Australia Awards Scholarship

Full funding for Masters and PhD at top Australian universities

Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious international scholarships funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They aim to contribute to the development needs of Australia's partner countries, including Nepal. The scholarships provide full financial support for Nepali professionals to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities. Nepal typically receives 20-40 awards annually, making it one of the more accessible fully funded scholarships.

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Top Universities Available

Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our Australia Awards Scholarship program.

University of Melbourne

QS #13

Melbourne

Australia's top-ranked university. Strong in public policy, development studies, and health.

Australian National University

QS #30

Canberra

Excellent for public policy, environmental management, and international relations.

University of Queensland

QS #40

Brisbane

Strong in agriculture, environmental science, and public health.

Monash University

QS #37

Melbourne

Leading programs in education, pharmacy, and development studies.

UNSW Sydney

QS #19

Sydney

Strong in engineering, renewable energy, and urban development.

University of Adelaide

QS #89

Adelaide

Affordable city with strong programs in agriculture, water management, and public health.

Eligibility Requirements

Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.

Nepali citizen residing in Nepal at the time of application (not permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand)
Minimum 2 years of full-time professional work experience (at time of application)
Must have a completed Bachelor's degree (for Masters) or Masters degree (for PhD)
IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score)
Must demonstrate how the proposed study will contribute to Nepal's development
Must not be applying for or receiving another Australian Government-funded scholarship
Must return to Nepal for at least 2 years after completing studies (return obligation)

Application Process

We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.

Online Application

Applications open around February and close in April-May (check the Australia Awards website for exact dates). Create an account on the OASIS portal, complete the application form, and upload all required documents including academic transcripts, proof of citizenship, IELTS scores, and a development impact statement.

Shortlisting by DFAT

Applications are reviewed against selection criteria including academic merit, professional experience, development impact potential, and leadership qualities. Shortlisted candidates are notified by July-August.

Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for a panel interview in Kathmandu (usually August-September). The interview assesses your communication skills, development impact potential, and motivation. Preparation is critical — practice articulating how your studies will benefit Nepal.

Selection & Offer

Successful candidates are notified by November-December. You receive a conditional offer subject to meeting any remaining requirements (such as obtaining an updated IELTS score if needed).

Pre-Departure Preparation

Accepted scholars attend a Pre-Departure Briefing in Kathmandu. If English language support is needed, you may receive up to 6 months of pre-course English training in Australia. All scholars attend an Introductory Academic Program (IAP) upon arrival.

Commence Studies

Begin your program at your allocated Australian university, typically in February (Semester 1). The scholarship covers your entire study period — 1.5-2 years for Masters, 3-4 years for PhD.

Costs & Scholarships

Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.

Tuition Range

AUD 0 (fully covered)

All tuition fees are paid directly to the university by DFAT. This covers programs that normally cost AUD 30,000-50,000+ per year for international students.

Key Info

Living Expenses

Approx. AUD 3,500/month (provided)

The Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) is paid fortnightly and is adjusted annually. It is designed to cover rent, food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses. Most scholars find it sufficient for comfortable living, especially outside Sydney and Melbourne.

Scholarships

This IS the scholarship

Australia Awards covers all major expenses. Additional allowances include an establishment allowance upon arrival, a thesis/dissertation allowance for research students, and a reunion airfare for scholars studying for more than 2 years. Dependents are not covered.

Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.

Student Life

Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.

Australia Awards scholars join a prestigious global alumni network of over 100,000 leaders across the Indo-Pacific. As a scholar, you will attend networking events, leadership workshops, and professional development opportunities organized by DFAT alongside your academic program.

Australian cities are consistently ranked among the world's most livable. You will have access to excellent public transport, healthcare, libraries, and recreational facilities. The Nepali community in Australia is large and welcoming, with cultural organizations in every major city.

The return obligation means you must return to Nepal for at least 2 years after completing your studies. Many alumni find that their Australian qualification, combined with the Australia Awards network, significantly enhances their career prospects in Nepal's development sector, government, and private industry.

Australia Awards Scholarship — Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'development impact' mean in the application?

Australia Awards prioritize applicants who will use their education to contribute to Nepal's development. In your application, you must clearly explain how your proposed field of study aligns with Nepal's development priorities (such as governance, education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, climate change), how you will apply your learning when you return, and what specific changes or improvements you aim to make. Strong applications show a clear link between the proposed degree, the applicant's professional experience, and Nepal's development challenges.

Can I bring my family to Australia on Australia Awards?

Australia Awards does not provide financial support for dependents (spouse or children). However, you are not prevented from bringing them at your own expense. Your dependents would need to obtain their own visas and you would need to demonstrate financial capacity to support them beyond the scholarship stipend. Most scholars choose to travel alone given the additional costs involved.

What happens if my IELTS score is slightly below the requirement?

If you are otherwise a strong candidate but your IELTS score is slightly below the 6.5 requirement, you may be offered pre-course English language training of up to 6 months at an Australian language institute, fully funded by the scholarship. This training occurs before your academic program begins. However, you must achieve the minimum score before your university program starts. We recommend aiming for at least IELTS 6.5 at the time of application.

How competitive is Australia Awards for Nepali applicants?

Australia Awards receives several hundred applications from Nepal annually, with approximately 20-40 scholarships awarded. The acceptance rate is roughly 5-10%. Successful candidates typically have strong academic records (70%+ or equivalent), 3-5+ years of relevant professional experience, clear development impact potential, and excellent English proficiency. Government employees and development sector professionals tend to have higher success rates. Starting your application early and getting feedback on your development impact statement significantly improves your chances.

Do I have to return to Nepal after completing my degree?

Yes. Australia Awards scholars have a mandatory return obligation — you must return to Nepal within 6 months of completing your studies and remain in Nepal for at least 2 years. This is a condition of the scholarship. If you breach this condition, you may be required to repay the scholarship. The return obligation reflects the program's goal of building human capital in partner countries. Most alumni find that their Australian qualification opens excellent career opportunities in Nepal.

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