temporary accommodation)
• January: Depart for Melbourne (Introductory Academic Program commencement) 
• March: Main course commencement 

For detailed information on Australia Award Scholarships and when and how to apply, refer to the Australia Awards Scholarship website and the opening and closing dates. Follow these three steps to apply for an Australia Awards scholarship:

Step 1

Review the Swiburne course guide and Australia Awards website for information on your study options.

Step 2

Review your eligibility to determine whether your chosen Swinburne course meets the criteria. 

If you wish to undertake research as part of a master degree or PhD program, read about Swinburne’s designated research centres where you could complete your research.

Step 3

Submit your application to the Australia Awards office in your home country. 

Please note that strict application deadlines apply. We encourage you to apply early.

If you require assistance with your application or want to learn more about the Australia Awards program at Swinburne, please contact us ausawards@swin.edu.au

Swinburne provides Australia Awards scholarship recipients comprehensive arrival services and support. Read our guide here.

For course related information, you can also submit an online enquiry.