8 distinguished Australian undergraduate scholarships open to international students

With its pristine beaches, world-class education, and pretty good post-graduation opportunities, the Land Down Under has never ceased to be a top choice for study abroad enthusiasts. Each year, there are countless Australian scholarships open to international students who are keen to sample some of the world’s best academic offerings.  

Australian universities are ranked favourably globally: five schools made the cut in the top 50 list of the latest QS World University Rankings, with the prestigious Australian National University leading at the 30th position. Despite losing foreign student numbers to pandemic-related travel restrictions, the country’s reopening in December 2021 has since shown a positive recovery. 

If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Australia anytime soon, keep in mind that the standard intakes are usually in February and July each year. As you weigh your options, check out these undergraduate Australian scholarships that you may qualify for as an overseas student: 

Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships valued at anywhere between 20% to 100% of your tuition fees. Source: William West/AFP

Top Australian scholarships for international students offered by universities

Australian National University (ANU) Chancellor’s International Scholarship

With 200 awards up for grabs, this merit-based scholarship is open to all international students accepted to ANU, and is divided into 12 categories. At the undergraduate level, winners are entitled to a 25% fee waiver for the entirety of their studies. They may also qualify for country-specific awards, and will always be assessed for the highest-value award they’re eligible for first. The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2022.

Bond University International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

Bond University is known to be the number one university in Australia for student satisfaction at the undergraduate level, so getting your bachelor’s degree here is worth every cent spent.

You won’t have to fork out as much though with the International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship, which remits 50% of the tuition fee for the winner’s chosen programme. You’ll need to be a high achiever with a minimum ATAR of 96 or equivalent to have a shot at this competitive award, and applications are still open for incoming students.

James Cook University (JCU) Vice Chancellor’s International Student Scholarship

One of the most generous Australian scholarships offered to international students, this award provides up to A$40,000 annually to winners for the minimum course duration. Applications are strictly invitation-only to those with a weighted average mark of 85% or higher, and are assessed automatically when you submit your course applications. The next round of assessments will open on Oct. 10, 2022.

La Trobe University’s Vice-Chancellor Excellence Scholarship — India and Sri Lanka

Future students from these two countries may be eligible for a 100% tuition fee scholarship if they meet all requirements. The award is applicable to bachelor’s-level studies on any of La Trobe’s campuses, and students must be registered to study full-time.

Candidates will be examined by a selection panel based on academic and extracurricular achievements, and recipients must be willing to be international student ambassadors for the university throughout their study period.

Melbourne is home to the campuses of La Trobe University and Monash University, both of which receive high enrolments of international students annually. Source: William West/AFP

Southern Cross University, Outstanding Academic Excellence Scholarship

Worth up to A$60,000, this is one of the best Australian scholarships for newcomer students who prefer to live away from big cities. The award will be divided at A$15,000 per annum for their entire study duration.

The scholarship is open to international applicants admitted to the Bachelor of Engineering System (Honours) and Bachelor of Science programmes at the Lismore campus, and the Bachelor of Science degree at Coffs Harbour.

University of Canberra’s Vice-Chancellor’s Social Champion Scholarship

This award will be given to those commencing their studies in the first semester of 2023. With a value of up to A$50,000 yearly, overseas students accepted to any full-time degree programme could stand a chance to win this prestigious scholarship, as long as they hold a minimum of 80% average in their course requirements. The scholarship is currently open and will close on Oct. 9, 2022.

Sir John Monash Scholarships for Excellence

International students completing Australian Year 12 or International Baccalaureate in Australia with an ATAR of 98+ or equivalent will be automatically considered for this scholarship. There are only 10 awards per year, and the total amount is valued at up to A$40,000, divided over a period of four years maximum. Considering its well-known reputation, winners may be asked to take part in promotional or marketing activities by the university.

Griffith Remarkable Scholarship

This Australian scholarship from Griffith University rewards exceptional full-time incoming students. It covers half of the tuition fee amount and is valid for the entire degree programme. Students must have applied to study at Griffith by the scholarship deadline in each trimester, and satisfy all entry requirements for their courses. The full grade point average criteria for the award by country are listed here.