Top Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students in 2025

Australia is now one of the top study-abroad destinations for Indian students. But, for a lot of students, money becomes the biggest hurdle between them and their dream university. To solve this problem, many Australian universities and even the government of Australia offer scholarships to deserving students. Some scholarships cover a portion of your tuition, and there are others that pay for your full tuition and even take care of your living expenses while you study. Sounds unreal? It isn’t. These opportunities are out there, and Indian students are grabbing them every year.

At India Assignment Help, we believe that no student should give up on their dreams because of money. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about scholarships in Australia for Indian students in 2025.

Why Study in Australia?

Before we begin to look at the scholarships, let’s quickly understand why Australia has become such a popular destination for Indian students:

• Top Education Institutions: 7 of the world’s top 100 universities are in Australia (ANU, UniMelb, UNSW).
• Post-Study Work Rights: Australia offers visa extensions; That means you can now stay and work in Australia for up to 6 years after graduation.
• Multicultural Environment: With over 100,000 Indian students already in Australia, you’re never far from finding a fellow paratha lover.
• Pathway to PR: Many courses align with Australia’s skilled migration list, which means you can choose to study now and settle later in Australia.

But yeah, all of that comes with a cost, and that cost isn’t cheap. That’s where scholarships for Indian students in Australia can help you.

Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia

There are several types of scholarships that are tailored specifically for international students, including Indians. These scholarships cover everything from tuition fees to living expenses. 

• University-Funded Scholarships

These are offered by Australian universities directly, and they are merit-based. Some are automatically considered with your application, while others require you to fill out a separate form.

• Government-Funded Scholarships

These scholarships are funded by the Australian Government, and they are super competitive. Australia Awards and Destination Australia are the most common among all the government-funded scholarships.

• External or Private Scholarships

Many private organizations, both local and international, offer scholarships for students looking to study in Australia. These can come from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, or even corporate entities.

• Research Scholarships

If you’re a student pursuing advanced degrees like a PhD, research scholarships are available that not only cover tuition fees but also provide a stipend for living expenses. These scholarships are typically offered by Australian universities or research institutions and are ideal for those who wish to conduct research in specialized fields. 

Scholarships For Indian Students in 2025 Awarded by the Australian Government

Australia is home to some of the world's top universities, but studying here can be expensive. Thankfully, the Australian Government offers several fully and partially funded scholarships for international students in 2025. Here's a list of the top options:

1. Australia Awards Scholarship (2025)

Criteria	Details
Eligibility	- Age 18+, Demonstrated leadership potential, priority to women, minorities, rural/economically weak applicants
Courses Covered	UG, PG, PhD, Vocational & Training programs at partner universities/TAFE
Expenses Covered	Full tuition, return airfare, establishment allowance, CLE, OSHC, IAP
Condition	Must return to home country (e.g., India) after studies
Application Dates	Opens: April 2025 Closes: June 30, 2025 (tentative)

2. Australian Government Research and Training Program (AGRTP)—2025

Criteria	Details
Eligibility	Enrolled in Research Master's or PhD programs
Courses Covered	Postgraduate Research Programs (Master’s by Research, PhD)
Expenses Covered	Full tuition waiver, AUD 34,000/year stipend, OSHC
Application Deadlines	Varies by university. Example: Round 1 – August 31, 2025

3. Destination Australia Scholarship (2025)

Criteria	Details
Eligibility	Must study in regional Australia. Academic merit considered
Courses Covered	UG and PG courses
Expenses Covered	AUD 15,000/year (renewable up to 4 years)
Notes	Encourages regional study to boost local development

4. John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) – 2025

Criteria	Details
Eligibility	Researchers in ACIAR projects from developing countries
Courses Covered	PG and PhD in agriculture-related fields
Expenses Covered	Full tuition, living allowance, OSHC are funded under Australia Awards
Objective	Strengthen agricultural research partnerships globally

5. International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) – 2025

Criteria	Details
Eligibility	International students in eligible research programs. Meet visa requirements. No previous AUS government grant in the past 2 years
Courses Covered	Research-based PG and Doctoral programs
Expenses Covered	Full tuition fees and health cover (including for dependents)
Application Dates	From July 2025, Varies by university

University-Specific Scholarships for Indian Students

 1. Macquarie University Early Acceptance Scholarship (2025-26)

• Value: Up to AUD 40,000 (AUD 10,000 per year)
• Eligibility: Indian citizens applying for UG/PG coursework at Sydney campus
• Automatic consideration upon admission
• Popular Courses: Data Science, Engineering, Banking & Finance, IT, Media
  David Harrison, Executive Director at Macquarie University, says this initiative aims to nurture global talent and make quality education more accessible.

2. Sydney Achievers International Scholarship – University of Sydney

• Value: AUD 10,000/year
• Eligibility: UG/PG students with an Unconditional Offer
• Requirement: Valid student visa + strong academic profile

3. Melbourne International Research Scholarship – University of Melbourne

• Covers: Tuition, living allowance, relocation, thesis expenses, OSHC
• Courses: Masters/PhD by research
• Deadline: Round 1 – Oct 31 | Round 2 – May 31

4. Adelaide Scholarships International – University of Adelaide

• Covers: Tuition, living allowance, OSHC
• For: Research-based Masters and PhD programs
• Deadline: Jan 15 for Semester 1 | Apr 30 for Semester 2

5. La Trobe Academic Excellence Scholarship

• Value: AUD 10,000 – 20,000 (up to 2 semesters)
• Courses: UG/PG
• Eligibility: 85% in previous academic qualifications + English proficiency

6. Monash International Merit Scholarships – Monash University

• Value: AUD 10,000 per year
• For: Full-time UG/PG students meeting English and academic requirements
• Availability: 31 scholarships per year

How to Apply for Scholarships in Australia (Step-by-Step)

Step	Action	What You Need to Do
Step 1	Research Scholarships	Shortlist 5–10 target universities Visit each university’s official scholarship page Note down deadlines and requirements
Step 2	Check Eligibility	Ensure you meet requirements: Minimum academic score (usually 70–85%) Valid English language test (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) Statement of Purpose (SOP) Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Step 3	Gather Your Documents	Prepare a dedicated folder with: Academic transcripts Passport or identity proof SOP & LORs IELTS/PTE score report CV/Resume (especially for postgrad applicants)
Step 4	Apply Early	Don’t wait till the last minute! Check if the scholarship deadline is fixed or on a rolling basis
Step 5	Apply for Multiple Scholarships	Increase your chances by applying to several scholarships (unless stated otherwise in the terms)

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship for Australia

Getting a scholarship is competitive, but it’s not impossible. The key lies in starting early, staying prepared, and presenting your strengths in a way that aligns with what scholarship providers are looking for.

1. Start Early and Stay Ahead

Most government scholarships close almost a year before the intake begins. Ideally, you should begin exploring options 10 to 12 months in advance. This gives you ample time to gather documents, prepare for exams, and draft a compelling application.

2. Customize Your SOP for Each Application

Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) is the most important document. So, you’re advised to take time to tailor each SOP to reflect how you align with the values of the specific scholarship. You can mention your career goals, your potential contributions to the Australian academic community, or how you plan to strengthen India–Australia relations.

3. Demonstrate Leadership and Initiative

Scholarship panels look for well-rounded candidates. Leadership doesn’t always mean holding a title. You could showcase experiences such as

• Organizing school events
• Leading a team project
• Volunteering with NGOs
• Participating in national-level competitions

These activities reflect your ability to take initiative and contribute meaningfully.

4. Aim for Strong English Proficiency Scores

A high score in English language tests not only strengthens your university application but also boosts your chances with scholarship committees. Here are the ideal benchmarks for english proficiency:

• IELTS: 6.5–7.5 overall
• TOEFL iBT: 90 or above
• PTE Academic: At least 60

Strong communication skills reflect your readiness to succeed in an international academic environment.

5. Request Detailed Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

It’s advisable to avoid generic LORs. Instead, you can ask your teachers, professors, or supervisors for well-structured and specific letters that highlight your skills and achievements. The readers should be able to know your potential through your LOR. If you share your resume and academic history with your teacher, they can write in detail and with clarity.

Scholarships from India for Studying in Australia

Some Indian organizations offer scholarships too for studying in Australia. Here’s the list of the most popular ones:

Scholarship Name	Eligible Courses	Coverage	Key Notes
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation	Master’s in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences	Tuition, travel, and living expenses	Highly competitive; not applicable for Engineering or MBA
J N Tata Endowment	Postgraduate studies abroad (all streams)	Loan scholarship with low interest	Repayable; amount varies based on profile and need
KC Mahindra Scholarships	Postgraduate studies abroad	INR 10–20 lakhs (non-repayable grant)	For students with excellent academic and leadership records
Commonwealth Scholarship	Varies (mostly PG/PhD in select disciplines)	Tuition, airfare, and living costs (varies by country)	Subject to availability through Australia–India bilateral agreements

Cost of Studying in Australia For Indian Students

Let’s quickly break down your costs as an Indian student in Australia:

Expense Type	Approx. Cost (per year)
Tuition Fee (UG)	AUD 20,000 – 45,000
Tuition Fee (PG)	AUD 22,000 – 50,000
Living Expenses	AUD 21,000 – 27,000
Health Insurance	AUD 500 – 700
Airfare	AUD 1,000 – 1,500

With a scholarship covering 25–100% tuition or even living expenses, you can potentially save up to AUD 40,000/year.

That’s over INR 22 lakhs!

What Courses Are Popular Among Indian Students For Scholarships in Australia?

• Engineering & IT: Monash, RMIT, and UNSW offer scholarships here to cover your tuition.
• Business & MBA: Check Melbourne Business School or UQ Business School awards to get a scholarship in these courses.
• Health Sciences: Nursing and public health are in demand; scholarships are available at Deakin and La Trobe for deserving students.
• Data Science & AI: Rising field, and universities like ANU and UniMelb fund top talent.

Final Thoughts

Some scholarships want you to have straight A’s, but there are many universities that care about your story, goals, background, and how well you articulate your aspirations. So at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you're a CBSE student, a backbencher with dreams, or someone who wants to create impact; there’s a scholarship in Australia that’s meant for you.

Don't let money hold you back from chasing your dream university, and if you’re ever confused about anything, our team at India Assignment Help is here to help by guiding you through complex assignments and marking rubrics. We have experts who are familiar with the Australian education system and university requirements and, most importantly, eager to help you!