“Can international students’ study in Australia for free?”
“Does Australia offer fully funded scholarships?”
These are among the most searched questions on Google by students planning to study in Australia in 2026 – and among the most misunderstood.
With rising education costs, many students actively search for fully funded study options. While Australia does offer some of the world’s most generous government- and university-funded scholarships, these opportunities are often misinterpreted, exaggerated, or shared without proper context online. As a result, many genuine students either develop unrealistic expectations or feel discouraged too early, assuming that if they are not eligible for a 100% scholarship, studying in Australia is no longer possible.
The honest truth:
Yes, 100% scholarships exist in Australia – but only for specific study levels, courses, and student profiles.
No, they are not available for every student or every program.
By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly understand which 100% scholarships are genuinely available in Australia for 2026, who they are designed for, and what realistic scholarship alternatives you can consider if full funding is not an option.
What Does a “100% Scholarship” Really Mean in Australia?
In Australia, a 100% scholarship generally refers to full tuition fee coverage. It does not automatically mean completely free education.
Depending on the scholarship, it may also include:
Living allowance (stipend)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Relocation or airfare support
Important points students often overlook
Some scholarships cover only tuition, not living expenses
Some are awarded for one academic year only, not the entire course
Most scholarships come with strict conditions, such as:
Full-time enrolment
Minimum GPA or academic performance
Satisfactory progress each semester
If these conditions are not met, the scholarship can be reduced, suspended, or cancelled.
Key takeaway: Never judge a scholarship by its title alone – always check coverage, duration, and conditions.
Are 100% Scholarships Available for International Students in 2026?
Yes – but only for specific study levels and student profiles.
In Australia, 100% scholarships for international students are primarily available for research-based programs, such as:
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Master’s by Research (MPhil / MRes)
A limited number of elite Vice-Chancellor or Leadership scholarships
Generally NOT available for:
Diplomas & Advanced Diplomas
Most Bachelor’s degrees
Coursework Master’s programs (MBA, IT, Nursing, Data Science, etc.)
Most full scholarships in Australia are offered for research (not coursework) degrees, and the reasons behind this distinction are explained in detail later in this blog.
Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) – Fully Funded Government Program
Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are fully funded scholarships sponsored by the Australian Government, designed for students from developing countries who can contribute to long-term development outcomes in their home country.
What Australia Awards Typically Cover
100% tuition fees
Fortnightly living allowance
Return airfare
OSHC (health insurance)
Establishment allowance
Academic and pastoral support
Who Should Apply for Australia Awards?
Australia Awards are best suited for students who:
Have relevant professional or work experience
Demonstrate leadership and community involvement
Can clearly explain how their study will benefit their home country
Are committed to returning home after graduation
Important condition: This scholarship is not PR-focused and includes a mandatory return-to-home-country obligation.
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
The Research Training Program (RTP) is an Australian Government-funded scholarship supporting international students undertaking research degrees in Australia. It is the primary pathway to a fully funded PhD in Australia.
What RTP Typically Covers
Full tuition fee offset
Living stipend (varies by university)
OSHC for international students
Research supervision and academic support
Many universities also offer top-up scholarships alongside RTP.
Who Is RTP Best Suited For?
Strong academic results (usually 80–85%+ or equivalent)
Prior research experience (thesis, projects, publications)
A well-defined research proposal
Alignment with a confirmed academic supervisor
Universities Offering 100% Scholarships in Australia (2026)
Below are reputed Australian universities offering 100% tuition scholarships, primarily through RTP or Vice-Chancellor / Leadership scholarships.
The universities listed above are examples, not an exhaustive list. Other Australian universities may also offer 100% tuition or fully funded scholarships depending on the course, faculty, intake, funding availability, and research priorities.
These scholarships are typically:
Limited in number
Highly competitive
Subject to strict deadlines
Students are strongly advised to always check the official universitywebsite for the most accurate and up-to-date scholarship information before applying.
Research vs Coursework Scholarships – Why the Difference Exists
Australian universities prioritise full scholarships for research degrees because these programs:
Contribute to research output and innovation
Improve global university rankings
Support national research priorities
Coursework programs, on the other hand:
Focus on professional skill development
Are designed for industry readiness
Are therefore largely self-funded
As a result, 100% scholarships for coursework programs are extremely rare, while research students are the primary recipients of full funding
Not Eligible for 100% Scholarship? Don’t Feel Disheartened
If you are not eligible for a 100% scholarship, do not feel discouraged.
The reality is that most international students in Australia study with partial scholarships, and this is completely normal. These options are often:
Easier to secure
Available across more universities and courses
Sufficient to significantly reduce overall tuition costs
Australia offers a wide range of:
Merit-based scholarships
Regional and destination scholarships
Faculty-specific awards
Early-offer and first-year tuition discounts
To explore these realistic options, read our detailed guide:
Q1. Is there a 100% scholarship in Australia for international students?
Yes, but it is limited and highly competitive.
Mainly available for:
PhD and Master’s by Research
Australia Awards Scholarships
RTP-funded research programs
A small number of elite merit-based scholarships
Q2. Can international students’ study in Australia for free?
Not completely. However:
Fully funded or 100% tuition scholarships may cover most costs for research degrees
Living expenses are covered only under specific scholarships
Q3. Does Australia offer fully funded scholarships?
Yes, but only for selected programs, including:
Australia Awards Scholarships
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
University-funded research scholarships
Q4. Are 100% scholarships and fully funded scholarships the same?
Not always:
A 100% scholarship usually covers tuition fees only
A fully funded scholarship may also include living allowance, OSHC, and travel support
Q5. Are scholarship amounts fixed every year?
No. Scholarship details can change due to:
University budgets
Government policy updates
Course demand
Number of available seats
Q6. What is the best way to verify scholarship details?
Checking the official university scholarship webpage
Reviewing details for the specific course and intake
Confirming with an authorised education agent
Q7. Does a scholarship guarantee an Australian student visa?
No. Visa approval depends on:
Genuine Student (GS) requirement
Academic progression
Course relevance
Financial capacity
A scholarship supports an application but does not guarantee approval.
Important Disclaimer & Final Expert Advice
Disclaimer: Scholarship information mentioned in blogs or third-party sources is indicative only.
Final and binding scholarship details are always published on official university websites.
Final Advice for Students
Focus on realistic and achievable scholarships
Match your academic profile with the right study level
Plan finances responsibly
Prepare a GS-compliant student visa application
Final Note
For personalised guidance on scholarships, course selection, and Australia student visa planning for 2026, you can contact Aussizz Group to receive expert, transparent, and up-to-date advice based on your academic profile and long-term goals.
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