Australia Awards scholarships are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic program specified by the Australian education institution, including any preparatory training.
Scholarship recipients will receive the following:
Return air travel
A one-off establishment allowance on arrival
Full tuition fees
Contribution to living expenses
Introductory academic program
Overseas student health cover for the duration of the scholarship
Supplementary academic support
Fieldwork allowance for research students and masters by coursework which has a compulsory fieldwork component
Reasonable accommodation for scholars with disabilities that need this support.
Eligibility criteria
Australia Awards applicants must meet all eligibility requirements detailed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook, available at:Â https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/australia-awards-scholarships-policy-handbook
Country-specific conditions
In addition to the eligibility requirements, candidates from eligible African countries must also meet the following conditions:
Be a minimum of 25 years of age on 1 February 2027.
At minimum, have 5 years of post-graduate work experience, working in a field relative to their field of study.
Be employed at the time of applying for the scholarship.
Be a citizen of Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe and be residing in and applying for the scholarship from their country of citizenship, unless working for an African Regional Organisation or working on a diplomatic mission for their home country.
Not already hold or be undertaking a Master’s degree or equivalent (equivalent to a Master’s degree in home country).
Already hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree).
Not have previously received a long-term Australia Award.
Meet the minimum English language proficiency of at least 6.5 in IELTS with no band less than 6.0 (an internet-based TOEFL score of at least 84, with a minimum of 21 in all subtests, or PTE Academic overall score of 58 with no communicative skill score less than 50). Scores must be valid on 1 January 2027. (Excluding candidates if their first language is English and they have undertaken their education in English).
The Program also makes equity of access adjustments for people with disabilities and for prospective students wanting to specialise in disability rights and inclusions. Please visit https://australiaawardsafrica.org/gedsi-support-hub/ for additional information about how the Program supports inclusivity.
Application dates
For study commencing in Australia in 2027.
Opening date: 1 February 2026
Closing date: 30 April 2026 (11:59PM AEST)
Applications and/or supporting documents received after the closing date will not be considered.
The application process
Online applications
All applications must be lodged online through OASIS via the website.
Supporting documents
Applicants must submit all the relevant supporting documents listed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.
Applicants must also provide the following documents to meet the specific requirements for Australia Awards Africa:
Required document OASIS document type
Passport Proof of Citizenship
Undergraduate Degree Certificate Degree Certificate
Undergraduate Academic Transcript Academic Transcript
Curriculum Vitae Curriculum Vitae
Employer Referee Report Referee Report
Academic Referee Report Referee Report
IELTS/TOEFL/Pearson Test Certificate (Excluding candidates if their first language is English and they have undertaken their education in English)
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Note: successful candidates will be required to produce original documents for certification.
The selection process
• Applications will be shortlisted for a selection interview after eligibility checking.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• The selection process includes an interview. Applicants will be assessed against the f ollowing criteria:
• academic competence
• potential outcome, specifically the contribution to inclusive development outcomes in Africa.
• professional and personal leadership attributes including relevant work experience.
• Successful candidates will be notified late in 2026.
• Awardee travel will be subject to meeting the requirements imposed by the Australian Government, as determined by the federal Department of Education and by the relevant Australian State or Territory governments.
Preparatory training
Successful applicants will be required to attend:
• course counselling
• pre-departure briefing
• university’s Introductory Academic Program
• other required preparatory study on arrival in Australia.
Further information
More general information about the Australia Awards, Australia’s aid program, and studying in Australia can be found at the
following links:
• https://australiaawardsafrica.org/
• dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/pages/australia-awards-scholarships
• studyinaustralia.gov.au
Information about visas and Australia Awards scholarship entitlements and conditions can be found in the Scholarships Policy Handbook: dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Pages/australia-awards-scholarships-policy-handbook.aspx
Contact details
Australia Awards Africa
Address: Pegasus Building 1, 210 Amarand Avenue, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa
Telephone: +27 67 421 6340 (South Africa) and +254 708 608 580 (Kenya)
Email: enquiries@australiaawardsafrica.org
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