In this article you will find the 10 best scholarships to study in Australia in 2026 with their actual requirements, what they cover financially, key dates and how to apply from Spain or Latin America.
What types of scholarships are available to study in Australia?
Scholarships for international students come from three main sources: the Australian government, the universities themselves, and private or international organizations such as Rotary. Within these sources, you can find funding for all levels: undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and technical programs.
What the Australian government doesn’t typically offer directly are scholarships for English courses that’s left to private institutions. That said, there are full scholarships available to study in Australia that cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance (OSHC), a monthly stipend, and even round-trip flights. They are competitive, but within reach for those who prepare well in advance and strategically.
The 10 best scholarships to study in Australia in 2026
1. Australia Awards — Australian Government Scholarship
The Australia Awards are the most comprehensive program offered by the Australian government for international students. Their aim is to develop future leaders from allied countries and strengthen long-term international relations. It’s not just academic funding it includes support before, during, and after the program.
Level of studies: Postgraduate, research and professional training.
Key requirements: be a citizen of an eligible country (mainly Indo-Pacific, Africa and the Caribbean), have a good academic record, have relevant work experience and not be married to an Australian citizen.
What does it cover?
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Complete |
| Flights | International round trip |
| Health insurance | OSHC included |
| Maintenance | Monthly stipend |
| Additional support | Academic orientation prior to the start |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
| February | April–May |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
2. Research Training Program (RTP)
The Research Training Program (RTP) is the Australian government’s initiative to attract international research talent. Its duration of 3 to 4 years and annual stipend of approximately AUD 38,500 (US$25,400) allow you to focus on your research without worrying about monthly expenses. It is managed directly through each participating university, so the application process varies by institution.
Level of studies: PhD and research master’s degree.
Main requirements: offer of admission to a university affiliated with the program, outstanding academic record and prior research experience.
What does it cover?
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full (Tuition Fee Offset) |
| Maintenance | ~$38,500 AUD annually |
| Thesis expenses | Subsidy included |
| Health insurance | OSHC included |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
| March–July | August–October |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
Read Also: Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students
3. Destination Australia — The scholarship to study in regions
Destination Australia is committed to bringing talent to rural and regional areas of the country rather than concentrating it in Sydney or Melbourne. In 2026, participating regional universities have added an extra year of Post-Study Work Rights for recipients a significant advantage if you plan to pursue a career in Australia after graduation.
Level of studies: Undergraduate, Master’s and technical programs.
Main requirements: be enrolled or accepted at a university located in a rural region, have a good academic record and demonstrate interest in residing in that area during your studies.
What does it cover?
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual subsidy | Up to $15,000 AUD |
| Post-Study Work Rights | An additional year (new for 2026) |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
| February–March | Variable depending on the university |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
4. University of Melbourne Scholarships
The University of Melbourne is the second oldest in Australia and boasts eight Nobel laureates among its faculty and researchers. What makes this scholarship particularly attractive is that you don’t need to apply separately: if you are admitted with an outstanding academic record, the scholarship committee will automatically evaluate you. For postgraduate studies, the scholarship can cover up to AUD$135,000 plus health insurance, making it one of the most generous in the country.
Level of studies: Undergraduate and postgraduate (master and research).
Main requirements: excellent prior academic record and having received an offer of admission to the university. No additional application is required.
What does it cover?
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate enrollment | Partial or full (~30 scholarships of $10,000 AUD and ~10 at 100%) |
| Postgraduate enrollment | Up to $135,000 AUD |
| Health insurance | Included in postgraduate studies |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
| January | October |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
5. Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship — University of Sydney
The University of Sydney, Australia’s oldest university and ranked in the world’s top 20 by QS, offers one of the country’s most competitive merit-based scholarship programs. It operates on an automatic application process no further paperwork is required. The scholarship is divided into four tiers of financial support applied to first-year tuition fees.
Level of studies: Undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s). Not applicable to some medical and health programs.
Main requirements: be an international student, have an offer of admission, have exceptional academic performance and not have previously studied at the University of Sydney.
What does it cover?
| Level | Amount (AUD) | Approx. in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $40,000 | ~$26,400 |
| Level 2 | $20,000 | ~$13,200 |
| Level 3 | $10,000 | ~$6,600 |
| Level 4 | $5,000 | ~$3,300 |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Recommended closure |
|---|---|
| February, April and June (3 rounds) | September of the previous year |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
6. International Excellence Scholarships — University of Queensland
The University of Queensland in Brisbane, ranked among the top 40 in the world by QS 2025, seeks candidates who combine a strong academic record with proven leadership. They don’t just look at your grades they value what you’ve done outside the classroom. In addition to tuition discounts, they offer access to professional networks and mentorship programs that are truly valuable if you plan to pursue a career in Australia.
Level of studies: Undergraduate and postgraduate.
Main requirements: offer of admission to the university, outstanding academic record and leadership skills or outstanding extracurricular achievements.
What does it cover?
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Reduction from 25% to 50% |
| Extras | Access to mentorship and professional networks |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
| January | October |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
7. UTS Scholarships — University of Technology Sydney
UTS is one of Australia’s most modern universities, with a strong focus on technology and business. Its scholarships for international undergraduate students offer two distinct levels based on your high school grades: a full scholarship for top students and a 50% scholarship for International Baccalaureate students.
Level of studies: Undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree.
Main requirements: 85% or higher high school grade for the full scholarship; minimum IB score of 28 for the 50% scholarship. Open to international students from any country.
What does it cover?
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full scholarship | Full tuition (85%+ in high school) |
| 50% Scholarship | Average enrollment (IB with a score ≥28) |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
| November 1st | November–December |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
8. Rotary Scholarship — University of Queensland (Master’s in Peace and Conflict)
Rotary International fully funds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Queensland. It’s the most specialized program on this list, but also one of the most comprehensive. If your background is in international cooperation, human rights, mediation, or diplomacy, it’s worth exploring.
Level of studies: Master in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Main requirements: minimum 3 years of work experience directly related to peace and conflict resolution, excellent academic record in any discipline. Active members and employees of Rotary clubs are not eligible to apply.
What does it cover?
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Complete |
| Accommodation and meals | Throughout the master’s program |
| Flights | Round trip |
| Health insurance | Including |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
| April | October |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
9. Adelaide University Scholarships
The University of Adelaide has produced five Nobel laureates and is one of the most respected institutions in the country. Its international scholarships offer discounts ranging from 25% to full tuition coverage, plus a monthly stipend and health insurance in the best cases. This is especially relevant for those wishing to pursue a research-based master’s or doctoral degree.
Level of studies: Undergraduate, Master’s and Doctorate.
Main requirements: Academic record equivalent to an Australian first-class honours degree. Open to international students from any country except Australia and New Zealand.
What does it cover?
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Discount of 25%, 50% or 100% |
| Maintenance | Monthly allowance (best cases) |
| Health insurance | Included (best cases) |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
| January and July | January and July |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
10. Edith Cowan Scholarships — For Spanish-speaking students
Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth has something that sets it apart: its eligibility is restricted to citizens of specific Spanish-speaking countries, which significantly reduces competition. If you are from one of the eligible countries, you have a real advantage over candidates from other regions of the world.
Level of studies: Undergraduate, Master’s and Doctorate.
Main requirements: be a citizen of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico or Venezuela.
What does it cover?
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate and Master’s | 20% discount on tuition |
| Doctorate | Full scholarship with health insurance |
Indicative dates
| Opening | Closing |
|---|---|
| June | June–July |
⚠️ Always check the exact dates on the official website before applying.
Read Also: Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for International Students
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most comprehensive scholarship for studying in Australia?
The Australia Awards is considered the most comprehensive scholarship for studying in Australia, as it covers virtually all living and studying expenses: full tuition fees, round-trip international flights, OSHC health insurance, a monthly living stipend, and academic guidance before the program begins. It is directly funded by the Australian government and is designed for students from developing countries who wish to pursue a postgraduate or research program at an Australian university.
Are there full scholarships to study in Australia that also cover living expenses?
Yes, there are several full scholarships available for studying in Australia that cover both tuition and living expenses. The most notable are the Australia Awards, which includes a monthly stipend in addition to tuition and flights, and the Research Training Program (RTP), which offers an annual stipend of approximately AUD 38,500 to help PhD and research master’s students cover their living expenses without needing to work while studying.
What are the common requirements for applying for a scholarship in Australia if you are Latin American or Spanish?
Although each scholarship has its own criteria, there are requirements common to almost all Australian calls for applications: an official English language certification such as the Academic IELTS (generally with a minimum score between 6.5 and 7.5), an outstanding academic record, official documents translated into English with a certified translation, a well-reasoned statement of motivation, and, in many cases, letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors. For doctoral scholarships, they also usually require prior research experience or a project proposal.
Do you need work experience to get a scholarship in Australia?
It depends on the type of scholarship. For undergraduate scholarships and some academic master’s programs, work experience is not a mandatory requirement, and the emphasis is primarily on academic record. However, for scholarships such as the Australia Awards or the Rotary University of Queensland Scholarship, relevant professional experience is a key selection criterion—in the case of Rotary, they even require a minimum of three years of experience directly related to the field of study.
Are scholarships in Australia open to students from all countries?
Most Australian university scholarships are open to international students from any country in the world, but some have specific restrictions. The Australia Awards, for example, prioritize citizens of developing countries in the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean. Conversely, the Edith Cowan Scholarships are exclusively for citizens of Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina, among others, which reduces competition and increases the chances for this specific profile.
