Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa
Australia’s international development assistance in Africa helps promote prosperity, reduce poverty, and enhance political
stability.
Australia Awards scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next
generation of global leaders in developing countries. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and
knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia.
Applicants are assessed on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence and, most importantly, their
potential to positively impact inclusive development in eligible countries.
Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability and other marginalised groups. Please visit GEDSI
Support Hub for additional information about how the Program supports inclusivity.
Applying for an Australia Awards scholarship
Eligible Countries
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya,
Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South
Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Priority fields of study
The priority areas of study for eligible African countries in this application round are:
• Agriculture and food security
• Climate change
• Foreign policy and international security
• Gender, disability, and social inclusion
• Mining and energy
The government of Australia regularly reviews these areas of study and adjusts the emphasis of the program. Detailed
information on priority areas of study can be found at Australia Awards Africa.
Level of study
Australia Awards scholarships provide citizens of eligible African countries with the opportunity to obtain a Master’s
qualification at an Australian tertiary institution.
Awards will be offered for commencement in 2026.
Australia Awards benefits
Australia Awards scholarships are offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete the academic
program specified by the Australian education institution, including any preparatory training.
Scholarship recipients will receive the following:
• return air travel
• a one-off establishment allowance on arrival
Australia Awards scholarships information for study commencing in 2026
• full tuition fees
• contribution to living expenses
• introductory academic program
• overseas student health cover for the duration of the scholarship
• supplementary academic support
• fieldwork allowance for research students and masters by coursework which has a compulsory fieldwork component,
• Reasonable accommodation for scholars with disabilities that need this support.
Eligibility criteria
Australia Awards applicants must meet all eligibility requirements detailed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy
Handbook.
Country-specific conditions
In addition to the eligibility requirements, candidates from eligible African countries must also meet the following conditions:
• Be a minimum of 25 years of age on 1 February 2026
• At a minimum, have 5 years of post-graduate work experience, working in a field relative to their field of study
• Be employed at the time of applying for the scholarship
• Be a citizen of Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia,
Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra
Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe and be residing in and applying for the scholarship from
their country of citizenship, unless working for an African Regional Organisation or working on diplomatic mission for
their home country.
• Not already hold or be undertaking a Master’s degree or equivalent (equivalent to a Master’s degree in home country)
• Already hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree)
• Not have previously received a long-term Australia Award
Meet the minimum English language proficiency of at least 6.5 in IELTS with no band less than 6.0 (an internet based
TOEFL score of at least 84, with a minimum of 21 in all subtests, or PTE Academic overall score of 58 with no
communicative skill score less than 50). Scores must be valid on 1 January 2025. (Excluding candidates if their first
language is English and they have undertaken their education in English).
The Program also makes equity of access adjustments for people with disabilities and for prospective students wanting to
specialise in disability rights and inclusions. Please visit GEDSI Support Hub for additional information about how the
Program supports inclusivity.
Application dates
For study commencing in Australia in 2026:
Opening date: 1 February 2025
Closing date: 30 April 2025 (11:59PM AEST)
Applications and/or supporting documents received after the closing date will not be considered.
The application process
Online applications
All applications must be lodged online through OASIS.
Supporting documents
Applicants must submit all the relevant supporting documents listed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.
Applicants must also provide the following documents to meet the specific requirements for Australia Awards Africa:
Required document OASIS document type
Passport Proof of Citizenship
Undergraduate Degree Certificate Degree Certificate
Undergraduate Academic Transcript Academic Transcript
Curriculum Vitae Curriculum Vitae
Employer Referee Report Referee Report
Academic Referee Report Referee Report
IELTS/TOEFL/Pearson Test Certificate Proof of English Language Proficiency
Australia Awards scholarships information for study commencing in 2026
Required document OASIS document type
(Excluding candidates if their first language is English and
they have undertaken their education in English)
Note: successful candidates will be required to produce original documents for certification.
The selection process
• Applications will be shortlisted for a selection interview after eligibility checking.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• The selection process includes an interview. Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:
• academic competence
• potential outcome, specifically the contribution to inclusive development outcomes in Africa
• professional and personal leadership attributes including relevant work experience.
• Successful candidates will be notified in late 2025.
• Awardee travel will be subject to meeting the requirements imposed by the Australian Government, as determined by the
Australian Government Department of Education and by the relevant Australian State or Territory governments.
Preparatory training
Successful applicants will be required to attend:
• course counselling
• pre-departure briefing
• university’s Introductory Academic Program
• other required preparatory study on arrival in Australia.
Further information
More general information about the Australia Awards, Australia’s aid program, and studying in Australia can be found at the
following links:
• Australia Awards Africa
• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Study Australia
Information about visas and Australia Awards scholarship entitlements and conditions can be found in the Australia
Award Scholarships Policy Handbook.
Contact details
Australia Awards Africa
Address: Boardwalk Office Park, 107 Haymeadow Road, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa
Telephone: +27 67 421 6340 (South Africa) and +254 708 608 580 (Kenya)
Email: enquiries@australiaawardsafrica.org
Australia Awards scholarships information for study commencing in 2026
