Application Deadline: 30 April 2025 (11:59PM AEST)
Applications are now open for the 2026 Australia Awards Scholarships. Australia Awards scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders in developing countries. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.
Eligible Countries
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Priority fields of study
The priority areas of study for eligible African countries in this application round are:
• Agriculture and food security
• Climate change
• Foreign policy and international security
• Gender, disability, and social inclusion
• Mining and energy
Eligibility Requirements
Country-specific conditions In addition to the eligibility requirements, candidates from eligible African countries must also meet the following conditions:
- Be a minimum of 25 years of age on 1 February 2026
- At a minimum, have 5 years of post-graduate work experience, working in a field relative to their field of study
- Be employed at the time of applying for the scholarship
- Be a citizen of Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe and be residing in and applying for the scholarship from their country of citizenship, unless working for an African Regional Organisation or working on diplomatic mission for their home country.
- Not already hold or be undertaking a Master’s degree or equivalent (equivalent to a Master’s degree in home country)
- Already hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree)
- Not have previously received a long-term Australia Award Meet the minimum English language proficiency of at least 6.5 in IELTS with no band less than 6.0 (an internet based TOEFL score of at least 84, with a minimum of 21 in all subtests, or PTE Academic overall score of 58 with no communicative skill score less than 50). Scores must be valid on 1 January 2025. (Excluding candidates if their first language is English and they have undertaken their education in English).
Level of study
Australia Awards scholarships provide citizens of eligible African countries with the opportunity to obtain a Master’s qualification at an Australian tertiary institution. Awards will be offered for commencement in 2026.
Australia Award Benefits
Australia Awards scholarships are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian education institution, including any preparatory training. Scholarship recipients will receive the following:
- return air travel
- a one-off establishment allowance on arrival
- full tuition fees
- contribution to living expenses
- introductory academic program
- overseas student health cover for the duration of the scholarship
- supplementary academic support
- fieldwork allowance for research students and masters by coursework which has a compulsory fieldwork component,
- Reasonable accommodation for scholars with disabilities that need this support.
Application dates
For study commencing in Australia in 2026:
- Opening date: 1 February 2025
- Closing date: 30 April 2025 (11:59PM AEST)
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Australia Awards Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships
