Studying for a master’s degree in Australia can provide international students with access to globally recognised universities, advanced research facilities, strong academic supervision, and valuable professional networks. However, tuition fees and living expenses can make postgraduate education expensive. Fully funded Masters scholarships in Australia for international students can significantly reduce these financial barriers by covering tuition fees and, in many cases, providing living stipends, health insurance, travel support, and research-related allowances.
We have identified several major scholarship pathways available to outstanding international students pursuing postgraduate study in Australia. Some are designed for coursework master’s degrees, while others specifically support Master by Research, MPhil, and other Higher Degree by Research programs.
What Does a Fully Funded Masters Scholarship in Australia Cover?
A genuinely comprehensive scholarship may cover substantially more than university tuition. Depending on the scholarship provider and university, successful international students may receive financial assistance for:
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses or annual stipend
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- Return international airfare
- Relocation expenses
- Establishment allowance
- Research expenses
- Thesis-related costs
- Academic materials
- Fieldwork or research travel
The Australian Government’s Research Training Program, for example, allows participating universities to provide eligible research students with a tuition fee offset, living stipend and allowances related to higher degree research costs. International students undertaking eligible research master’s degrees may receive RTP support through participating Australian universities.
Top Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in Australia for International Students
International applicants should understand that scholarship conditions differ between institutions. We therefore recommend checking whether a particular award covers both tuition and living costs before applying.
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships are among the most comprehensive Australian Government scholarships available to eligible international students from participating countries.
These awards support students undertaking full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian institutions. For eligible master’s students, benefits generally include full tuition fees, return economy airfare, an establishment allowance, contributions toward living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover and other academic support where applicable.
Australia Awards Scholarships are particularly attractive to applicants seeking a fully funded opportunity that goes beyond tuition assistance.
Candidates are generally expected to demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.
Because eligibility and available fields of study can vary by participating country, applicants should review the requirements that apply specifically to their nationality before submitting an application.
2. Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships
The Research Training Program (RTP) is one of the most important funding pathways for international students interested in completing a research-based master’s degree in Australia.
The Australian Government provides RTP funding to eligible universities, which then administer scholarships to qualifying domestic and international Higher Degree by Research students.
RTP support can include:
- Tuition fee offsets
- Living-cost stipends
- Research-related allowances
- Other approved costs associated with higher degree research
International students enrolled in accredited research master’s or research doctorate programs may be eligible. For a full-time research master’s degree, RTP support can generally be provided for up to two years.
Unlike a single central scholarship application, RTP awards are normally administered by individual Australian universities. Applicants should therefore apply according to the scholarship procedures of the institution where they intend to undertake their research.
3. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships provide substantial financial support to high-achieving domestic and international graduate research students.
Eligible international applicants undertaking a Master by Research may compete for scholarships providing a full fee offset and living allowance. Scholarships are awarded primarily according to academic achievement and research potential.
For eligible Master by Research recipients, support may include:
- Full tuition fee offset
- Living stipend
- Relocation assistance
- Overseas Student Health Cover for eligible international recipients
- Limited leave-related scholarship provisions
The scholarship funding period for an eligible research master’s degree can extend for up to two years.
Applicants with excellent academic records, previous research experience, publications, strong references and a well-developed research proposal may be particularly competitive.
4. University of Sydney RTP Scholarships
The University of Sydney provides Australian Government Research Training Program scholarship opportunities for international Higher Degree by Research students.
International students commencing or already enrolled in an eligible higher degree by research can compete for RTP funding.
Depending on the award received, scholarship support can include a living stipend, full tuition fee coverage, Overseas Student Health Cover and additional allowances.
The university also offers university-funded international research scholarships that may provide comparable financial assistance.
Students interested in a Master by Research should ensure their proposed program qualifies as a Higher Degree by Research and carefully follow the university’s scholarship application requirements.
5. University of Queensland Graduate Research Scholarships
The University of Queensland Graduate Research School scholarships provide another valuable opportunity for international students seeking fully funded postgraduate research study.
UQ states that its principal graduate research scholarships are available to eligible domestic and international students and can provide tuition fee support, a living stipend and Single Overseas Student Health Cover.
Scholarships are competitive and are normally awarded based on academic performance, research capability and the quality of the proposed research project.
International applicants pursuing eligible Higher Degree by Research programs should carefully check whether their intended master’s qualification is included within the funding round for which they are applying.
6. Monash University Graduate Research Scholarships
Monash University offers several funding opportunities for students completing graduate research programs.
The Monash Graduate Scholarship provides a living allowance and may also provide eligible relocation support. International recipients may be able to combine the stipend with a separate tuition scholarship, creating a more comprehensive funding package.
Monash also participates in the Australian Government Research Training Program, through which eligible domestic and international Research Masters and Research Doctorate students may receive financial support.
Because some Monash awards cover the stipend while separate scholarships cover international tuition fees, applicants should verify the complete scholarship package rather than assuming every graduate scholarship automatically covers all expenses.
7. Deakin University RTP and Postgraduate Research Scholarships
Deakin University offers funding for eligible domestic and international research degree candidates through the Australian Government Research Training Program and Deakin postgraduate research scholarships.
For eligible research master’s students, scholarship arrangements may provide both stipend support and tuition fee offsets for up to two years.
These scholarships are particularly suitable for applicants interested in conducting advanced research under university supervision.
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential while meeting the admission requirements for their chosen research degree.
8. Australian National University Research Scholarships
The Australian National University (ANU) provides several funding opportunities for Higher Degree by Research candidates, including students undertaking eligible MPhil programs.
ANU explains that research scholarships can provide support toward living expenses and tuition fees, while supplementary scholarships may also be available to increase a recipient’s funding package.
International HDR applicants may also be considered for tuition fee scholarships alongside eligible stipend awards. ANU’s HDR Fee Merit Scholarship, for example, supports high-achieving international research candidates and can provide fee assistance for eligible MPhil study.
Eligibility Requirements for Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in Australia
Although individual scholarship requirements differ, international applicants will generally need a strong academic background.
Common eligibility factors may include:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree
- Excellent academic results
- Evidence of English-language proficiency where required
- Research experience for research-based programs
- A strong research proposal
- Academic references
- Relevant professional experience for certain programs
- Evidence of leadership or community involvement for selected government scholarships
- Admission into an eligible Australian university program
For research scholarships, academic merit alone may not be enough. Universities frequently consider an applicant’s research potential, previous research training, publications, professional achievements and compatibility with available supervisors or research projects.
Documents Needed for Masters Scholarship Applications
Preparing scholarship documentation early can make the application process considerably easier.
We recommend preparing:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- Research proposal where required
- Academic recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency where applicable
- Passport identification page
- Research publications or academic writing samples where relevant
- Evidence of professional experience
- Scholarship-specific supporting documents
Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete, accurate and submitted according to the university or scholarship provider’s requirements.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in Australia
The application process depends heavily on the scholarship.
For university research scholarships, we generally recommend beginning by identifying a suitable research master’s program and potential supervisor. Applicants should examine university research areas and determine whether their proposed project aligns with available expertise.
After identifying an appropriate program, applicants should check admission requirements, prepare their research proposal, gather supporting documents and submit the required admission and scholarship applications.
For RTP scholarships, students normally apply through participating universities rather than directly to the Australian Government because universities administer RTP awards.
Australia Awards applicants should instead follow the country-specific application procedures and eligibility requirements established for their participating country.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Masters Scholarship
Fully funded postgraduate scholarships are highly competitive, so a carefully prepared application can make a significant difference.
We recommend that applicants focus on academic excellence, research potential and a clearly defined career direction.
For research programs, the research proposal should identify a meaningful problem, demonstrate knowledge of existing research and explain how the proposed study could contribute new knowledge.
A strong scholarship application should also show why the selected university, department and research environment are appropriate for the applicant’s goals.
Recommendation letters should ideally come from academics or professionals who can provide specific evidence of the applicant’s capabilities rather than general statements of support.
Applicants should also tailor every statement to the scholarship instead of submitting the same generic personal statement to multiple universities.
Coursework Masters vs Research Masters Scholarships in Australia
One of the most important distinctions international students should understand is the difference between coursework and research master’s funding.
Fully funded scholarships for coursework master’s programs are available, particularly through major government-funded opportunities such as Australia Awards. However, many university scholarships for coursework degrees provide only partial tuition discounts.
Research master’s students generally have access to a broader range of comprehensive funding opportunities because programs such as the Australian Government Research Training Program specifically support research master’s and doctoral students.
Applicants whose academic goals include research, university teaching, doctoral study or specialised research careers may therefore find significantly more fully funded opportunities through Master by Research or MPhil programs.
Can International Students Study a Masters in Australia for Free?
Yes. An international student can potentially complete a master’s degree in Australia without personally paying tuition fees when awarded a scholarship that provides a 100% tuition fee offset.
With a comprehensive fully funded scholarship, the student may additionally receive a living stipend, health insurance and other allowances.
However, applicants should carefully distinguish between:
Fully funded scholarships, which can cover tuition and major living expenses;
Full tuition scholarships, which cover tuition but may not provide living expenses; and
Partial scholarships, which reduce only part of the tuition fee.
Understanding this distinction prevents students from accepting an award that does not provide enough financial support for their circumstances.
Best Strategy for Finding Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in Australia
Rather than searching only for scholarships containing the words “fully funded,” we recommend searching across several scholarship categories.
Useful terms include RTP scholarship, graduate research scholarship, international research scholarship, postgraduate research scholarship, Master by Research scholarship, MPhil scholarship, tuition fee offset scholarship and stipend scholarship.
Some universities provide complete funding through a combination of awards—for example, one scholarship may provide a living stipend while another covers international tuition fees.
Applicants should therefore examine the total funding package, not simply the name of the scholarship.
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 Masters Scholarships in Australia for International Students
1. What is a fully funded Master’s scholarship in Australia?
A fully funded Master’s scholarship is financial support that may cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, research costs, and sometimes travel expenses for eligible international students studying in Australia.
2. Can international students get fully funded Master’s scholarships in Australia?
Yes. International students may qualify for scholarships offered by the Australian Government, universities, research institutions, and other organisations.
3. What are the main requirements for fully funded scholarships in Australia?
Requirements vary, but applicants usually need a recognised bachelor’s degree, strong academic results, proof of English proficiency, academic references, and a compelling personal statement or research proposal.
4. Do Australian scholarships cover living expenses?
Many fully funded scholarships provide a living allowance or stipend in addition to tuition coverage. The amount and benefits depend on the scholarship programme.
5. Can I apply for an Australian Master’s scholarship without IELTS?
Some universities may accept alternatives such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, or evidence that previous education was completed in English. Applicants should check the specific university’s English-language requirements.
6. Are fully funded scholarships available for all Master’s programmes?
Scholarships are available across many disciplines, although funding opportunities may be greater for research-based Master’s programmes and priority academic fields.
7. How can I improve my chances of receiving a scholarship?
We recommend maintaining strong academic results, preparing a persuasive statement, obtaining quality references, meeting every eligibility requirement, and submitting a complete application.
8. Can scholarship recipients work while studying in Australia?
International students may be permitted to work subject to their student visa conditions and any additional restrictions attached to their scholarship.
Final Thoughts
Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in Australia for International Students can make postgraduate education at leading Australian universities financially achievable for talented students from around the world.
We recommend prioritising scholarships that provide both full tuition coverage and a living stipend, while also checking for health insurance, relocation assistance and other essential benefits.
For applicants interested in research-based postgraduate study, Master by Research and MPhil programs offer particularly strong access to fully funded scholarship opportunities. A strong academic record, carefully prepared research proposal, suitable supervisor and well-organised application can significantly strengthen a candidate’s competitiveness for these prestigious Australian scholarships.
