Studying in Australia can involve significant tuition fees, accommodation expenses, health insurance, transportation, and everyday living costs. For international students who cannot comfortably finance these expenses, fully funded scholarships in Australia with monthly stipends provide an opportunity to pursue higher education while receiving substantial financial support.
Below, we examine some of the strongest fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students seeking undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research degrees in Australia.
What Does a Fully Funded Scholarship in Australia Cover?
A genuine fully funded scholarship in Australia usually provides considerably more than a tuition discount. Depending on the scholarship, successful applicants may receive full tuition coverage together with a living allowance designed to support everyday expenses.
Typical benefits can include:
- 100% tuition fee coverage or fee remission
- Regular living stipend
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Relocation or establishment allowance
- Return international airfare
- Research and fieldwork funding
- Thesis allowance
- Academic support
- Paid leave provisions for eligible research scholars
Benefits differ between scholarship providers. Applicants should therefore confirm the exact scholarship package attached to their university and degree before accepting an offer.
Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia with Monthly Stipend
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarships are among the most comprehensive Australian Government scholarships available to eligible international students. They are administered by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and are primarily intended to help students from participating developing countries obtain skills and qualifications that can contribute to development in their home countries.
Eligible recipients may undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and selected Technical and Further Education institutions.
The funding package generally includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy-class airfare
- Establishment allowance
- Contribution toward living expenses
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- Introductory academic support
- Possible pre-course English training
- Supplementary academic assistance
- Eligible fieldwork expenses
The contribution toward living expenses is paid fortnightly, with the applicable rate determined by the Australian Government.
Australia Awards can therefore be particularly attractive to applicants searching for a scholarship that covers not only tuition but also major expenses associated with relocating to and living in Australia.
Eligibility varies according to the applicant’s country of citizenship, study priorities, professional background, and country-specific requirements. Applicants should also understand that scholarship recipients are generally required to leave Australia for a minimum period after completing their award.
2. Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships
The Research Training Program (RTP) is one of the most important funding routes for international students pursuing research degrees in Australia.
The Australian Government provides RTP funding to eligible Australian higher education providers to support domestic and overseas students undertaking research master’s and doctoral degrees. Universities administer the scholarships themselves and determine their competitive selection processes. RTP support can include a tuition fee offset, living stipend and allowances connected with research study.
For international students, this means the exact package and stipend can vary between universities.
We recommend looking beyond the general name “RTP Scholarship” and checking the scholarship package offered by the university where the research degree will be undertaken. Some universities combine the RTP stipend with full tuition remission, health insurance and relocation benefits, creating a genuinely comprehensive funding package.
3. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships are available to high-achieving domestic and international students pursuing eligible graduate research degrees.
Selected stipend-and-fee-offset recipients can receive full fee remission for the standard funded period of their research degree together with a living allowance. The university lists a living allowance of AUD 39,500 per year, equivalent to roughly AUD 3,292 per month when divided across twelve months. The allowance may be indexed.
Additional benefits can include:
- Full tuition fee offset
- Living stipend
- Relocation grant
- Single Overseas Student Health Cover for eligible international students
- Limited paid sick, maternity and parenting leave
International students moving to Australia may also qualify for a higher relocation grant than students relocating within Australia.
Another advantage is the application process. New applicants who submit an eligible graduate research application are generally automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships rather than having to prepare an entirely separate scholarship application.
Selection is highly competitive and considers academic achievement and research potential. Relevant professional experience, research publications and other evidence of research capability may also contribute to assessment.
4. Monash Graduate Scholarship with Tuition Scholarship
The Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) supports domestic and international students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Master’s degrees at Monash University in Australia.
The scholarship provides a living allowance of AUD 37,145 per year, representing an approximate monthly equivalent of AUD 3,095. Eligible scholars may also receive a relocation allowance.
Importantly, the Monash Graduate Scholarship itself focuses primarily on the stipend. However, Monash confirms that international students can have the stipend packaged with available tuition scholarships. This combination can create the type of comprehensive funding international applicants commonly mean when searching for a fully funded scholarship.
Monash scholarship selection is competitive and considers factors such as:
- Academic excellence
- Previous research experience
- Research publications or outputs
- English-language requirements
- Overall research potential
Applicants normally submit their graduate research scholarship application alongside their course application, and eligible applicants can be considered for available research scholarships through the university’s application process.
For applicants with strong research credentials, Monash is therefore worth considering when searching for Australian PhD scholarships with tuition fees and living stipends.
5. University of Queensland Graduate Research School Scholarships
The University of Queensland Graduate Research School Scholarships, which include RTP-funded opportunities, provide financial assistance to eligible domestic and international postgraduate research students.
The scholarship funding category includes tuition fees and a living stipend. The published living allowance is approximately AUD 39,220 per year, or around AUD 3,268 per month when expressed as a monthly equivalent. The scholarship package also includes Single Overseas Student Health Cover for eligible recipients.
Funding is normally available for eligible higher degree by research programs such as:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Master of Philosophy
- Selected research-focused professional doctorates
Candidates must satisfy the conditions for admission to their chosen higher degree by research program and receive the necessary academic nomination or support.
Applicants generally begin by identifying a suitable research supervisor, preparing the required documentation and submitting an expression of interest. A separate scholarship form is not normally required for new applicants following the standard research admission route.
For students interested in research-intensive postgraduate study, UQ’s combination of tuition funding, stipend and health insurance makes it one of the notable options available in Australia.
6. Deakin University RTP and Postgraduate Research Scholarships
International students pursuing graduate research at Deakin University may compete for the Research Training Program Scholarship or the Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship.
The stipend is approximately AUD 37,450 per year, equivalent to around AUD 3,121 per month when calculated across twelve months. The stipend is tax-exempt under the stated conditions.
The scholarship package can also provide:
- Tuition fee offset
- Relocation allowance
- Single Overseas Student Health Cover for international candidates
- Living stipend
For doctoral students, the stipend and tuition fee offset have different maximum support periods, while research master’s candidates receive support according to the standard duration specified by the university.
Selection is competitive. Deakin states that candidates are assessed on academic achievement and research capability, including previous study, research experience, publications and relevant professional experience.
This makes the scholarship particularly suitable for international applicants with a strong academic history who want to undertake a Master’s by Research or PhD in Australia with full funding.
7. Australian National University RTP Scholarship
The Australian National University Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship is another highly competitive option for international research students.
ANU awards RTP stipends to eligible Higher Degree by Research candidates through competitive scholarship rounds. The university’s listed annual stipend reaches approximately AUD 40,475, representing a monthly equivalent of about AUD 3,373, although actual payments are made fortnightly.
The scholarship may also provide additional benefits including:
- Travel and removal allowances
- Thesis allowance
- Dependent-child allowance for eligible international students
- Certain paid leave provisions
- Health-cover reimbursement under applicable RTP fee-offset arrangements
ANU states that its central stipend scholarships, including RTP and University Research Scholarships, include a tuition fee scholarship for international students.
Scholarships are awarded through competitive ranking based on academic merit, research suitability, supervisor availability and alignment with the university’s research capacity. Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify and communicate with an appropriate prospective research supervisor before submitting their research degree application.
Who Can Apply for Fully Funded Australian Scholarships?
Eligibility differs considerably between scholarships, but competitive applicants commonly need an excellent academic record and evidence that they satisfy admission requirements for their chosen degree.
For research scholarships, universities may place particular emphasis on research experience, publications, academic performance, previous dissertations or theses, professional experience and the quality of the proposed research project. Melbourne, Monash, ANU and Deakin all indicate that academic merit and research capability play important roles in scholarship selection.
International applicants may also need to satisfy:
- University academic entry requirements
- English-language proficiency requirements
- Research degree prerequisites
- Supervisor requirements
- Scholarship-specific nationality conditions
- Student visa requirements
- Full-time enrolment conditions
Applicants should not assume that receiving university admission automatically guarantees a living stipend. Research scholarships are competitive, even where applicants are automatically considered.
Documents Needed for Scholarship Applications in Australia
Although requirements vary, we recommend preparing essential documents early. Research scholarship applicants commonly need academic transcripts, degree certificates, evidence of research experience and information demonstrating their suitability for postgraduate research.
A strong application may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum vitae
- English-language test results where required
- Research proposal
- Statement of research interests
- Academic references
- Publications or research evidence
- Passport or identification documents
- Evidence of professional experience
- Supervisor correspondence where required
For competitive research funding, the research proposal and evidence of previous research capability can be especially important.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship in Australia
Competition for scholarships offering both tuition coverage and living stipends can be intense. We recommend focusing first on scholarships that closely match the applicant’s academic background and intended field rather than sending identical applications to numerous universities.
For research degrees, applicants should identify academics whose expertise matches their proposed research topic. A clearly defined research problem, strong methodology and evidence that the project fits the university’s research strengths can make an application more convincing.
Academic performance remains important, but publications, conference presentations, professional research experience, awards and previous thesis work can also strengthen an application where the university considers research potential.
We also recommend preparing documents well before the scholarship round closes. Reference reports, supervisor approval and academic documentation can take time to arrange, and incomplete applications may not progress to scholarship assessment.
Monthly Stipend Amounts: What International Students Should Understand
The phrase “monthly stipend” is useful for comparing scholarships, but many Australian universities actually distribute research stipends fortnightly rather than once per month. ANU, for example, confirms that its scholarship stipend payments are made in fortnightly instalments, while Australia Awards also provides its contribution to living expenses fortnightly.
Therefore, monthly amounts shown in this guide are approximate equivalents calculated from published annual stipend values rather than claims that universities necessarily transfer one payment every month.
Stipend rates can also be indexed or revised, so applicants should always confirm the applicable funding level in their scholarship offer.
Choosing the Best Fully Funded Scholarship in Australia
The best scholarship depends on the applicant’s study level, nationality and academic goals. Students seeking government-funded undergraduate or postgraduate study may find the Australia Awards Scholarships particularly comprehensive because they can include tuition, airfare, health insurance, establishment support and regular living expenses.
For research master’s and doctoral candidates, the Australian Government Research Training Program and university-funded graduate research scholarships provide some of the strongest pathways. Universities such as Melbourne, Monash, Queensland, Deakin and ANU offer competitive research funding that can substantially reduce or completely remove the financial burden associated with postgraduate research.
Applicants should compare not only the stipend amount but also tuition coverage, health insurance, relocation assistance, scholarship duration, research support and eligibility conditions before choosing where to apply.
University of South Australia Admissions
To apply to University of South Australia, make sure to complete the admission requirements and follow the application procedure. You can find more information on the following links:
FAQs about Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia with Monthly Stipend
1. What are fully funded scholarships in Australia with a monthly stipend?
These are scholarship programs that may cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, travel costs, and research expenses, while also providing recipients with a regular stipend for daily living costs.
2. Who can apply for fully funded scholarships in Australia?
Eligibility varies by scholarship, but international applicants generally need a strong academic record, relevant qualifications, English-language proficiency, and admission or eligibility for an approved Australian study program.
3. How much monthly stipend can scholarship recipients receive?
The amount differs between scholarship programs and universities. Some scholarships provide an annual living allowance paid in fortnightly or monthly instalments to help students cover accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
4. Which scholarships in Australia offer full funding and living allowances?
Popular opportunities include Australia Awards Scholarships, the Research Training Program (RTP), and university-funded postgraduate research scholarships. Funding benefits and eligibility requirements vary.
5. Can undergraduate students receive fully funded scholarships with stipends in Australia?
Yes, although fully funded undergraduate opportunities are generally less common than postgraduate research scholarships. Students should check government, university, and external scholarship programs.
6. Do Australian scholarships require IELTS?
Some programs require proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or another accepted test. Certain universities may grant exemptions based on previous education.
7. How can international students apply?
Applicants should identify suitable scholarships, review eligibility requirements, prepare academic documents, references, personal statements or research proposals, and submit applications before the specified deadline.
8. Are fully funded Australian scholarships competitive?
Yes. Strong academic performance, leadership experience, research potential, relevant achievements, and a well-prepared application can improve an applicant’s chances.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships in Australia with monthly stipends can make Australian higher education accessible to talented international students who need substantial financial assistance.
The most competitive applicants usually combine excellent academic results with clear study objectives, strong supporting documents and, for research degrees, convincing evidence of research potential. By targeting scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance and additional study costs, international students can pursue an Australian degree with significantly reduced financial pressure.
