Australia is one of the most rewarding destinations for international students, offering high-quality education, strong research opportunities, and globally recognized degrees. While tuition fees in Australia can be expensive, the country provides some of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarships, especially at postgraduate level.
There are a number of government and university-funded scholarships available for 2026 that can help pay for things like tuition, living costs, travel, health insurance, and more.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about the best fully funded scholarships in Australia for 2026, including how they work and how to apply successfully.
What Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia Pay For
Most of the best scholarships in Australia offer:
- All tuition costs
- Monthly living allowance (stipend)
- Costs of travel (round-trip flights)
- Help with housing or a housing allowance
- Insurance for health
- Money for research (for graduate students)
For instance, big programmes like the Australia Awards pay for tuition, living expenses, travel, and even academic support programmes.
1. Scholarships from the Australian Government for the Australia Awards
This is the most important fully funded scholarship in Australia, and it’s also one of the easiest for Nigerians and Africans to get.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Airfare for the return trip
- Money for living
- Help with housing
- Insurance for health
- Study tools and help with schoolwork
Levels that are available
- Undergraduate
- Master’s
- Doctorate
Who It Aims At
- Students from poorer countries, like Nigeria
- People who could be good leaders
- People who applied were committed to making things better in their home country.
Timeline for Applications (2026)
- Opens on February 1, 2026
- Ends on April 30, 2026
Main Benefit
One of the most realistic fully funded scholarships for Africans, with a strong focus on making a difference in the world.
2. The Research Training Programme (RTP) run by the Australian Government
The RTP is the main scholarship in Australia that fully funds research degrees.
What It Covers
- Full payment of tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Money and allowances for research
Levels that are available
- Master’s by Research
- Doctorate
Length
- Master’s degree: up to two years
- PhD: 3 to 4 years
Main Benefit
Available at many Australian universities and pays for almost all costs.
Important Note
You don’t apply directly to the government; you apply through universities.
3. Graduate Research Scholarship at the University of Melbourne
One of the best fully funded college scholarships in Australia.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Living allowance (about $39,500 a year)
- Grant for moving
- Insurance for health
Levels that are available
- Master’s by Research
- Doctorate
Main Benefit
Automatic consideration when you apply for a research programme.
4. The Curtin University RTP Scholarship
A scholarship that pays for everything through the RTP programme.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Yearly payment of about $37,500
- Moving allowance
- Insurance for health
Levels that are available
- Master’s by Research
- Doctorate
Main Benefit
Not as competitive as the best universities, but still fully funded.
5. Scholarships for research at Monash University
Monash has a number of fully funded research scholarships available.
What It Covers
- Full cost of school
- Living allowance
- Funding for research
Levels that are available
- Master’s
- Doctorate
Main Benefit
High ranking in the world and good research facilities.
6. Scholarships for International Students at the University of Sydney
One of the best ways to get money for research in Australia.
What It Covers
- Full cost of school
- Living allowance
- Funding for research
Main Benefit
Access to one of Australia’s top universities.
7. Scholarships for research at Deakin University
A good choice for students from other countries.
What It Covers
- Full cost of school
- Monthly payment
- Insurance for health
Levels that are available
- Master’s by Research
- Doctorate
Main Benefit
A lot of research programmes that are not too hard to get to.
8. Destination Australia Scholarship (Extra Money)
It can’t be fully funded on its own, but it can be combined with other scholarships.
What It Covers
- Up to $15,000 a year
Main Benefit
Helps students in regional Australia pay for school and can be used with full scholarships.
Different kinds of fully funded scholarships in Australia
Knowing the types helps you use them strategically.
1. Scholarships from the government
- Awards in Australia
- RTP
2. Scholarships for College
- Melbourne Research Grant
- Scholarships from Monash
- Scholarships for Sydney
3. Scholarships Based on Research
- Funding based on RTP
- Grants for university research
Each type has its own set of rules and levels of competition.
What you need to know about Australia Scholarships 2026
Most fully funded scholarships need:
- Good grades in school
- Letter of motivation or personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- English language skills (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Resume or CV
- Proposal for research (for a PhD)
Leadership and work experience are also important for some programmes, especially the Australia Awards.
Timeline for Applications for the 2026 Intake
A normal timeline:
- Applications for the Australia Awards will be open from February to April 2026.
- RTP and university scholarships open from August to October 2025.
- October to January: Important due dates
- Interviews and results from February to April
- Study starts in July or September 2026.
It’s very important to start early.
How to Make Your Chances Better
1. Apply for more than one scholarship
Send in applications to at least three to five programmes.
2. Focus on doing well in school
Australia puts a lot of value on good grades.
3. Show leadership and make an impact
For the Australia Awards in particular.
4. Write a good research proposal
Important for RTP and PhD scholarships.
5. Apply Early
Early applications are usually better and more complete.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- Putting off applying
- Letter of weak motivation
- Not meeting the requirements to be eligible
- Not caring about the quality of research proposals
- Sending in generic applications
You have a much better chance if you don’t make these mistakes.
The best plan for Africans and Nigerians
If you are applying from Nigeria or Africa, pay attention to:
- Scholarship for Australia Awards
- RTP Grant
- College research grants
These are the choices that are most realistic and worth the most.
Example of a Winning Strategy
- Apply to two RTP universities and the Australia Awards.
- Get ready a strong CV and cover letter.
- Make leadership and development effects clear
- Get strong letters of recommendation
- Turn in early
This organised method makes you more likely to succeed.
Last List
Make sure of the following before applying:
- You meet all the requirements.
- All of your papers are in order.
- Your application is customised
- Letters of recommendation are ready.
- There are no mistakes in your submission.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot of competition for fully funded scholarships in Australia for 2026, but they are also very possible if you have the right plan.
Australia is one of the best places for international students because programmes like Australia Awards and RTP pay for everything, including tuition, living costs, and more.
The key is not just applying, but doing so strategically, early, and with a strong position.
If you stay consistent, prepare well, and apply for a lot of scholarships, you can get a fully funded scholarship and go to school in Australia without having to worry about money.