Australian Government Scholarships for International Students
Narratively, Australia has a very appealing education system that international students get to utilize as they seek to achieve their academic objectives. One of the factors captivating students from overseas is the existence of a number of scholarship schemes instituted by the Australian government. With the help of these scholarships, international students no longer have to worry about the tuition fees, living costs, or any other expenses.
In this article, we will examine some of the questions international students eligible for Australian government scholarships are likely to ask, reviewing their application processes and the benefits of the scholarship.
Why would you like to go to Australia for study?
Let’s now proceed to the specific scholarships being offered by the Australian government, as it would be prudent to first appreciate the reasons why study abroad students prefer Australia:
High Qualifications
There are many top universities in Australia and all of them possess state-of-the-art research facilities and undergraduate, postpartum and doctoral programs. For instance, the University of Melbourne, Australian National University (ANU) and University of Sydney are some of the best performing institutions in the world.
Culturally Rich/Multicultural
Australia has a very warm and welcoming feeling to international students due to its multicultural societies. There are more than 600000 international students in Australia on a yearly basis so it is always a melting pot of cultures.
Employment Opportunities Following the Study
International students in Australia are also given the option of applying for the post-study work visa which provides them with the opportunity of gaining valuable Australian work experience after completing their studies thus adding value to their education.
Assistance for Foreign Students
Many initiatives such as scholarships, support services, and visa options have been implemented by the Australian government for the benefit of foreign learners.
Scholarships for foreign students from the Australian government
In the bid to achieve the best foreign talents to the Australian educational funding, the government has instituted different schemes of stipends to foreign students. Below are the primary scholarships available for students at different levels of study.
Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) is on the class of topmost and exclusive Scholarships offered by the Australian government. This scheme promotes altruism and seeks to encourage and foster education cooperation and long lasting relationships in knowledge between Australia and the countries involved in the program.
Noteworthy Features of Australia Awards Scholarships:
Tuition Fees Coverage: This scholarship fully finances the tuition cost of the scholarship programme for the scholarship beneficiaries.
Travel Expenses: This makes available to the trouble making students air tickets reasonable in price.
Initial Disbursement: A once-off payment worth at least $300 to cover start-up costs including housing and books.
Biweekly Allowance: This is a payment made every two weeks about the student’s cost of living in Australia while undertaking their studies.
Health Insurance: The scholarship also covers the medical expenses incurred through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Introductory Academic Program: This assists the recipients in getting used to their new surroundings while providing information on how to live and study in Australia.
Support for Fieldwork: Students enrolled in research degrees also receive funding support for in country fieldwork and one round trip to home country.
Eligibility Criteria:
The candidate has to be a national of the countries participating to the Australia Awards program.
Scholarship and ELP Requirement: They must fulfill the academic requirements and English proficiency level of the scholarship.
They are open for applicants with a good academic standing and those who can demonstrate leadership potentials in their countries.
How to Apply:
Check Eligibility: Confirm that you are eligible based on the eligibility requirements of your country.
Submit Application: All Applications are through the official Australia Awards website and relevant documents including academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and purpose statement are submitted.
Application Deadlines: This starts in February and goes as far as April each year as the applicants will have been satisfied.
Destination Australia Scholarship
The Destination Australia Scholarship Program is aimed to recruit overseas students to regional Australia. Australian regional universities incorporate practical components in education and also have small classroom sizes.
Key Features of Destination Australia Scholarships:
Up to AUD 15,000 per Year: Under this scholarship scheme, up to AUD 15,000 per annum is provided to the student to assist him/her with his/her tuition and living expenses.
Available for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies: This scholarship is flexible in that students can apply for the scholarship to pursue any degree program offered in various institutions.
Eligibility Criteria:
Usually, all the applicants are enrolling in the undergraduate or postgraduate programs offered at any of the host regional universities participating in the program.
The international students should also be a holder of a valid student visa.
It is award-based and only those students who possess the requisite academic qualifications and are willing to study in regional areas of Australia need apply.
How to Apply:
Choose a University: Apply for the Destination Australia Scholarship from a regional partner university participating in the programme.
Submit Application: Submit your application to the university of your choice and include the necessary supporting documents like transcripts and personal statement.
Application Deadlines: Deadline of course work application differs with the institution and so applicants are advised to check with the university.
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships, as the name implies, are administered by the Australian government and awarded to international students who wish to pursue research-based Master’s and PhD degrees.
Key Features of RTP Scholarships:
Tuition Fees: The RTP Scholarships specifically exempt candidates from paying tuition fees on either of the research degrees.
Living Allowance: A living allowance was awarded to the successful candidates for the duration of the research period.
Additional Research Support: In addition, students can be reimbursed for other research activities such as fieldwork and cost of publications.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicant must be enrolled in a higher degree research program conducted by an Australian university or other accredited institution.
The award of scholarship is based on merit, research ability and fit with the university’s chosen research area.
How to Apply:
Contact the University: Apply directly to the university where you intend to study. Each university has its own application procedures for RTP, so be sure to adhere to this.
Prepare Research Proposal: Appropriate willingness and ability to draw upon local expertise and work directly with stakeholders (eg, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Duke University).
Check Deadlines: The RTP Scholarships have various cut-off dates in different universities hence there is need to confirm in your institution.
Endeavor Postgraduate Scholarship Program
The Endeavour postgraduate scholarship is an international program which assists international students to study postgraduate studies whether coursework, research degree or masters in any course subject in Australia.
Key Features of Endeavour Scholarships:
Tuition Fees: The scholarship bears all the annual tuition and study costs which are to be incurred during the program.
Monthly Living Allowance and Other Entitlements: An allowance is given monthly to students to take care of their living costs.
Travel Grant: Reimbursement of certain airfare costs which is limited to travelling from and into the peripheral of Australia.
Health and Travel Insurance: Medical, travel insurance and excursion insurance services are provided by the scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be citizens of all or some eligible country.
They should possess good academic and leadership skills.
Knowledge of the English language level is required.
How to Apply:
Online Application: Apply via the official website of the Endeavour Scholarships by filling in an online application form with the required documents (include the transcripts, statement of purpose, and research proposal (if any).
Check Deadlines: The applications are usually opened in the month of April and closed in the month of June every year.
How to Apply for Australian Government Scholarships
Making an application for the Australian government scholarships is quite an involving and requires thorough planning on the candidate’s part. Here are a few basic steps that you need to observe.
Research the Scholarship: Familiarize yourself with the location and requirements of the scholarship, as well as its eligibility requirements as well as its application process.
Get Ready With Your Documents: Have all other documents needed, which may include but are not limited to, a curriculum vitae, academic testimonials, and proof of English language competence.
Draft a Personal Statement: As for your personal statement or scholarship essay, indicate your educational background, professional aspirations and state reasons why you are a candidate for the scholarship.
Send in Your Application: Fill out the relevant parts of the online application and upload scans of all written documents before the deadline.
Prepare for Interviews (if required): For certain scholarships, an interview may be conducted to screen out shortlisted candidates. Be ready to defend your objectives and intentions regarding your studies.
Conclusion
Thanks to Australian government scholarships, international students can enjoy the benefits of getting a high degree in top-notch universities without the financial strain. The Australian Awards, Destination Australia, RTP and Endeavour Scholarships Programs, and others are not only covering study costs but living expenses, etc. In order to obtain a scholarship for studies in Australia, international students should do their best and try to understand the eligibility requirements and deadlines as well.
