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Scholarships to study in Australia

Real government, university and trust scholarships open to Indian students, with values, eligibility and deadlines for 2027 entry.

For Indian students · Updated 26 Oct 2026

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Scholarships listed

12

Government and EU

3

University awards

6

Trusts and foundations

3

Scholarships in Australia at a glance

Quick read

  • Most scholarships for Indian students in Australia come from universities, as fee discounts of 20% up to full tuition.
  • Several awards are automatic: the University of Melbourne's graduate scholarship gives 20% off tuition for the whole course to top-ranked master's applicants from eligible countries (check the official list).
  • Australia Awards are for students from selected developing countries, so check the official list. Destination Australia pays A$15,000 a year to students, including international students, at regional campuses.
  • Research students can get tuition offsets and a living stipend through the Research Training Program.
  • Deadlines follow the intakes: apply for February 2027 now, or plan for July 2027.

Australia does not have one big national scholarship for Indian students, so the real opportunities sit with universities. Most offer merit awards to new international students, and many of them are assessed automatically from your course application. A few, such as UNSW's International Scientia scholarship or Deakin's Vice-Chancellor's award, need a separate application.

Below are real scholarships with their published values and how to apply. Values are in Australian dollars. None of them is guaranteed, so plan your budget without the award and treat it as a saving if it comes.

Types of scholarships in Australia

  1. 01

    University merit scholarships

    Fee discounts or fixed amounts for students with strong marks. Many are automatic; the top awards need an application and are very competitive.

  2. 02

    Government schemes

    Destination Australia supports study at regional campuses, and the Research Training Program funds research master's and PhD students.

  3. 03

    Research scholarships

    PhD and research master's students can receive a tuition offset and a living stipend through their university.

  4. 04

    Indian trusts

    Trusts such as K.C. Mahindra, J N Tata and Narotam Sekhsaria fund postgraduate study abroad, usually as interest-free loan scholarships.

All scholarships in one table

Scholarships for Indian students in Australia
ScholarshipTypeLevelValue
Destination Australia (opens in a new tab)Australian Government, through participating institutionsGovernmentCertificate IV to doctorateA$15,000 a year
Research Training Program (RTP) (opens in a new tab)Australian Government, through universitiesGovernmentResearch master's and PhDTuition fee offset, and at many universities a living stipend
Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)The University of MelbourneUniversityMaster's20% off tuition for the length of the course; at least 300 awards
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)The University of MelbourneUniversityBachelor's2024 values (the latest the university has published; later years not yet confirmed): A$10,000 off first-year tuition, or 50% or 100% fee remission for the three-year degree
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships (opens in a new tab)The University of SydneyUniversityBachelor's and coursework master'sA$5,000 to A$60,000 (tiered by ranking)
International Scientia Coursework Scholarship (opens in a new tab)UNSW SydneyUniversityBachelor's and master'sFull tuition, or A$20,000 a year towards tuition (programme duration)
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Deakin UniversityUniversityBachelor's and master's50% or 100% of tuition for the normal length of the course
Monash International Tuition Scholarship (MITS) (opens in a new tab)Monash UniversityUniversityResearch master's and research doctorate (PhD)Covers the course tuition fees and a single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy; the number of awards varies
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad (opens in a new tab)K.C. Mahindra Education TrustFoundationMaster's and PhDInterest-free loan scholarship of up to ₹10 lakh for the top three, and up to ₹5 lakh for others
J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship (opens in a new tab)J N Tata Endowment (Tata Trusts)FoundationMaster's, PhD and postdoctoralLoan scholarship; the amount is decided case by case after an interview
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Narotam Sekhsaria FoundationFoundationMaster'sFull or part scholarships given as repayable, interest-free financial assistance (amount not fixed)
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) (opens in a new tab)Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of IndiaGovernmentMaster's and PhDTuition, maintenance and other allowances, paid through Indian Missions abroad; amounts are in the scheme guidelines

Values are as published by each provider on the date of our research. Most awards are competitive and limited in number, so none of them is guaranteed.

Government scholarships in Australia

  • GovernmentCertificate IV to doctorate

    Destination Australia

    Australian Government, through participating institutions

    Value
    A$15,000 a year
    Who can apply
    Domestic and international students studying at a regional campus of an eligible provider. Each institution runs its own selection.
    Deadline or window
    Set by each institution; check the regional university you apply to
    Official page for Destination Australia (opens in a new tab)Check my eligibility
  • GovernmentResearch master's and PhD

    Research Training Program (RTP)

    Australian Government, through universities

    Value
    Tuition fee offset, and at many universities a living stipend
    Who can apply
    Domestic and international research students; you apply to the university with your research application.
    Deadline or window
    Set by each university, often in rounds for Semester 1 and Semester 2
    Official page for Research Training Program (RTP) (opens in a new tab)Check my eligibility
  • GovernmentMaster's and PhD

    National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

    Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India

    Value
    Tuition, maintenance and other allowances, paid through Indian Missions abroad; amounts are in the scheme guidelines
    Who can apply
    Low-income, meritorious students from the Scheduled Castes, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisans. 125 awards a year, 30% for women. Income, age and marks limits are in the scheme guidelines.
    Deadline or window
    Apply on the NOS portal (nosmsje.gov.in) when the yearly call opens; check the official page
    Official page for National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) (opens in a new tab)Check my eligibility

Get a scholarship shortlist for your profileShare your marks, test scores and budget, and our counsellor will match you to Australia scholarships you can realistically win.

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University scholarships in Australia

Trusts and foundations (including Indian trusts)

  • FoundationMaster's and PhD

    K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad

    K.C. Mahindra Education Trust

    Value
    Interest-free loan scholarship of up to ₹10 lakh for the top three, and up to ₹5 lakh for others
    Who can apply
    Indian citizens with a first-class degree (or equivalent diploma) from a recognised university, starting a postgraduate programme at an overseas university. Final-year students can apply with proof of a first class before the end of June. At least 50 awards a year.
    Deadline or window
    The 2026 round closed on 30 April 2026; the next round usually opens early in the year
    Official page for K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad (opens in a new tab)Check my eligibility
  • FoundationMaster's, PhD and postdoctoral

    J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship

    J N Tata Endowment (Tata Trusts)

    Value
    Loan scholarship; the amount is decided case by case after an interview
    Who can apply
    Indians who have completed their undergraduate studies at a recognised Indian university, going abroad for higher studies. Selection is on merit only.
    Deadline or window
    The 2026–27 form window ran from 5 January to 29 March 2026; expect a similar window in early 2027
    Official page for J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Check my eligibility
  • FoundationMaster's

    Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship

    Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

    Value
    Full or part scholarships given as repayable, interest-free financial assistance (amount not fixed)
    Who can apply
    Merit-based, for Indian students of academic excellence going on to postgraduate study in India or abroad. Check the official page for fields and other conditions.
    Deadline or window
    Applications are closed for now; check the official page for the next call
    Official page for Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Check my eligibility

Scholarship calendar for 2027 entry

Scholarship calendar
WhenWhat to do
October to December 2026February 2027 applications close. Melbourne and Sydney awards are assessed with your course application. UNSW Scientia closes 30 October 2026.
January to March 2027Indian trusts open: J N Tata, Narotam Sekhsaria and K.C. Mahindra. Apply for July 2027 courses and the scholarships that need forms.
March to May 2027Sydney's Semester 2 2027 rounds close 15 February to 3 May 2027. Check each scholarship page for other July 2027 forms.
June to September 2027Research scholarship rounds for 2028 and early applications for February 2028.

Eligibility and documents

What selectors usually look for

  • High academic results: automatic awards often look for 75–85% or more; the top awards want the top few percent.
  • An offer, usually unconditional, for an eligible course.
  • For application-based awards: a strong statement, leadership or community work, and references.
  • Full-time, on-campus study on a Student visa.
  • Keeping up your grades, since many awards are renewed each year only if you pass with a set average.

Documents to keep ready

  • Offer letter or application ID
  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, and degree transcripts for master's
  • English test score report
  • Scholarship statement or essay
  • References (for some awards)
  • CV with achievements and leadership
  • Passport copy

How to apply, step by step

  1. List the scholarships at each university on your shortlist and note which are automatic.
  2. Apply for your course early in the cycle, because automatic awards are given as offers are made.
  3. For awards with a form, prepare a short statement on your achievements, goals and why the course fits.
  4. Ask two referees early, if the award needs references.
  5. Submit before the round closes and keep the confirmation email.
  6. Accept the scholarship in writing and check the conditions for keeping it each year.

Want help with your scholarship essay?Our counsellor will review your statement and references so they match your course application.

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Tips to improve your chances

  1. 01

    Know which awards are automatic

    For automatic awards your course application is your scholarship application, so make your marks and documents complete.

  2. 02

    Apply early in the cycle

    Limited awards are often given as offers are made. Applying in the first months of the window helps.

  3. 03

    Look beyond the big cities

    Regional campuses can offer Destination Australia funding and lower living costs.

  4. 04

    Show what you did, not just your marks

    For competitive awards, describe a project you led, a problem you solved or people you helped.

  5. 05

    Check renewal rules

    Many awards continue only if you keep a credit or distinction average. Know the rule before you accept.

Scholarships in Australia: FAQs

Can Indian students apply for Australia Awards?

Australia Awards are for students from selected developing countries. Check the official eligible-country list before you plan around it; many Indian students rely on university scholarships.

Are there fully funded scholarships in Australia for Indian students?

A few university awards can cover full tuition, such as UNSW's Scientia scholarship (one option) and Deakin's Vice-Chancellor's award, and research students can get stipends. Living costs are rarely covered for coursework students.

Do I need IELTS to get a scholarship?

You need to meet the course's English requirement, which is usually shown with IELTS, PTE or TOEFL. The scholarship itself rarely sets a separate English score.

Can I get a scholarship for the July intake?

Yes. Most university scholarships run for both intakes, although some have more places in February.

Does a scholarship help with my visa?

It reduces the tuition you have to show, but you still need funds for living costs and travel. Keep the award letter with your visa documents.

What is Destination Australia?

An Australian Government scheme that pays A$15,000 a year to students at regional campuses. Each participating institution runs its own selection.

Sources

  1. Study Australia: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
  2. Department of Education: Destination Australia (opens in a new tab)
  3. University of Melbourne: International Graduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
  4. University of Melbourne: International Undergraduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
  5. University of Sydney: Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships (opens in a new tab)
  6. UNSW Sydney: international scholarships (opens in a new tab)
  7. Deakin University: Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (opens in a new tab)

Researched on 26 Oct 2026. Scholarship values, eligibility and deadlines change every year; always confirm on the official page before you apply.

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