Australia Awards Scholarships 2028 Intake: Eligibility, Benefits, Selection and How to Apply

Australia Awards Scholarships are funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They pay for people from eligible developing countries to complete a degree at an Australian university, most often a master’s. They were previously called Australian Development Scholarships. Each country has its own application round, usually opening in February and closing between March and April.

This guide explains what the scholarship covers, who can apply, how applicants are assessed, the documents and how to apply step by step. Dates for the 2028 intake are estimates until your country’s round opens. It was last checked on 4 October 2026.

Australia Awards Scholarships 2028 intake at a glance

What are Australia Awards Scholarships?

The scholarships are part of Australia’s development cooperation. They are meant for people who will return home and use their studies to help their country develop. For this reason each country has its own priority fields, and you are expected to choose a course in one of them.

What do Australia Awards cover?

The scholarship covers full tuition, return air travel, an establishment allowance when you arrive, a contribution to living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover and an introductory academic programme. The living contribution is paid at a rate set by the Australian Government. We have not confirmed the current figure, so check your country’s Australia Awards page for the amount that applies to your intake.

Who can apply?

• You are a citizen of a participating country and you live there.
• You are not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
• You meet the specific requirements set for your country.
• You agree to return home for at least two years after the award.

Requirements such as work experience, English scores and eligible fields differ by country. Your country’s Australia Awards page is the place to check them.

Documents you need

• The online application on the Australia Awards portal
• Transcripts and degree certificates
• CV
• Referee reports
• A letter of support from your employer, where required

How applicants are assessed

DFAT states that applicants are assessed on three criteria, and that the selection process includes an interview:

1. Academic competence.
2. Potential outcome, specifically your contribution to development in your home country.
3. Professional and personal leadership attributes, including relevant work experience.

DFAT describes the potential to make an impact on development as the most important of these.

Expected timeline

These months follow earlier rounds. Your country’s page gives the exact dates.

How to apply for Australia Awards, step by step

1. Open your country’s Australia Awards page and read its requirements and priority fields.
2. Choose a course in a priority field at an Australian university.
3. Prepare your documents, including referee reports and employer support if needed.
4. Write your application answers with clear examples for each of the three criteria.
5. Submit the online application before your country’s deadline.
6. Prepare for tests and the interview if you are shortlisted.

Tips to strengthen your application

• Link your chosen course to a real development need in your country, and say what you will do with it after you return.
• Use your work experience to show leadership: decisions you made, people you guided and results you achieved.
• Choose a course in your country’s priority fields.
• Prepare interview answers with a specific example for each criterion.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Describing personal career goals with no link to development at home.
• Choosing a course outside the priority fields.
• Using the dates or rules of another country’s round.
• Giving general interview answers with no examples.

How to choose your course

• Start with the priority fields on your country’s Australia Awards page.
• Choose a course that leads to a clear role at home, in government, a company, a university or an organisation.
• Check the entry requirements of the Australian university, including the English score.
• Pick two course preferences if the form asks for them, both in the same field.

How to answer the application questions

The application asks written questions that map to the three selection criteria. For each one, use real examples:

1. Academic competence: your results, any awards and how you have kept learning since graduating.
2. Contribution to development: name a specific problem in your country, explain how the course gives you the skills to work on it and describe what you will do in the first years after you return.
3. Leadership: describe a situation where you led a team or a change. Say what you did, how you worked with others and what the result was.

DFAT describes the potential to make an impact on development as the most important of these, so give that answer the most care. Avoid general statements about wanting to help your country.

How to prepare for the interview

Shortlisted applicants are interviewed, and some countries also set a test. The panel returns to the same three criteria, so prepare a specific example for each. Be ready to explain why you chose your course and university, how your employer or sector will use your new skills and what could stop your plan from working. Practise aloud with a colleague. See our scholarship interview tips.

Referee reports and employer support

Referee reports carry weight because they confirm your leadership and work record. Choose a supervisor who has seen your work directly and an academic referee if the form asks for one. Where your country requires employer support, ask early for a letter that confirms your role and, if possible, that you can return to it. See our guide on getting strong recommendation letters.

A preparation plan

1. November and December: read your country’s page and priority fields, and shortlist courses.
2. January: take an English test if you need one, and ask your referees and employer.
3. When the round opens: draft your answers to the written questions.
4. Two weeks before the deadline: upload your documents and review each answer against the three criteria.
5. After you submit: prepare for tests and the interview.

After you are selected

Successful applicants are told later in the year. Australia Awards then helps with your university admission, your student visa and your travel. Most scholars take part in an introductory academic programme before the course starts. You sign a contract that includes the commitment to return home for at least two years after your studies.

If you are not selected this year

Australia Awards run every year, and many scholars are selected on a later attempt. If you are unsuccessful, look at which criterion was weakest. A stronger link between your course and a development need, another year of work experience with clear responsibility, or a better English score can each change the result. Keep a copy of your answers so you can improve them for the next round.

Work experience: what counts

Leadership is assessed through what you have actually done. Paid work, long-term volunteering and roles in community organisations can all show it. For each role, be ready to give your position, the dates, what you were responsible for and one result you achieved. Short internships help less than sustained work in one area.

Frequently asked questions

Is IELTS required for Australia Awards?

English requirements are set for each country and by the Australian university. Check your country’s page for the scores it accepts.

Which countries are eligible?

Participating countries are listed on the DFAT website. Each has its own page, rules and dates.

Do I have to return home?

Yes, for at least two years after the award.

Is there an interview?

Yes. The selection process includes an interview for shortlisted candidates.

When do applications open?

Country rounds usually open in February and close in March or April.

Where to apply

Start on the official Australia Awards page on the DFAT website. See our Australia Awards page for the full details, and our guide to scholarships in Australia for research scholarships at Australian universities.