Dreaming of studying in Australia in 2026 but worried about the high costs? You aren’t the only one. With tuition fees for international students now ranging between AUD 30,000 and AUD 50,000 per year (approx. ₹18.11 Lakh to ₹30.19 Lakh) and living expenses climbing, the total bill can feel out of reach.
However, the Australian Government’s 2026 National Planning Level of 295,000 new student commencements includes strengthened scholarship frameworks designed to attract high-quality applicants. While the “Integrity Reset” means Indian applications face more scrutiny under Evidence Level 3, securing a scholarship does more than just lower your costs; it proves your academic credibility and financial readiness to visa officers.
Types of Scholarships in Australia Available for International Students
1. Government-funded Scholarships: Prestigious programs such as the Australia Awards Scholarship and the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP).
2. University-funded Scholarships: Institutions like Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, and Macquarie University offer internal merit awards.
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3. Research & PhD Scholarships: These are primarily for postgraduate research degrees like a Research Doctorate or Research Master's.
4. Subject-Specific and Regional Scholarships: Awards like the Destination Australia scholarship support students choosing to study in regional Australia.
Top Scholarships in Australia for International Students
Finding the right financial aid is a crucial step for anyone studying in Australia. These prestigious awards are designed to support high-achieving students by covering significant portions of their tuition and living expenses.
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Coverage / Benefits | 2026 Key Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Australian Govt | Full tuition, living stipend, travel, OSHC | 30 April 2025 (for 2026) |
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Govt/Uni | Tuition fee and health insurance for up to 3 years | 31 August 2025 (Intl Round) |
| Destination Australia | Australian Govt | AUD 15,000 annually for regional study | 20 January 2026 |
| Melbourne Undergraduate | Univ. of Melbourne | Up to AUD 56,000 towards tuition fees | Automatic Consideration |
| Adelaide Global Excellence | Univ. of Adelaide | 50% reduction in tuition fees | Varies by Intake |
Top Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
For the 2026 intake, Indian applicants can leverage exclusive bilateral and university-specific programs.
1. Maitri Scholarships
This premier program is designed for top-performing Indian students pursuing PhD research in Australia within critical STEM fields.
- Offered By: Maitri scholarships
- Value: Grant amounts range from a minimum of AUD 220,000 (approx. ₹1.33 Crore) to a maximum of AUD 439,000 (approx. ₹2.65 Crore) over four years.
- Benefits: Covers full tuition fees, a living stipend, travel expenses, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Must be an Indian citizen and not a permanent resident of Australia; research must focus on priority STEM areas like Clean Energy, Agribusiness, or Health.
- Deadline: 14 January 2026 (requires university nomination first).
2. Monash International Leadership Scholarship
A prestigious award for high-achieving international students intending to study undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees.
- Offered By: Monash University
- Value: 100% course fee waiver for the full duration of the degree.
- Benefits: Covers 100% of course fees; includes an ambassador role to represent the university.
- Eligibility: Based on outstanding academic achievement in previous studies.
- Deadline: Applications for 2026 are processed in rounds:
- Round 3: 15 January 2026
- Round 4: 15 March 2026
- Round 5: 15 April 2026
3. Macquarie Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
This merit-based award supports international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate coursework at Macquarie University.
- Value: Up to AUD 10,000 applied toward total tuition fees.
- Benefits: Provides a significant reduction in tuition costs for high-achieving Indian students.
- Eligibility: Requires strong academic achievement in previous studies; must be a citizen of India.
- Deadline: This scholarship application is always open throughout the year.
Postgraduate & PhD Scholarships in Australia
Graduate students often have higher funding odds because of the heavy focus on research and specialized coursework.
- Master’s Coursework: Many universities offer automatic bursaries or partial fee waivers for high-achieving Indian students.
- Master’s by Research: Often fully supported via the Research Training Program (RTP), which provides AUD 34,000 per annum made fortnightly plus a full fee offset.
- PhD Scholarships: Most PhD scholarships in Australia for international students include a stipend (approx. AUD 34,315/year for 2026) and a tuition fee offset.
Who Is Eligible for Scholarships in Australia?
To win a competitive scholarship in Australia for Indian students, you must meet these benchmarks:
- Academic Excellence: The primary criterion for most scholarships is a good academic score, often requiring 65% or higher depending on the award.
- English Proficiency: Minimum IELTS 6.5 or 7.0 or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores.
- Confirmed Admission: You usually must hold a full or conditional offer from a participating university.
- Leadership & Community: Some government or merit-based awards also look for leadership qualities or volunteering.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Australia?
- Research Early (12 Months Out): Check if your scholarship requires a separate application or is "automatic" upon admission.
- Apply for Admission: Most university scholarships require a full or conditional offer before assessment.
- Submit Documentation: For 2026 intakes, ensure all academic transcripts SOP and LORs are prepared in advance.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success
- Start Early: Begin the procedure about 8–12 months before the preferred intake begins.
- SOP Positioning: Highlight how your education in Australia solves a problem in India and contributes to your career goals.
- Apply Broadly: Apply for government, university, and regional grants simultaneously to maximize your chances.
Conclusion:
Securing a scholarship in Australia for 2026 is a rewarding process that requires diligence and high academic standards. By starting early and tailoring your application, you can achieve your global dreams.
Ready to maximize your chances?
LeapScholar experts help you navigate the high-stakes Evidence Level 3 environment. From shortlisting the right Australia masters scholarship to editing your SOP for maximum impact, we ensure your application stands out.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
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How can I get a full scholarship in Australia?
To secure a full scholarship, you must demonstrate exceptional academic merit, typically maintaining a GPA of 85% or higher or a 95% score in your highest qualification. Most fully funded awards, such as the Australia Awards or Research Training Program (RTP), also require proof of leadership potential, community involvement, or high-impact research capability. You should begin your research 12 months in advance, apply early for university admission, and prepare a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) along with required English proficiency scores like IELTS (6.5–7.0).
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How much CGPA is required for a scholarship in Australia?
While requirements vary by institution, most competitive scholarships require a minimum academic average of 65% to 75%. To be considered for 100% tuition waivers or prestigious merit awards, you typically need a higher standing, such as an 85% average for undergraduate or a GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Some universities, like the University of Adelaide, offer tiered discounts (15–30%) based on a GPA of 5.0 to 6.0 on a 7-point scale.
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Is India eligible for the Australian Awards scholarship?
Yes, India is a participating country for the Australia Awards Scholarships, and Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the 2026 intake. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, meet the specific English proficiency requirements, and satisfy the university’s entry criteria for their chosen postgraduate or research course. A key condition of this award is the commitment to return to India for at least two years after graduation to contribute to local development.
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How to study in Australia from India for free?
Studying for free is possible through highly competitive, government-funded "full-ride" scholarships that cover 100% of tuition, living stipends, airfare, and health insurance. The Australia Awards and Maitri Scholarships are primary options for Indian students that essentially allow you to study at no cost. Additionally, PhD candidates can utilize the Research Training Program (RTP), which provides full tuition offsets and significant living allowances for the duration of the research degree.
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