Top Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students in 2026

 Top Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students in 2026

Australia remains one of the most proactive nations in offering financial aid to Indian students. For the 2026 intake, several prestigious government and university-funded programs are available, ranging from 100% "full-ride" grants to significant tuition fee waivers.

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Government-Funded Scholarships

These are the most competitive awards, often covering the entire cost of education, living, and travel.

• Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS): Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), this is a fully-funded award for undergraduate or postgraduate study. It covers full tuition fees, return air travel, an establishment allowance, and a fortnightly living stipend.

• Deadline: Typically April 30, 2026, for the 2027 intake, while February 2026 starters would have applied in 2025.

• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP): Targeted at students pursuing a Master's by Research or a PhD. It provides a "Fee Offset" (waiving tuition) and often a tax-free living stipend of approximately AUD 35,000 – AUD 42,000 per year.

• Destination Australia Scholarship: This program encourages students to study in regional areas of Australia. It offers up to AUD 15,000 per year to help cover living and study costs for students enrolled at regional campuses.

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University-Specific Scholarships for Indian Students

Many top-tier Australian universities have dedicated programs specifically for Indian citizens to strengthen bilateral ties.

• Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program (University of Sydney): One of the largest dedicated programs for India, offering a total of AUD 500,000 in awards annually.

• Top Award: 2 x 100% tuition fee scholarships for any undergraduate degree.

• Partial Awards: 10 x AUD 20,000 and 16 x AUD 10,000 first-year scholarships.

• Maitri Scholarships: A premier program for high-achieving Indian students pursuing PhD research in critical STEM fields like Clean Energy, Health, and Agribusiness. Grants can range up to AUD 439,000 over four years.

• UNSW International Student Award: Ambitious Indian students commencing at UNSW Sydney in 2026 are eligible for a 20% tuition fee reduction for every year of their program.

• Macquarie Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Provides a partial tuition fee waiver of up to AUD 10,000 for Indian students with outstanding academic records.

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Summary of Scholarship Benefits for 2026

Scholarship Name	Funding Type	Coverage Highlights
Australia Awards	100% Fully Funded	Tuition, Airfare, Stipend, OSHC
Research Training Program	Fully Funded	Tuition Offset + Living Stipend
Sydney Scholars India	Full/Partial	Up to 100% Tuition or Cash Grants
Destination Australia	Partial	AUD 15,000 per year
UNSW Student Award	Partial	20% Tuition Fee Reduction

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Eligibility Criteria and Application Tips

To secure a scholarship for the 2026 intake, Indian students must generally meet the following benchmarks:

• Academic Excellence: Most full-tuition waivers require a GPA equivalent to 85% or higher in previous studies.

• English Proficiency: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 (or equivalent PTE/TOEFL) is standard.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): For government awards like the Australia Awards, a strong focus on leadership and how your studies will contribute to India's development is essential.

Applying for Australian scholarships requires a dual approach: securing an unconditional offer from your university and then applying for the specific grant. At Study Smart, we specialize in identifying the right scholarship match for your profile and guiding you through the rigorous essay-writing process to maximize your funding chances.

Want to check your eligibility for a 100% scholarship in Australia? Contact Study Smart today for a comprehensive profile evaluation and scholarship roadmap.