11 master’s scholarships in Australia for international students

Beautiful scenery, great quality of life, top-ranked universities, and the many master’s scholarships in Australia make the country a go-to destination for international students worldwide.

With nine universities in the top 100 institutions in the world, according to QS World University Rankings 2025, there’s no surprise that those seeking to pursue lucrative postgraduate degrees make their way to the Land Down Under.

And while studying abroad can be expensive, these universities have just the scholarship to help you lighten the financial burden.

Beachgoers enjoy a sunny day on Bondi beach in Sydney — one of the many great tourist attractions the country has to offer. Source: AFP

The best master’s scholarships in Australia for international students

Rotary Peace Fellowship

Each year, the Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fully-funded fellowships for master’s degrees for those interested in studying peace and development issues. The fund covers tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.

If you’re hoping to study in Australia, you can apply for this fellowship and earn a master’s degree in international studies and peace and conflict studies at the University of Queensland‘s Graduate Centre of Governance and International Affairs.

Australian Government Research Training Programme

Over 30 of Australia’s higher education providers (HEPs) are eligible for research block grant (RBG) funding, which in turn allows these institutions to accept those interested in participating in the Research Training Programme (RTP).

The RTP scholarship covers one or more of the following: tuition fees offset, a stipend for general living costs, and allowances related to the ancillary cost of higher degree research. Universities involved in the programme include top-ranked ones such as the University of New South Wales, Monash University, and the Australian National University.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australia Awards Scholarship aims to contribute to the development needs of the country’s partner countries.

The award covers full tuition fees, a two-way ticket to and from Australia, a settlement allowance, medical insurance, and more. Over 50 institutions are involved in the scholarship, including multiple
technical and further education (TAFE) establishments such as TAFE NSW and TAFE SA.

Deakin University Scholarships

Deakin University (DU) is known to be a progressive and open-minded institution in the state of Victoria. With an institution that promotes practical and independent learning for graduates with job-ready skills, would you think twice?

The good news is that DU has great options for scholarships, grants, and financial aid for international students at the postgraduate level. For instance, there’s the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship covers your full tuition or up to 50% and a priority place for on-campus accommodation. 

University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship

If you’re considering being an international student in Australia, the University of Melbourne would be a good place to start. As the country’s number one and world leader in education, teaching and research excellence, there’s a wide range of courses to choose from.

The Graduate Research Scholarship includes a full fee offset for two years, a living allowance of 38,500 Australian dollars (US$24,646) a year for up to two years, and health insurance.

 

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Griffith University Scholarships

Led by their values, Griffith University prioritises teaching and research along with innovation and social impact. Their motto is that everyone deserves a chance to make a difference for themselves and others. 

If you’re considering an impactful study and research programme as an international student in Australia, take a look at the scholarships on offer. Whether it’s for academic achievement, disability support, equity support, or more, the university has got your back. 

Charles Darwin University Scholarships

As part of the elite group of “rising stars,” institutions Charles Darwin University offers an education like no other. For international students in Australia, this is one of the prime destinations for high-quality education and successful graduate employment outcomes. 

Here, the Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships (VCIHAS) covers 50% of the tuition fee for the full duration of your programme. 

Everyone can use some support, and with these master’s scholarships in Australia, you won’t have to stress out about your finances while pursuing your studies. Source: AFP

University of Queensland Scholarships

As seen in its string of impactful research, it’s no wonder the University of Queensland (UQ) is the country’s leading teaching institution. This university strives to create, preserve, transfer, and apply knowledge. 

Being an international student in Australia at UQ will guarantee an education and leadership skills to build a better world. From Employability Grants to the Destination Australia Scholarship, there’s a whole list of postgraduate financial support options. 

University of Sydney Scholarships

The University of Sydney is an institution known for making lives better by producing leaders who can serve communities at any level. Ranked #2 among the best universities in the country, any time spent here will be helpful in your research.

Here, there’s an array of options for any international postgraduate student in any faculty. Some of the scholarships even go up to AU$40,000 (US$25,594).

Many of Australia’s universities acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which they work, learn and live on, and it’s something international students will come across often. Source: AFP

University of South Australia Scholarships

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is renowned for its modern facilities and academics who are experts in their field. With more than 140 graduate degrees on offer, you’ll definitely be sure to find something to suit your ambitions.

From International Merit Scholarships to the BUPA UniSA International Student Grant, this university in Adelaide is the perfect place to thrive as an international student in Australia.

Monash University Scholarships

As a modern, global, research-intensive institution, Monash University takes the reigns in delivering education and research excellence in Australia. As seen through its positive impact on today’s global challenges, this is a place for those who want to go above and beyond.

Here, postgraduates can choose from a wide range of scholarship options across the university’s various faculty. 

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on December 10, 2024.