Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia for International Students 2025

Dreaming of studying in Australia but worried about the cost? Great news—you can actually study in Australia for free! Thanks to a variety of fully funded scholarships for international students in 2025, Australia is now one of the most affordable study-abroad destinations for students from across the globe. 

These scholarships are not just about free tuition—they also cover living expenses, accommodation, travel, health insurance, and more. Whether you’re planning to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, there’s a scholarship with your name on it. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students in 2025, what they offer, who’s eligible, and how to apply. 

Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)

The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) is one of the most prestigious government-funded scholarship programs in Australia. It’s designed to support students from developing countries—especially in the Indo-Pacific region—to pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at Australian universities or Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. These scholarships are highly competitive and aim to build leadership skills while strengthening people-to-people links between Australia and its partner countries. It allows students from less privileged backgrounds to study in top Australian institutions—completely free! Below are the key details of Australia Awards Scholarships: 

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) 

The Research Training Program (RTP) is one of the best opportunities for international students aiming to pursue a Master’s by Research or a PhD at a top Australian university. Funded by the Australian Government, this prestigious program helps both domestic and international students.  What makes RTP scholarships especially attractive is that they’re awarded through individual universities, meaning you have access to a wide network of institutions and research supervisors across Australia.

Apart from covering full tuition fees, RTP scholarships include a generous living stipend (around AUD 29,000 per year) to support daily expenses, plus additional allowances for thesis submission costs, health insurance, and relocation (depending on the university). Below are the key details of Research Training Program (RTP): 

University-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia 

While government-backed scholarships like Australia Awards and RTP are well-known, many of Australia’s leading universities offer their own fully funded scholarships for high-achieving international students. These awards are not only generous but also highly competitive. These scholarships are a fantastic option for those who already have a specific university in mind or want to increase their chances of securing funding by applying through individual institutions. Whether you’re applying for coursework programs or research degrees, these university-specific scholarships can help you study in Australia for free or at significantly reduced costs. Let’s dive into some of the top fully funded scholarships offered by Australian universities in 2025: 

Deakin University – Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Deakin University, one of Australia’s fastest-growing institutions, offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, which covers 100% of tuition fees. It’s awarded to exceptional international students who have shown outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership skills through extracurricular activities or community engagement. This scholarship also includes academic mentorship and access to leadership development programs, making it ideal for students who want more than just financial support. Below are the key details of Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: 

Monash University – Research Training Program (RTP)

At Monash University, one of Australia’s top research-intensive universities, the Research Training Program (RTP) is made according to international students pursuing Master’s by Research or PhD programs. This scholarship not only covers full tuition fees but also provides a generous living allowance, research expense coverage, and relocation assistance. What makes Monash’s RTP unique is its focus on innovation and global impact, with opportunities to work alongside world-renowned researchers on real-world challenges. Below are the key details of Monash University – Research Training Program (RTP): 

RMIT University – International Scholarships

For international students, RMIT offers a wide range of scholarships that include both partial tuition fee reductions and fully funded opportunities, depending on the program and level of study. These scholarships are available across all academic faculties, including business, design, engineering, science, and more. They’re awarded based on academic performance, leadership skills, and in some cases, the applicant’s financial need or regional background. Below are the key details of RMIT University – International Scholarships: 

University of Melbourne – Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS)

The University of Melbourne, ranked among the top universities globally, offers the Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS) to both domestic and international graduate research students. These scholarships are designed to support talented individuals who want to pursue a Master’s by Research or a doctoral degree at this prestigious institution. MRS covers everything from full tuition and living allowance to relocation costs and overseas student health cover (OSHC). 

In addition to this, applications for MRS are automatically considered when you apply for a graduate research program at the University of Melbourne—no separate application required! Below are the key details of University of Melbourne- Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS): 

University of Western Australia – Global Excellence Scholarship

The Global Excellence Scholarship by the University of Western Australia (UWA) is a merit-based award that recognizes high-achieving students from around the world. It is available to international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees, and offers substantial tuition fee reductions based on academic results. The scholarship can reduce tuition costs by up to AUD 48,000 over four years for undergraduate programs, and up to AUD 24,000 for postgraduate courses. Below are the key details of University of Western Australia – Global Excellence Scholarship: 

Conclusion

Studying in Australia doesn’t have to be a dream. With these fully funded scholarships for international students in 2025, you can turn that dream into reality—without worrying about tuition fees, living costs, or even travel expenses.

From government-backed programs like Australia Awards and RTP Scholarships to university-specific scholarships across Melbourne, Monash, Deakin, and more, the opportunities are endless if you plan early and apply strategically. So take that first step. Shortlist your universities, prepare your documents, and apply for a scholarship that fits your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions