The Best Graduate School Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia

Searching for the best graduate school scholarships to support your higher education goals is serious business. Balancing dreams with financial challenges often can often leave you frustrated. For many Indian students, the cost of education in Australia might be holding you back from pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree. Tuition fees and living expenses can be high, depending on where in Australia you are looking. 

However, international scholarships for Indian students can make your journey a lot easier. These scholarships reduce the financial burden you have to bear for a world-class education abroad. They also open doors to prestigious universities and career opportunities. Below, we break down some excellent graduate scholarship options, along with their benefits and application processes. 

Why Choose Australia for Graduate Studies?

Australia is a top destination for graduate studies for 2025. Australia holds a mixture of quality education and cultural diversity. Its universities have worldwide renown for delivering globally-leading education. Several of the country’s universities rank consistently among the global top 100. You will benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes practical learning and innovation. Whether you pursue research or coursework-based programs, both will offer these advantages. These universities also offer excellent graduate school scholarships for international students.

For Indian students, Australia provides unique opportunities for career growth. The country scores 8.6 in terms of jobs, higher than the OECD employment average.

⦁    Graduates can enter a strong job market. There is high demand in industries like healthcare, technology, and engineering.
⦁    Indian students can stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years through the post-study work visa. This visa opportunity provides valuable work experience and contributes to eligibility for permanent residency.

Top Graduate School Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students

To help achieve academic goals, Australia offers numerous international scholarships for Indian students. These scholarships ease financial constraints, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and more. Generally, three types of graduate school scholarships are available. These are:

Government-Funded Scholarships

The Australian government offers a range of scholarships for international students. These include scholarships for students from India. These scholarships cover almost everything you need to study abroad. For example, the scholarship may waive your tuition fees and cover your living expenses and other study costs. They also create opportunities for cultural exchange and skill development.

Australia Awards Scholarships: 

One of the best graduate school scholarships is the Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS). Most graduate students from India keep this at the top of the list. It provides full tuition, a living allowance, and travel costs. The scholarship also includes health insurance and leadership training. This is ideal if you are planning to study fields relevant to development goals. These scholarships cover approximately AUD 30,000 per year.

Destination Australia Scholarship: 

Another good option is the Destination Australia Scholarship. This program is for those who want to study in regional Australia. You can enjoy up to AUD 15,000 per year for your studies. These regions offer a peaceful lifestyle and unique cultural experiences, as well as diverse work opportunities and more affordable living expenses. If you want quality education in a quieter environment, this could be ideal for you.

Research Training Program (RTP): 

If you’re keen to pursue research this scholarship is a great option to consider. It supports students doing master's or PhD programs in Australia. It covers tuition and research expenses, and provides a stipend to cover costs of living. 

Australia India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF): 

If you are eager to specialize in science or technology, you can look into this scholarship. The AISRF program funds research projects involving both Australia and India. It funds areas like renewable energy, medical technology, and environmental sustainability. This financial support helps researchers access resources, equipment, and expertise for high-quality work. It’s not just a scholarship; it’s a chance to work on innovative ideas.

University-Specific Scholarships

Graduate school scholarships from top universities in Australia give you the opportunity to learn under the global best in higher education. 38 out of the country’s 41 Australian universities populate the QS World University Rankings of 2025. All of these universities offer unique and exclusive scholarship opportunities for international students. 

James Cook University (JCU): 

The JCU International Excellence Scholarship is one of the most in-demand scholarships at this university. It reduces tuition fees for students with good academic records. This is available for Indian students enrolling in postgraduate programs. The scholarship provides up to AUD 40,000 in tuition fee reductions. It is available for high-achieving international students.

University of Melbourne: 

The University of Melbourne offers Graduate Research Scholarships for its postgraduate programs. You’ll receive up to AUD 110,000 in funding if you score this scholarship. This amount covers tuition fees and also includes a stipend of about AUD 32,000 per year for living costs. Additionally, there is a relocation allowance.

University of Sydney: 

The Sydney Scholars Awards offer up to AUD 40,000. This scholarship will cover your tuition fees and provide a stipend for your living expenses. The award can cover between one and four years of education.

University of New South Wales (UNSW): 

The university offers the UNSW India Scholarship, with exclusive privileges and opportunities for students from India. It provides partial tuition fee waivers to eligible Indian students with strong academic results. Also, the Future of Change Scholarship offers up to AUD 10,000 per year. This amount can be used for tuition fees and living costs. It is available for international students pursuing postgraduate courses.

Australian National University (ANU): 

ANU offers the India Excellence Scholarship for graduates. If you are in business and economics programs, this scholarship can help you reduce financial burdens. The ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship offers a 50% reduction in tuition fees. It is available for high-achieving students.

Monash University: 

The Monash Graduate Scholarships provide AUD 30,000 per year, which covers living expenses and partially covers tuition fees.

Private and Non-Profit Scholarships

If you don't qualify for government or university-specific scholarships, don't give up just yet. There are several private scholarships to study in Australia in lieu of graduate school scholarships. Private organizations, foundations, charities, and nonprofit entities offer these scholarships. Here are the options that you can apply for as a graduate student from India:

The Australia-India Council (AIC) Grants Program: 

The Australia-India Council Grants Program aims to strengthen educational ties between Australia and India. If you are in STEM, healthcare, business, and environmental studies, consider applying for this program. For this, you must demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership skills. It is a great option for Indian students who want to build a bridge between the two nations through education.  

Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship: 

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, offered by the Westpac Scholars Trust, provides substantial financial aid of up to AUD 120,000 for postgraduate study in Australia. This funding covers tuition fees, living expenses, and leadership development programs. It is ideal if you have leadership potential and participate actively in your community.  

Rotary International Scholarships: 

If you are passionate about community service and leadership, you can apply for Rotary International Scholarships. These provide financial support that may include tuition fees, living costs, and travel allowances. These scholarships are available for a wide range of disciplines, including public health, peace studies, and engineering, giving you the flexibility to choose your ideal field of study.  

 Benefits of Graduate School Scholarships

⦁    Financial Support: Scholarships cover all or part of your tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs. 
⦁    Research Opportunities: Many scholarships give students access to top research facilities. This helps them gain practical knowledge and build expertise in their field.

⦁    Professional Networks: Scholarship programs often connect students with industry leaders, mentors, and alumni. These networks help students grow professionally.

⦁    Global Recognition: Studying with a scholarship at a top Australian university adds value to your resume. Employers recognize these achievements and prioritize such candidates.

⦁    Career Boost: Scholarships can improve job prospects. Many programs include internships or work opportunities that build real-world skills.

Eligibility Requirements for Graduate School Scholarships

To apply for graduate school scholarships in Australia, you must generally meet these requirements:

Academic Prerequisites:

Most scholarships ask candidates to demonstrate a strong academic record. Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. Some may need higher grades.

English Language Tests:

You must prove your English proficiency. Common tests include:

⦁    IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band under 6.0.

⦁    TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79.

⦁    PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58.

Work Experience or Leadership Skills:

Some scholarships prefer candidates with relevant work experience. Leadership roles in extracurricular activities or volunteer work can also boost your application.

How to Apply for Graduate Scholarships in Australia

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you apply for scholarships. By following these steps, you increase your chances of securing a scholarship to study in Australia: 

Step 1: Research Scholarships
Start by researching graduate school scholarships that fit your qualifications. Visit university websites and scholarship portals. Look for scholarships that the Australian government and universities are offering, as well as opportunities available from private and non-private organizations. Make a list of all the scholarships you are eligible for.

Step 2: Prepare Necessary Documents
Gather the necessary documents for your application. This usually includes:

⦁    CV: Update your CV with your academic achievements, work experience, and skills.

⦁    Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a clear and concise statement explaining why you want to study in Australia and how the scholarship will help you.

⦁    Recommendation Letters: Get recommendation letters from your professors or employers who know your work well.

Step 3: Submit Applications Before Deadlines
Pay attention to the deadlines for each scholarship. Make sure you submit your application well before the due date. Check the scholarship website for any specific instructions on how to apply.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing Deadlines: Late applications will not qualify for consideration.

Incomplete Documents: Double-check your application to ensure that you included all necessary documents.

Weak SOP: Your SOP should clearly explain why you deserve the scholarship and how it aligns with your career goals. Avoid generic statements.

Not Following Instructions: Each scholarship may have specific requirements. Follow them carefully to avoid disqualification.

When and How to Plan for Scholarships

You need to start planning early if you want to win a scholarship. Most applications open 6 to 12 months before the program starts. This gives you enough time to prepare all necessary documents.

Follow this timeline:

⦁    12 months before application: Research scholarships and make a list of the ones you qualify for.

⦁    9 months before application: Prepare for mandatory tests like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL. These tests take time, so start early.

⦁    6 months before application: Collect documents like transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.

⦁    3 months before application: Submit your applications before the deadline.

Stay up to date with deadlines. Each scholarship has different requirements and missing just one item or date could mean losing the chance to qualify.

Prepare for exams like the GRE General Test or GMAT if your program requires them. Start studying at least 6 months before the test. Practice regularly to improve your score.

Keep checking scholarship websites and university pages for updates. Read the application guidelines carefully. Following these steps will make the process smooth and stress-free.

Rounding Up

Securing graduate school scholarships can help you achieve your dream of studying in Australia without financial stress. These opportunities open doors to world-class education and career growth for Indian students. Start early, research thoroughly, and meet deadlines to increase your chances. With scholarships covering tuition and living costs, your journey to academic success in Australia is within reach. Take action today and turn your aspirations into reality!