The Australia Awards Scholarships are among Australia’s flagship international development scholarships, offering eligible students from participating developing countries the opportunity to undertake fully funded study at participating Australian universities and TAFE institutions. For the 2027 intake, applications opened on February 1, 2026, and have now closed in most participating countries, including Nigeria. Successful applicants are expected to commence their studies in Australia in 2027.

For African applicants, the 2027 Australia Awards Africa intake is particularly focused on applicants who can demonstrate professional experience, leadership potential and a clear connection between their proposed study and development priorities in Africa. The programme covers full tuition, return airfare, living expenses and other major study-related costs.

Introduction

The Australia Awards Scholarships are not simply designed to help international students obtain a degree overseas. They are part of the Australian Government’s international development and people-to-people partnership programme.

The central idea is that scholars should acquire knowledge, professional skills and international networks in Australia and then use them to contribute to development in their home countries.

For the African programme, this distinction is especially important. Australia describes the scholarships as an opportunity for emerging leaders to develop the skills and networks needed to contribute to sustainable development and address challenges in their countries. Applicants are therefore assessed not only on academic ability but also on leadership potential and the development impact of their proposed study.

For applicants in Nigeria and other eligible African countries, this means a strong Australia Awards application is generally more than a good academic transcript. The applicant needs to demonstrate why the proposed master’s degree matters to their career, country and development sector.

Facts & Quick Verification Tracker for Australia Awards Scholarships

Item	Australia Awards Scholarships 2026/2027
Scholarship	Australia Awards Scholarships
Awarding government	Australian Government
Administered by	Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Study destination	Australia
2027 study intake	Study commencing in 2027
Main level	Varies by country; Africa 2027 is Master’s level
Funding	Fully funded
Tuition	Full tuition fees
Airfare	Return economy-class airfare
Living support	Contribution to Living Expenses
Health insurance	Overseas Student Health Cover
Establishment allowance	Yes
Academic support	Available
Preparatory programme	Introductory Academic Program
Eligible countries	Varies by country
Nigeria	Eligible for the Africa programme
2027 Africa opening	February 1, 2026
2027 Africa deadline	April 30, 2026
Current status	Closed for 2027 intake, Wait for 2028 intake
Application system for Africa	OASIS
Post-study condition	Return to home country for at least two years
Official administrator	DFAT

The 2027 Africa application window ran from February 1 to April 30, 2026. DFAT states that applications or supporting documents received after the deadline would not be considered.

Coverage & Requirements Matrix for Australia Awards Scholarships

Requirement/Benefit	Details
Tuition	Full tuition fees
Living expenses	Contribution to Living Expenses, paid according to the programme rate
Travel	Return economy-class airfare
Establishment	One-off establishment allowance
Health	Overseas Student Health Cover
Academic preparation	Introductory Academic Program
English preparation	May be provided where required
Academic support	May be provided
Fieldwork	May be available for eligible research/compulsory fieldwork
Degree	Country-specific; Africa 2027: Master’s
Leadership	Important selection consideration
Development impact	Major selection consideration
Work experience	Africa 2027: minimum five years relevant post-graduate work experience
Age	Africa 2027: minimum 25 years on February 1, 2027
Employment	Africa 2027 applicants must be employed when applying
English	Africa 2027: IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or accepted equivalent, subject to the stated exemptions

The benefits and eligibility conditions are based on the current DFAT information for the 2027 Africa intake and the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook. You can Download DFAT PDF file for details.

What the 2027 Australia Awards Scholarships Actually Covers

One reason Australia Awards is particularly attractive is that the scholarship is structured to cover most of the major expenses associated with studying in Australia.

DFAT says the general scholarship package includes:

• Full tuition fees;
• Return air travel;
• A one-off establishment allowance;
• Contribution to living expenses;
• Introductory Academic Program;
• Overseas Student Health Cover;
• Pre-course English training where necessary;
• Supplementary academic support where appropriate; and
• Eligible fieldwork support.

What it does not mean

“Fully funded” does not mean every expense incurred by a scholar or their family is automatically paid.

For example, the policy states that the Australian Government does not provide financial support for dependants of awardees. Scholars who take family members to Australia remain financially responsible for them.

This is an important distinction for married applicants and applicants with children.

Official Source & Portal Verification for Australia Awards Scholarships

The scholarship is administered by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The official resources include:

• Australia Awards Scholarships official page
• Participating countries and country requirements
• Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook
• Opening and closing dates
• How to apply

For Africa, applications are submitted through the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS).

The Step-by-Step Roadmap to Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships

Although the 2027 application window has closed, understanding the process is useful for applicants preparing for a future Australia Awards round.

Step 1: Confirm your country

Australia Awards is not open to every nationality.

The applicant must be a citizen of an eligible participating country and comply with the country-specific conditions.

Step 2: Read your country profile

This is essential because requirements differ between countries.

A student should never rely solely on a general Australia Awards article.

The country-specific profile determines:

• Eligible study areas;
• Degree level;
• Work experience;
• Age requirements;
• English requirements;
• Required documents;
• Application method; and
• Deadline.

Step 3: Identify a development priority

Your proposed degree should connect with the priority fields identified for your country.

Step 4: Select a suitable Australian programme

Applicants should research participating institutions and programmes before submitting their application.

Step 5: Prepare documents

Academic certificates, transcripts, CV, references, passport and English-language evidence may be required.

Step 6: Prepare your application responses

The strongest applications explain the relationship between:

past experience → proposed study → leadership → development problem → future impact.

Step 7: Submit through the appropriate system

For Africa, applications are submitted through OASIS.

Step 8: Wait for eligibility screening and shortlisting

Only shortlisted applicants proceed further.

Step 9: Attend an interview

For the Africa programme, the selection process includes an interview.

Step 10: Complete mobilisation requirements

Successful candidates must complete required preparations before travelling to Australia.

Supporting Academic Collaboration

Australia Awards is designed to create relationships that extend beyond the individual scholarship.

A scholar studying in Australia becomes part of a network involving:

• Australian universities;
• Australian government institutions;
• academics;
• professional organisations;
• other scholars; and
• Australia Awards alumni.

The programme therefore creates opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional collaboration between Australia and participating countries.

DFAT says more than 100,000 leaders have studied in Australia or the Pacific through Australia Awards and predecessor programmes.

Duration and Funding Opportunities of Australia Awards Scholarships

The scholarship is normally provided for the minimum period necessary to complete the approved academic programme, including required preparatory training.

For African applicants, the 2027 scholarship is specifically for Master’s qualifications.

The actual duration therefore depends on the master’s programme approved by the Australian institution.

The scholarship is not normally an open-ended funding arrangement that allows scholars to extend their study indefinitely.

Focus on Development Through Scientific Research

Australia Awards can support research-related activities where they form part of an eligible programme.

For the Africa programme, the priority fields include areas such as:

• Agriculture and food security;
• Climate change;
• Mining and energy;
• Foreign policy and international security;
• Gender, disability and social inclusion.

This creates an important opportunity for applicants working on practical development challenges.

A proposed master’s degree in climate policy, agricultural science, energy systems, public policy or a related field may be stronger when the applicant can demonstrate how the training will address a clearly identifiable development challenge.

Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships

The Australia Awards model reflects a broader trend in international education: scholarships are increasingly being used to build institutional relationships rather than simply fund individual degrees.

A scholar may return home with:

• Australian academic contacts;
• professional networks;
• technical expertise;
• research experience; and
• access to an international alumni network.

The objective is to turn an individual scholarship into longer-term professional and institutional cooperation.

The Mission of Australia Awards Scholarships

Although often described online simply as a “fully funded scholarship to Australia”, Australia Awards has a much broader purpose.

DFAT says the scholarships aim to contribute to the development needs of Australia’s partner countries in accordance with bilateral and regional agreements.

For Africa, Australia says the programme supports development in areas where Australia and African countries have shared interests and where Australia has expertise to offer.

This explains why the selection process places significant emphasis on development outcomes and leadership.

Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities

Winning the scholarship does not remove the normal academic obligations of studying in Australia.

Awardees are expected to:

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress;
• Follow the rules of their institution;
• Meet scholarship conditions;
• Complete the approved programme;
• Participate in required preparatory activities;
• Comply with Australian visa conditions; and
• Return home after completing the scholarship.

The scholarship is therefore best understood as a professional development commitment, not simply a financial award.

Australia Awards Scholarships Overview and Academic Purpose

Australia Awards Scholarships provide international students from eligible countries with the opportunity to undertake study at participating Australian institutions.

For Africa, the 2027 programme offers Master’s-level study and targets high-calibre professionals who can demonstrate leadership potential and a credible contribution to African development.

The programme therefore suits professionals who already have a career trajectory and want advanced academic training that can be applied after returning home.

What This Australia Awards Scholarships Offers — The Advantage

The biggest advantage is the combination of academic funding and leadership development.

A scholar does not simply receive tuition support.

They also gain:

• International academic exposure;
• Professional networks;
• Australian education;
• Living-expense support;
• Health insurance;
• International travel;
• Alumni connections;
• Exposure to Australian expertise; and
• A structured pathway back to professional work in their home country.

For an African professional, this combination can be more valuable than a scholarship that covers tuition alone.

Features of the Australia Awards Scholarships

Fully funded study

Full tuition is covered under the scholarship.

Return airfare

The scholarship provides return economy-class travel through the most direct route.

Living support

Recipients receive a contribution towards basic living expenses.

Health insurance

OSHC is provided for the award holder during the scholarship.

Establishment allowance

A one-off allowance assists with initial settlement costs.

Academic preparation

The Introductory Academic Program prepares scholars for academic and practical life in Australia.

Leadership and alumni networks

Scholars become part of a large international alumni network.

Development focus

The programme prioritises applicants whose education can contribute to development outcomes in their countries.

Eligible Courses at Australia Awards Scholarships

There is no single universal list of courses for every Australia Awards applicant. Study areas are determined by participating country and programme priorities.

For Africa’s 2027 intake, the listed priority areas are:

1. Agriculture and food security
2. Climate change
3. Foreign policy and international security
4. Gender, disability and social inclusion
5. Mining and energy

Applicants should therefore avoid applying for a course simply because it is popular in Australia. The stronger strategy is to identify a course that sits at the intersection of:

your professional experience + your country’s priority area + your proposed development impact.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility depends on the applicant’s country.

For the 2027 Africa programme, applicants must come from one of the following eligible countries:

Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, The Gambia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The programme is aimed at professionals from public, private and community/civil-society sectors.

Eligibility Requirements to Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships

General Australia Awards requirements

Applicants generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be a citizen of a participating country;
• Be residing in and applying from an eligible developing country;
• Not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
• Not be applying to live permanently in Australia;
• Meet the requirements of the Australian institution;
• Meet Australian student-visa requirements;
• Meet country-specific conditions; and
• Satisfy other conditions contained in the current policy handbook.

Additional requirements for Africa 2027

The Africa programme adds several important conditions.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 25 years old on February 1, 2027;
• Have at least five years of post-graduate work experience in a field related to the proposed study;
• Be employed when applying;
• Be a citizen of an eligible African country and normally reside and apply from that country;
• Already hold an undergraduate degree;
• Not already hold or be studying towards a master’s degree or equivalent;
• Not have previously received a long-term Australia Award; and
• Meet the English-language requirement.

English Language Requirements for Africa 2027

For the 2027 Africa intake, applicants generally needed one of the following:

Test	Minimum requirement
IELTS	Overall 6.5, with no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT	At least 84, with minimum 21 in each subtest
PTE Academic	Overall 58, with no communicative skill score below 50

The Africa intake document also specifies an exemption for candidates whose first language is English and who undertook their education in English.

Applicants should always check the current country-specific instructions because test validity requirements and exemptions can matter.

What Makes Australia Awards Different From Ordinary University Scholarships?

This is one of the most important distinctions applicants should understand.

A university scholarship may primarily ask: “Are you academically excellent?”

Australia Awards asks a broader question: “Can this person’s education contribute to development and leadership in their country?”

For Africa, DFAT explicitly says applicants are assessed on academic competence, development potential and professional/personal leadership attributes.

This means an applicant with a good academic record and five years of highly relevant professional experience may have a more compelling profile than someone with excellent grades but little professional experience.

Who Should Apply and Who Should Skip This Australia Awards Scholarships?

Who should apply?

Australia Awards is particularly suitable for applicants who:

• Are established professionals;
• Have significant relevant work experience;
• Work in a priority development sector;
• Can demonstrate leadership;
• Have a clear reason for pursuing a particular master’s programme;
• Intend to return home and apply their knowledge; and
• Can explain a realistic development problem they want to help solve.

Who should probably skip it?

For Africa 2027, the programme is not suitable for someone who:

• Is under 25;
• Has fewer than five years of relevant post-graduate experience;
• Is unemployed;
• Already holds a master’s degree;
• Wants an undergraduate scholarship;
• Wants to use the scholarship primarily as an immigration route;
• Is applying for a course unrelated to the country’s priorities; or
• Cannot satisfy the English-language requirement.

The last point is particularly important: Australia Awards Africa is not the typical “fresh graduate scholarship.”

Realistic Chances of Winning the Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards is highly competitive, but there is no official universal acceptance rate that allows applicants to calculate their exact probability of success.

Applicants should therefore be cautious when websites claim that the scholarship has a particular “5%” or “10%” acceptance rate unless they provide reliable official evidence.

What can be established from the selection criteria is that the competition is not based solely on academic grades.

For Africa, shortlisted candidates are assessed on:

• Academic competence;
• Development outcomes;
• Leadership;
• Relevant work experience.

The practical lesson

A strong applicant should not simply say:

“I want to study in Australia because Australian universities are highly ranked.”

A much stronger case is:

“I have spent six years working in agricultural policy, I have identified a specific food-security challenge in my region, and this master’s programme will give me the technical and policy skills needed to implement a defined solution after returning.”

That is much closer to the development logic of the programme.

Hidden Requirements or Common Rejection Reasons

There are no secret requirements, but applicants often overlook the difference between general eligibility and competitive suitability.

Common problems include:

Applying with insufficient work experience

For Africa 2027, five years of relevant post-graduate experience is specifically required.

Choosing an unrelated course

A highly ranked course is not necessarily a suitable Australia Awards course.

Weak development connection

An application that focuses almost entirely on personal career advancement may fail to demonstrate the development impact DFAT is looking for.

Poor documentation

Africa 2027 required certified documents including academic certificates, transcripts, CV and referee reports.

Weak references

Referees should be able to provide credible evidence of the applicant’s professional and academic qualities.

Treating the scholarship as an immigration pathway

Australia Awards requires scholars to leave Australia for at least two years after completing the scholarship.

How to Write a Strong Australia Awards Application

For Africa applicants, think of your application as a development story.

1. Start with the problem

What problem exists in your sector or country?

2. Establish your experience

What have you already done about the problem?

3. Identify the gap

What knowledge or technical skill do you currently lack?

4. Connect the master’s degree

Why does this specific course solve that knowledge gap?

5. Explain your return

What will you do after returning?

6. Quantify the impact

Where possible, explain what you hope to change.

For example:

Weak:
“I want to study climate change to help my country.”

Stronger:
“My professional work has exposed me to gaps in climate adaptation planning at the local level. The proposed master’s training would strengthen my ability to develop evidence-based adaptation policies and transfer those skills to the agencies and communities with which I work after returning.”

The second approach connects education to professional experience and development impact.

Document Checklist for Australia Awards Scholarships

For the 2027 Africa intake, the required documents included:

Document	Required
Passport	Yes
Proof of citizenship	Yes
Undergraduate degree certificate	Yes
Academic transcript	Yes
CV	Yes
Employer referee report	Yes
Academic referee report	Yes
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE evidence	Yes, subject to applicable exemption

DFAT instructed applicants to upload documents in appropriate categories, with scans that were legible, in colour and correctly ordered. Successful candidates would later be required to produce original documents for certification.

Timeline: From Application to Arrival

For the 2027 Africa round, the timeline was:

Stage	Date/period
Applications opened	February 1, 2026
Applications closed	April 30, 2026
Eligibility checking	After closing
Shortlisting	After eligibility checks
Interviews	Selection stage
Successful candidates notified	Late 2026
Preparatory activities	Before departure/arrival
Study commencement	2027

Current status: The 2027 Africa application round is now closed.

What Past Winners and Alumni Experience Suggest

There is useful evidence from Australia Awards alumni research, particularly for Africa.

DFAT’s review of alumni in six African countries found strong positive outcomes at the individual level. Alumni reported increased confidence in their knowledge and professional skills, while the research also found evidence of Australian practices being adapted to local contexts in areas such as agriculture, public health and project management.

Australia says more than 4,000 African scholars have studied in Australia through Australia Awards since 2004, including nearly 2,000 postgraduate scholars who undertook master’s and PhD degrees. The Africa programme currently has 24 alumni associations across Africa.

The evidence suggests that the programme’s value extends beyond obtaining a degree.

About the University Offering the Australia Awards Scholarships

Unlike many university-specific scholarships, Australia Awards is not owned by one university. DFAT partners with a broad network of Australian institutions.

The current participating-institution list includes universities and TAFE institutions such as:

• Australian National University;
• University of Melbourne;
• University of Sydney;
• University of Queensland;
• University of Western Australia;
• Monash University;
• University of New South Wales;
• University of Adelaide;
• Deakin University;
• Curtin University;
• Griffith University;
• La Trobe University;
• Macquarie University;
• RMIT University;
• University of Wollongong;
• University of Technology Sydney; and
• many others.

The precise institution and programme available to an applicant depend on the scholarship programme, country priorities and institutional admission requirements.

Life as an Australia Awards Scholar

Studying in Australia under Australia Awards means more than attending lectures.

Scholars must adapt to:

• Australian academic standards;
• Independent study;
• Research and assessment requirements;
• A multicultural environment;
• New professional networks;
• Australian university systems; and
• The responsibilities attached to holding a government-funded award.

The scholarship includes an Introductory Academic Program designed to help scholars prepare for academic life and living in Australia.

For African scholars, this can also mean building relationships with other professionals from across the continent and the wider Australia Awards network.

Cost of Living in Australia for International Students

Australia has a relatively high cost of living, and international students need to budget for more than tuition fees. The major expenses include accommodation, food and groceries, public transport, electricity and other utilities, mobile phone and internet services, study materials, health insurance, clothing and personal items, and entertainment. Actual costs vary significantly by city, accommodation type and lifestyle. The Australian Government notes that real living costs can be higher than the minimum amount used for student-visa financial requirements.

Accommodation is usually the largest expense. Students can choose from shared housing, homestays, managed student accommodation, private rentals or university accommodation. Living outside the city centre or sharing accommodation can substantially reduce housing costs.

Other regular expenses include:

• Accommodation/rent
• Groceries and meals
• Public transportation
• Electricity, water and other utilities
• Internet and mobile phone
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Textbooks and study materials
• Clothing and personal care
• Entertainment and social activities
• Emergency and miscellaneous expenses

For example, Study Australia estimates that in Perth, shared accommodation can cost around AUD $170–$250 per week, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can be approximately AUD $350–$450 per week. Grocery expenses can be around AUD $200–$300 per month, although individual spending varies.

International students should therefore assess the total cost of living in their particular Australian city, rather than relying on a single national estimate. Sydney and Melbourne, for example, can have substantially different accommodation costs from smaller student cities.

Pros and Cons of Australia Awards

Advantages	Considerations
Full tuition	Highly competitive
Return airfare	Country-specific conditions apply
Living-expense contribution	Dependants are not generally financially supported
Health insurance	Must return home for minimum two years
Australian university education	Academic progress must be maintained
Strong alumni network	Programme choices are restricted by priority areas
Leadership/professional exposure	Not suitable for everyone
Development-focused training	Visa and institutional requirements still apply

Australia Awards vs Other Major Government Scholarships

Scholarship	Destination	Main focus	Typical target
Australia Awards	Australia	Development and leadership	Professionals from participating countries
Chevening	UK	Leadership	Future leaders
Commonwealth Scholarships	UK	Academic/development priorities	Commonwealth applicants
DAAD	Germany	Academic/research	Varies by programme
Swedish Institute	Sweden	Leadership and sustainable development	Selected countries
Erasmus Mundus	Europe	Joint master’s education	International students

Australia Awards is particularly distinctive because of its strong development-return requirement and its emphasis on professionals from participating partner countries.

What Happens After You Win?

Receiving an award is not the final stage.

Successful candidates generally go through:

1. Scholarship acceptance;
2. University/course arrangements;
3. Preparatory activities;
4. Visa processes;
5. Pre-departure briefing;
6. Travel to Australia;
7. Introductory Academic Program;
8. Commencement of academic studies;
9. Completion of the programme; and
10. Return to the home country.

Africa 2027 applicants were specifically informed that successful scholars would participate in course counselling, pre-departure briefing and the university’s Introductory Academic Program.

Two-Year Return Requirement

One of the most important conditions is the requirement to leave Australia after completing the scholarship.

DFAT states that Australia Awards scholars must leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship.

Failure to comply can result in the scholar incurring a debt for the total accrued cost of the scholarship.

This is why applicants who primarily want a route to permanent migration should think carefully before applying.

Australia Awards is fundamentally a development scholarship, not an immigration scholarship.

What If You Do Not Get Australia Awards?

Not receiving Australia Awards does not mean studying in Australia is impossible.

Alternatives include:

Australian university scholarships

Many Australian universities offer their own international scholarships.

Research scholarships

Applicants pursuing research degrees can investigate university and government-funded research opportunities.

Other government scholarships

Depending on nationality, applicants can consider:

• Chevening;
• Commonwealth Scholarships;
• DAAD;
• Erasmus Mundus;
• Swedish Institute scholarships; and
• other national or regional awards.

Partial scholarships

Even a 20–50% tuition award can significantly reduce the cost of an Australian degree when combined with personal funding.

Current Application Deadlines

Australia Awards 2027

For Africa:

Opening: February 1, 2026
Closing: April 30, 2026

Applications closed at 2:00 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on April 30, 2026. Late applications and supporting documents were not considered.

As of August 29, 2026, the 2027 application round is therefore closed.

Applicants interested in a future intake should monitor the official DFAT country pages for the next opening dates.

Contact Information for Applicants

Australia Awards Africa

Email: enquiries@australiaawardsafrica.org

Telephone:
South Africa: +27 67 421 6340
Kenya: +254 708 608 580

Address:
Boardwalk Office Park
107 Haymeadow Road
Faerie Glen
Pretoria, 0081
South Africa

Applicants from other participating countries should use the contact details listed on their respective Australia Awards country profile.

How To Apply

For a future eligible intake, applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1

Visit the official Australia Awards participating-country page.

Step 2

Select your country.

Step 3

Read the country-specific eligibility requirements and priority fields.

Step 4

Check the opening and closing dates.

Step 5

Read the current Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.

Step 6

Prepare the required academic, professional and identification documents.

Step 7

Prepare your CV and referee reports.

Step 8

Complete the application through the designated application system.

For Africa, this is OASIS.

Step 9

Review the application carefully before submission.

Step 10

Submit before the deadline.

DFAT warns that once an online application has been submitted, it cannot be changed, and applicants are encouraged to submit well before the closing date because of possible peak-period system traffic.

Important 2026 Update: Australia Awards Has Tightened Its AI Application Guidance

One particularly important development for future applicants is DFAT’s policy on artificial intelligence.

Australia Awards now states that applicants may use AI for basic tasks such as spelling, grammar and organising ideas, but AI must not be used to write, improve or paraphrase any part of the application.

The responses submitted must be the applicant’s own original work, and misuse may result in disqualification.

This is especially important for applicants who use AI tools to prepare scholarship essays.

For Australia Awards, having AI generate or substantially rewrite your application responses could create an eligibility problem rather than improve your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Australia Awards Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship generally covers full tuition, return airfare, a contribution to living expenses, establishment allowance, OSHC and other eligible benefits.

Is Australia Awards available to Nigerians?

Yes. Nigeria is among the African countries eligible for the 2027 Australia Awards Africa programme.

Can Nigerians apply for undergraduate study under Australia Awards Africa?

For the 2027 Africa programme, no. The Africa scholarship provides an opportunity to obtain a Master’s qualification.

How many years of work experience are required for Africans?

For the 2027 Africa intake, applicants needed at least five years of post-graduate work experience in a field related to their proposed study.

What is the minimum age for African applicants?

Applicants needed to be at least 25 years old on February 1, 2027 for the 2027 Africa intake.

Can someone with a master’s degree apply for the Africa 2027 scholarship?

No. The Africa 2027 conditions state that applicants must not already hold or be undertaking a master’s degree or equivalent.

Does Australia Awards pay for dependants?

The Australian Government does not generally provide financial support for dependants of awardees.

Can I stay in Australia permanently after the scholarship?

Australia Awards requires scholars to leave Australia for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship.

Can I choose any Australian university?

Applicants can study at participating Australian institutions, but the course must satisfy the relevant programme and country requirements and the applicant must meet the institution’s admission requirements.

What subjects are prioritised for African applicants?

For the 2027 Africa intake, priority areas included agriculture and food security, climate change, foreign policy and international security, gender/disability/social inclusion, and mining and energy.

Is Australia Awards still open for 2027?

No. For Africa and most participating countries, the 2027 application period ran from February 1 to April 30, 2026. The official OASIS system confirms that the 2027 intake applications have closed.

When will the next Australia Awards application open?

The next opening should be confirmed through the official Australia Awards country pages. Applicants should not assume that the next deadline will be identical to the 2027 schedule.

Concluding Remarks

The Australia Awards Scholarships 2026/2027 remain one of the most significant fully funded opportunities available to eligible international students seeking postgraduate education in Australia.

For African professionals, however, the scholarship should not be viewed simply as an opportunity to study abroad for free. The 2027 Africa programme was designed around a much more specific profile: experienced professionals with leadership potential whose proposed master’s study can contribute to development priorities in Africa.

The requirements make this clear. Applicants needed to be at least 25, have at least five years of relevant post-graduate work experience, be employed at the time of application, hold an undergraduate degree, meet the English requirement and demonstrate a strong connection between their proposed study and development needs.

The funding package is substantial, covering full tuition, return travel, living expenses, health insurance, establishment costs and other eligible academic support.

For Nigerians and other eligible Africans, the most important strategic lesson is therefore simple:

Do not build an Australia Awards application around the statement “I want to study in Australia.” Build it around “I have a demonstrated professional role in solving a development problem, this master’s degree will give me the skills to address it more effectively, and I have a credible plan to apply those skills after returning home.”

The 2027 application window has already closed, but professionals who meet the profile should begin preparing early for the next opportunity rather than waiting for applications to open.

The official Australia Awards country pages and the current Policy Handbook should always be treated as the final authority because eligibility, priority fields, documentation and deadlines can change between intakes.