The Australia Awards Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for international professionals and emerging leaders to enhance their skills, engage in development-focused research, and contribute to critical global challenges. This prestigious fellowship is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), aiming to strengthen partnerships between Australian organizations and partner countries. Through this fellowship, professionals can work on high-impact initiatives in key areas such as climate change, gender equality, and the digital economy.

If you’re looking to boost your career while making a difference in the world, here’s everything you need to know about the Australia Awards Fellowship 2026: eligibility criteria, application process, priority areas, and important dates.

Why Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships?

The Australia Awards Scholarships 2026 offer a life-changing opportunity with numerous benefits, including:

Full Tuition Fees – Covers the entire cost of your chosen degree.

Return Air Travel – An economy-class ticket to and from Australia.

Establishment Allowance – A one-time payment for accommodation, study materials, and textbooks.

Living Expenses – A fortnightly stipend to support your basic needs.

Introductory Academic Program (IAP) – A pre-study orientation on life and education in Australia.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – Medical insurance for the entire duration of your stay.

Pre-course English (PCE) Fees – If required, English training before your main studies.

Academic Support – Additional support for coursework and research.

Fieldwork Travel – Funding for eligible research students.

Eligibility Criteria for Australia Awards Scholarships 2026

To qualify for the Australia Awards Scholarships 2026, applicants must:

Be a citizen of one of the participating countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

Meet the specific eligibility criteria for their country.

Satisfy admission requirements for their chosen Australian university.

Not hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship.

Be committed to returning home for at least two years after completing studies.

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Eligible Participating Countries for Australia Awards Fellowship 2026

The Australia Awards Fellowship is available to professionals from a wide range of countries across different regions to study in Australia with Fully Funded Scholarship Support:

Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam

Pacific: Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna

Africa: Africa

Priority Areas for Development

The Australia Awards Fellowship targets six key development areas, designed to address the most pressing global challenges. Fellowship projects must align with at least one of the following priorities:

Climate Change, Adaptation, Resilience, and Green Energy Transition (including critical mineral mining).
Gender Equality, Disability Equity, and Social Inclusion.
Health (public health initiatives, disease prevention, and healthcare infrastructure).
Digital Economy, Cyber Resilience, and Media Engagement.
Maritime and the Blue Economy (sustainable management of ocean resources).
Infrastructure and Connectivity (improving transportation, communication, and infrastructure development).

These priority areas align with Australia’s goals of creating a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future through strategic international partnerships.

How to Apply for Australia Awards Fellowship 2026

Application Opening Date: February 1, 2025 (09:00 AM AEDT)

Application Closing Date: April 30, 2025 (11:59 PM AEST)

Follow these steps to apply:

Check Your Country’s Eligibility: Visit the participating countries page on the official Australia Awards website.

Read the Policy Handbook: Understand scholarship conditions, selection criteria, and benefits.

Gather Supporting Documents: Academic transcripts, reference letters, English proficiency test scores, and other required documents.

Apply Online via OASIS: Complete the application form in the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS).

Submit Before Deadline: Ensure your application is completed before the closing date.

If you cannot apply online, check your country profile for mail-in application instructions.

Supporting Documentation

Check your participating country profile to see if your country requires additional supporting documents, such as referee reports (template below).

Referee report template [DOCX 488 KB]

Referee report template [PDF 118 KB]

For Official Announcement

Click Here to See the Official Announcement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply if I have an existing degree?
Yes, but priority is given to those seeking higher qualifications to contribute to their country’s development.

Do I need to take an English language test?
Yes, most applicants need to meet English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE).

Can I bring my family with me?
The scholarship does not cover family expenses, but you may arrange dependent visas separately.

What happens after completing my studies?
Scholars must return to their home country for at least two years to apply their knowledge.

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