Scholarship Guides Australia Awards Scholarships: How to Apply
Australia · Application Guide
Australia Awards Scholarships: How to Apply
Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term awards from the Australian Government. They support students from developing countries, mainly in the Indo-Pacific, to study in Australia. Applications are made online through the OASIS system, and the program in your country sets its own eligibility limits and closing date.
Administered by: Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DFAT)
Written by Zain Aqdas, Founder and lead researcher, Scholarships AtlasLast updated 30 October 2026
What it covers
- Full tuition fees for the study program
- Return economy airfare between Australia and your home country
- An establishment allowance at the start of study
- A contribution toward living expenses
- Introductory academic and pre-departure support
- In some countries, support for health costs for the duration; travel and study allowances as set by the program
Eligibility
- Citizenship and residency of a participating country (as defined by each country's program)
- Meet the academic and English-language requirements of the institution and program
- Not be currently serving military personnel
- Meet the program's age, work-experience and other country-specific criteria (set per country)
- Meet any special conditions (e.g. prior study in Australia restrictions) defined by the program
Application — step by step
- 1
Check your country's Australia Awards program
Australia Awards are delivered country by country, often through a local managing contractor / Australia Awards Office. Confirm your country participates and note its specific eligibility criteria, priority sectors and closing date.
- 2
Lodge your application online through OASIS
All applications must be lodged online through the Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS) at oasis.dfat.gov.au. Submit well before the closing date. OASIS sees peak usage in the final days and can become slow.
- 3
Upload supporting documents
Upload all required supporting documents (academic transcripts, proof of citizenship, references, etc.) to meet your country's specific eligibility and evidence requirements.
- 4
Country-level shortlisting and interviews
The Australia Awards office in your country considers applications, and may shortlist and interview candidates before forwarding nominations.
- 5
Offer and admission
Successful candidates receive an offer, secure admission to their Australian institution, and complete pre-departure orientation. Note that holding an offer of admission is not by itself an offer of a scholarship.
- 6
Travel to Australia and begin study
Awardees travel to Australia under the program's arrangements and begin their study program.
Typical documents needed
- OASIS online application (completed and submitted before the closing date)
- Proof of citizenship / passport copy
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- English-language test results as required (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL)
- Letters of reference / referee contact details as required
- Any country-specific evidence (e.g. birth certificate, work references)
Annual cycle
Dates move every year — always confirm on the official portal before planning around them.
- Varies by country
- Applications open and close on a yearly intake; countries set their own dates (e.g. a 2027 intake may open the prior year and close ~a few months later)
- Varies
- Country-level assessment, shortlisting and interviews
- Following calendar year
- Awardees begin study in Australia