Australia remains a dream study destination for many Nigerian and other international students due to its world-class universities, post-study work opportunities, and high standard of living.
In Australia, most fully funded scholarships are for postgraduate (Masters/PhD) study, but a few government scholarships also include undergraduate programs — mainly the Australia Awards and some special university schemes. Fortunately, there are several fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs — making your study goals achievable.
Below are some of the most prestigious fully funded Australian scholarships you should apply for in 2025.
1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Eligibility:
- Open to students from eligible developing countries (Nigeria is eligible).
- Must apply for a full-time study program at an Australian university.
- Meet the admission requirements of the chosen institution.
- Return home for at least two years after completing the program.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Return air travel.
- Establishment allowance.
- Living expenses (stipend).
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Introductory academic program.
Deadline:
- Applications typically open February and close April 30, 2025 (varies by country).
Website: www.dfat.gov.au
2. Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
Category: Government-funded, Postgraduate Research (Masters by Research & PhD)
Eligibility:
- Open to both domestic and international students.
- Must be undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR).
- Meet the university’s research program entry requirements.
- Usually need a strong academic record and research proposal.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee offset.
- Living allowance (~AUD 29,000 per year, tax-free).
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Relocation allowance in some universities.
Deadline:
- Varies by university but typically between August–October 2025 for 2026 intake.
Website: Apply through your chosen university.
3. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
Category: University-funded, Postgraduate Research (Masters by Research & PhD)
Eligibility:
- Open to high-achieving international and domestic students.
- Must have applied for or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
Benefits:
- Full fee remission for up to 2 years (Masters) or 4 years (PhD).
- Living stipend (~AUD 37,000 per year).
- Relocation grant (~AUD 3,000–$3,500).
- Overseas Student Health Cover.
Deadline:
- Applications open year-round but best to apply by October 31, 2025 for 2026 intake.
Website: scholarships.unimelb.edu.au
4. University of Sydney International Scholarship (USydIS)
Category: University-funded, Postgraduate Research (Masters by Research & PhD)
Eligibility:
- High-achieving international students.
- Must have an unconditional offer for a research program at the University of Sydney.
- Strong academic and research background.
Benefits:
- Tuition fees.
- Living allowance (~AUD 37,000 per year).
Deadline:
- Applications close September 13, 2025 for Research Period 1 & 2, 2026.
Website: sydney.edu.au
5. Destination Australia Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Eligibility:
- International students studying at regional Australian universities.
Benefits:
- Up to AUD 15,000 per year to cover tuition and living costs (not always fully funded but can be combined with other support).
Deadline:
- Varies by institution — usually between January and March for mid-year intake.
Website: www.education.gov.au/destination-australia
6. University of Adelaide Research Scholarships
Category: University-funded, Postgraduate Research (Masters by Research & PhD)
Eligibility:
- International students with excellent academic results.
- Must meet admission and English language requirements.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Annual living stipend (~AUD 34,000).
- Health insurance.
- Relocation and publication allowance.
Deadline:
- Applications usually close September 2025 for Semester 1, 2026.
Website: adelaide.edu.au
7. Monash University Research Training Program & Monash Graduate Scholarships
Category: University & Government funded, Postgraduate Research (Masters by Research & PhD)
Eligibility:
- Open to domestic and international students.
- Must meet academic excellence criteria.
- Must have an unconditional offer for a research degree at Monash.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Living allowance (~AUD 33,000–$35,000 per year).
- Relocation grant.
- OSHC.
Deadline:
- Main round closes August 31, 2025 for 2026 intake.
Website: monash.edu
8. Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships (various universities)
Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate Taught (coursework Masters)
Eligibility:
- High-achieving international students.
- Students with strong academics and leadership potential.
Benefits:
- Some universities offer full tuition, though many are partial — worth checking if “full tuition + stipend” is offered for your target course.
Deadline:
- Varies; often February–May for Semester 2 or the following year.
Websites: University-specific.
9. Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (FIPRS)
Category: University-funded, Postgraduate Research (Masters by Research & PhD)
Eligibility:
- International students with excellent academic records.
- Must meet English language and admission requirements.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Living stipend (~AUD 33,000 per year).
- Health insurance.
- Relocation costs.
Deadline:
- Closes August 6, 2025 for 2026 intake.
Website: flinders.edu.au
Final Tips for Applicants
Start early: Scholarship applications often require academic references, research proposals, and proof of English proficiency.
Apply to multiple scholarships: Many scholarships allow overlapping applications.
Contact supervisors: For research scholarships, securing a potential supervisor early greatly increases your chances.
Prepare documents: Have your passport, academic transcripts, CV, and SOP ready.
These fully funded Australian scholarships can make your dream of studying in Australia a reality without the burden of huge debts. Each offers full tuition, living expenses, and additional benefits to help you succeed academically and socially.
Related Articles
- Monash University Graduate Scholarship in Australia 2025
- Australian National University RTP Scholarship 2025 | Fully Funded
- Destination Australia Scholarships 2025
- Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
- University of Sydney International Scholarships (Australia)
- 9 Key Exams to Kickstart Your Study Abroad
- Top 20 Scholarships for Engineering Students in 2025
- 15 Best Free Online Courses at Harvard University with Certificates, 2025
- 10 Must-Have Skills for International Students Before Travelling Abroad (Plus Packing Checklist for 2025)
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
- Requirements for Medical School Admission in the US (2025 Guide)
- How To Fund Your Study Abroad Dream 2025
- How to Get Admission Abroad with a 2nd Class Lower (2:2) Degree
