Are there government scholarships available with deadlines and intake-wise criteria in Australia for a Master's/Postgraduate?
Yes, the Australia Awards Scholarships, run by DFAT, open applications February 1 and close April 30 each year for study starting the following year, requiring 2 to 3 years of work experience plus country eligibility. The Destination Australia Program offers a separate regional alternative with university-set deadlines.
Yes, the Australian Government runs the Australia Awards Scholarships, or AAS, for postgraduate students, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Your eligibility depends heavily on your country of citizenship, since the program targets students from participating developing countries with fields tied to Australia's bilateral aid agreements. Applications typically open February 1 and close April 30 each year, for study starting the following year.
Key Deadlines and Criteria for AAS
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application Window | Opens February 1, closes April 30, for study starting the following year |
| Example Cycle | The 2027 intake application cycle ran February 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026 |
| Work Experience | Most country profiles require 2 to 3 years of relevant full-time work experience |
| Academic Standing | Completed undergraduate degree with a GPA around 3.0/4.0 or local equivalent |
| Return-Home Mandate | Must leave Australia for at least 2 years after completing studies |
A Second Option: Destination Australia Program
If you are open to studying in regional Australia rather than a capital city, the Destination Australia Program offers scholarships directly through individual regional universities and TAFEs, such as the University of Tasmania, Charles Sturt University, or Federation University. Deadlines and criteria vary by institution, so you need to check each university's scholarship portal for its specific Semester 1 or Semester 2 intake dates.
My Advice
Check your specific Country Profile on the official DFAT Australia Awards website first, since eligible fields of study and requirements depend entirely on your citizenship. If you do not qualify for AAS, look into the Destination Australia Program as a regional alternative with its own separate deadlines.
September or January: which intake can you still make?
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