Overview
Contributing to Australia’s student pool, India ranks as 2nd largest source of International students for the country. Even with tightening educational rules and regulations over 118,109 Indian students enrolled in Australian educational Institutions in the year 2024. If we compare this data to 2023 records, it might show a decline in student numbers but it was driven by the refined visa rules, International student capacity, and rising education costs, studying in Australia which might sound complicated for many aspiring Indian students.
Annual tuition fees for UG and PG courses can range from AUD 20,000 to 50,000 depending on the course and university of choice. In addition to this, living expenses also add up to a significant cost. It includes accommodation, food, utilities and transportation which can pile up to AUD 18,000 to AUD 30,000 annually.
To guide students on a comfortable and affordable educational journey abroad, this blog will guide Indian students to the best scholarship opportunities to reduce their cost of education without compromising their quality of education. Our list comprises a few top scholarships only, there are a much more extensive number of scholarships provided for students internationally.
Government Funded Scholarships
The national government provides government scholarships to support eligible international candidates in their government funded scholarships. Such programs aim to promote culture, education exchange, diversity and international collaboration in the country. It may include full or partial fee payment, allowance, insurance etc.
- Australia Awards Scholarships
This is a scholarship for students of the Asia Pacific region managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Students must be recent graduates or in their final year of tertiary-level degrees from a targeted institute in India. The program has a goal to contribute to the development of the partner countries and drive a change in international students and their countries.
| Eligibility | Benefits | Application Window |
| Students must have: CGPA of 7.5 or more. Endorsement letter from their institute | Scholarship covers: Tuition fee waivers Travel fare Establishment allowancesContribution to living expensesOverseas health allowanceIntroductory academic program Supplementary academic support | Applications are open from: February to April every year. |
- Destination Australia Program
Destination program offers around 1000 scholarships per year for Indian students. For this students must be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course at regional Australian campuses. The program aims to attract more students to Australia and helps students study courses under the national skills list.
| Eligibility | Benefits | Application Window |
| Students must have: An international student with a valid visa.Enrollment in a full-time course.Live in a regional area of Australia Meet the English proficiency requirements of the institute | Scholarship covers: Tuition fee waivers. AUD 15,000 annually Includes tuition, living costs, and travel costs. | Applications are open from: July to August every year. |
- Research Training Program (RTP)
RTP scholarships help to fund students undertaking research in Australia. Students must be enrolled in a master’s research degree at any recognised Australian Institute. It aims to promote the research studies of students to help them become scholars.
| Eligibility | Benefits | Application Window |
| Students must have: Enrollment in a full-time masters course | Scholarship covers: Tuition fee waivers. Scholarships worth AUD 140,000 including fees, and living expenses.Duration of 2 years of master’s degree or 3 years of their doctorate. | Applications are open from: September to December every year. |
- Australia India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF)
AISRF is a program for students to support collaborative research studies between India and Australia. The program aims to strengthen the common challenges faced by the countries with joint research efforts. The scholarship amount is different for every course and research depth mainly in study areas of science, technology, and innovation.
| Eligibility | Benefits | Application Window |
| Students must have: An Indian partner must apply for a grant in India. The project must be completed within 3 years. | Fund covers: Grants can be from AUD 500,000 TO AUD1,000,000 depending upon the study.Contribution to equipment costs and staff salaries. | Applications are open from: January to March every year. |
- University-specific scholarships
University-specific scholarships are different for every student depending upon their choice of courses and their university. Every university offers a wide range of benefits to students focusing on their all-around development and easy study abroad journey.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits | Application Window 2025 |
| Deakin University International Scholarship | Students applied to UG or PG programs at the university. Great academic records | 25% tuition fee off for the course. | January 2025 |
| Monash University Merit Scholarship | Minimum ATAR of 85% or great academic records | Up to 100% fee coverage depending on the merit of the student. | March 2025 to October 2025 for different intakes |
| University of Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship | Minimum ATAR of 85% or GPA of 5.5 for PG courses | 15% tuition fee off for the program | April 2025 |
| Griffith University International Postgraduate Coursework Excellence Scholarships | Minimum GPA of 5.5 or equivalent | Up to 50% off on tuition fees for the program | 28 January 2025 for round 2 |
| University of Queensland International Scholarship | Meet university minimum academic requirements and English proficiency | Up to 50% off on tuition fees for the program | 10 January 2025 |
| Charles Sturt University Foundation Scholarships | Students must have excellent academic achievements. | AUD 1,000 to AUD 10,000 off as per the merit | January to July 2025 |
| RMIT University School of Computer Science and Information Technology Scholarships | Students must be enrolled on a UG or PG course in computer science or IT | AUD 5,000 discount on tuition fees | 31 January 2025 |
| University of Western Australia Global Excellence Scholarship | Minimum ATAR of 85 or higher or WAM of 65 or above | Full or partial fee waivers depending on grades and courses | 31 December 2024 |
| University of Canberra International Bachelor of Engineering Scholarship | Meet university minimum academic requirements and English proficiency | AUD 5,000 discount on tuition fees for the first year | 26 January 2025 |
| Bond University International Scholarships | Students must apply to UG or PGMeet university minimum academic requirements and English proficiency | Full tuition fee coverage for the course | 10 January 2025 |
How to Study in Australia
Step 1 – Research your scholarships and find the one that suits your capabilities the best. Start your research 10 – 12 months before the intake starts. Don’t limit yourself and apply to as many universities as you can practically.
Step 2 – Be certain of deadlines and intake periods. Research well and be sure to find the right date and intake period that you want to join.
Step 3 – Complete all your necessary proficiency tests at least 6 months before the intake starts.
Step 4 – Prepare necessary documents which may include a CV, statement of purpose, Letter of recommendation, academic records, financial statements, study visa etc.
Step 5- Submit your applications 4 to 12 weeks before the deadline.
Conclusion
Make your study abroad journey smooth with a proper scholarship to support your dreams. With your study abroad guide, EduLaunchers, you can always find the best options to guide your academics in the right direction. Start early and research well to make sure you never miss out on amazing opportunities to grab the best scholarships to ease your academics. Increase your chances of getting the best opportunities for your scholarships and Choose us as your partner and get assistance in every step of your journey.
