Australia Awards Scholarships: Developing Global Leaders
The University of Sydney, in partnership with the Australian Government, is offering the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) for 2026. These scholarships aim to promote education and build strong links between Australia and developing countries by supporting future global leaders who will drive change and contribute to development in their home nations.
While applications for the 2026 cycle are not yet open, this comprehensive guide will help prospective applicants prepare in advance for this life-changing opportunity.
Scholarship Benefits
The Australia Awards Scholarships provide comprehensive support to recipients, including:
Full course tuition fees covered by the Australian Government
Return airfares to Australia
Living expenses contributions
Establishment allowance
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Australia Awards Scholarships, applicants must:
Meet all requirements outlined in the AAS Policy Handbook (1.3MB PDF)
Be a citizen of an eligible developing country
Not be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia
Not be married or engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Note that eligibility criteria may vary slightly between countries, so it's essential to check your country-specific information on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
Application Timeline
For the current cycle, applications close on April 30, 2024. However, application dates differ between countries. For the 2026 cycle, similar timelines are expected, but applicants should regularly check for updates.
It's recommended to start preparing documentation and researching eligible courses well in advance of the application period.
Why Choose the University of Sydney?
The University of Sydney offers exceptional breadth and expertise through research across its faculties and schools. With significant capability in more than 20 major areas of research, the university provides a world-class educational environment for scholarship recipients.
For those interested in research degrees, it's important to note that applicants must secure the support of an academic supervisor before applying.
How to Apply
The application process for Australia Awards Scholarships involves several steps:
Check your eligibility through your country's profile on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website
Review the priority areas and eligible courses for your country
For research degrees, secure support from an academic supervisor
Access the application portal through your country's specific link
Complete and submit your application with all required documentation
When applications open for the 2026 cycle, detailed instructions will be available on the official website.
Eligible Courses and Priority Areas
The University of Sydney offers a wide range of eligible courses aligned with three priority areas recognized by the Australia Awards Scholarships:
1. Health Security
Courses in this category include Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Public Health, Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, Master of Global Health, and various research degrees in medicine and health.
2. Stability
This area includes programs such as Master of International Security, Master of Environmental Law, Master of Sustainability, Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Master of Social Justice, and research degrees in arts, social sciences, and business.
3. Economic Recovery
Eligible courses include Bachelor of Economics, Master of Commerce, Master of Business Administration, Master of Transport, Master of Engineering, Master of Economics, and various research degrees in business and engineering.
For a complete list of eligible courses with their CRICOS codes, visit the University of Sydney Australia Awards page.
Scholar Experiences
Past recipients of the Australia Awards Scholarships have shared their transformative experiences:
"My studies have imparted me with knowledge in reproductive health and fertility and enabled me to learn the importance of research in health policy - an area I intend to explore on my return home to Zambia to improve the health system." - Abigail Mulundano, Zambia
"Beyond the classroom, my stay in Australia has been marked by invaluable friendships, vibrant cultural exchange and the picturesque landscapes of the Australian east coast. I can't wait to come home and contribute to my country's future." - Aladdin Roxas Ko, The Philippines
"I cannot thank the Australia Awards enough for this prestigious scholarship. It allows me to meet new people, experience different cultures, learn new skills, and bring back all the knowledge to contribute to Cambodia's development. This has been the most fantastic experience ever in my life." - Reasmey Cheut, Cambodia
Contact Information
For inquiries about the Australia Awards Scholarships at the University of Sydney, contact:
International Sponsorships team
Phone: +61 2 8627 5449
Email: australiaawards@sydney.edu.au
Address: Student Centre, Level 3 Jane Foss Russell (JFR) Building, Darlington Campus
Prepare Now for 2026
While applications for the 2026 cycle are not yet open, prospective candidates should begin preparation by:
Researching eligible courses that align with your career goals and your country's development priorities
Reviewing the AAS Policy Handbook to understand all requirements
For research degrees, identifying and contacting potential supervisors
Preparing necessary documentation such as academic transcripts, certificates, and identification
Improving English language proficiency if needed
The Australia Awards Scholarships represent a significant opportunity for students from developing countries to gain world-class education and contribute meaningfully to their home countries' development upon return.
For official updates and detailed information, visit the Australia Awards Scholarships Official Website
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