Tuition-Free Study | Living Stipends | Accommodation Support | Undergraduate & Graduate Opportunities
Australia remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students because of its world-class universities, internationally recognised qualifications and scholarship opportunities.
For students searching for a scholarship that can cover 100% tuition fees, provide a living stipend and help with accommodation, there are several excellent options in Australia.
However, applicants should understand an important distinction: fully funded scholarships are much more common at postgraduate research level than at undergraduate level. For bachelor’s-degree applicants, many universities offer full or partial tuition scholarships, while full living and accommodation support is usually restricted to particular humanitarian, refugee or government-sponsored schemes.
The universities below are among the strongest places to investigate for 2027 entry.
1. The University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s leading research universities and offers one of the country’s strongest fully funded opportunities for international graduate researchers.
Major fully funded scholarship: Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship
Study level: Master’s by Research and PhD
International students: Yes
Tuition: 100% fee remission
Living stipend: Approximately AUD $39,500 per year at the 2026 rate
Duration: Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research and up to 3.5 years for PhD
Accommodation: The stipend can be used toward accommodation and living expenses; accommodation itself is not automatically free.
The university states that more than 300 Graduate Research Scholarships are offered to international graduate researchers each year.
2027 application deadline
Deadlines depend on faculty/course. For example, the Engineering and IT graduate research scholarship rounds include:
-
11 October 2026 – Round 2
-
31 October 2026 – some 2027 research applications
-
Additional 2027 rounds are available depending on faculty.
How to apply
Apply for a graduate research course through the university’s online application system. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for Graduate Research Scholarships.
Typical documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV/resume
- Research proposal
- Evidence of research experience
- English-language test
- Passport
- Referee reports, where required
- Evidence of publications/research outputs, where applicable
Undergraduate option
Melbourne has international undergraduate scholarships, but ordinary undergraduate awards generally do not provide the same complete package of tuition + stipend + accommodation as its graduate research scholarships.
Apply / official scholarship information:
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
University of Melbourne International Applications
2. Australian National University (ANU)
Australian National University is particularly attractive for international students interested in research-based postgraduate study.
Major fully funded scholarship: ANU Research Training Program
Study level: Research Master’s and PhD
International students: Yes
2027 stipend: AUD $40,475 per year
Tuition: Covered through the RTP Fee Offset
OSHC: Available to eligible international recipients
Accommodation: Not automatically free, but the stipend can support accommodation and living expenses.
ANU says international candidates can be considered automatically when they apply for admission to an eligible HDR program.
Deadline
For international applicants:
- 31 August – Round 1 for commencement in the following year
- 15 April – Round 2 for commencement in the same year.
How to apply
Apply for admission to an eligible HDR program and select the option to be considered for the relevant ANU scholarships.
Typical documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV
- Research proposal
- English-language evidence
- Referee reports
- Passport
- Research/publication evidence where applicable
Undergraduate
ANU offers international undergraduate scholarships, but its standard international merit awards are not fully funded living-and-accommodation scholarships.
Apply:
ANU International Applications
ANU RTP Scholarship
3. The University of Sydney
University of Sydney offers one of the clearest fully funded postgraduate research pathways for international students.
Major scholarship: RTP / University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship
Study level: Master’s by Research and PhD
International students: Yes
2027 stipend: AUD $44,293 per year
Tuition: 100% tuition fee coverage for eligible recipients
Additional benefits: Relocation and thesis allowances may apply
OSHC: Available under the relevant fee scholarship.
The University of Sydney confirms that international RTP recipients can receive both tuition-fee coverage and a living-cost stipend.
2027 deadlines
For research periods 1 and 2 of 2027:
11 September 2026
For research periods 3 and 4:
18 December 2026.
How to apply
Applicants must apply for admission to an eligible Higher Degree by Research program and submit the scholarship application according to the relevant deadline.
Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV
- Research proposal
- Evidence of research experience
- English-language evidence
- Referee reports
- Passport
- Publications, where applicable
Undergraduate
Sydney also has a 100% tuition scholarship for selected international undergraduate applicants. However, it explicitly does not cover accommodation, flights or general living costs.
Apply:
University of Sydney RTP International Scholarships
Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship
4. The University of Queensland (UQ)
University of Queensland provides fully funded research scholarship opportunities and some exceptional undergraduate scholarships.
Major scholarship: UQ Graduate School Scholarships / RTP
Study level: Master’s by Research / PhD
International students: Yes
Tuition: Tuition-fee scholarship
Living stipend: Research scholarship stipend
Accommodation: Usually funded indirectly through the living stipend rather than a guaranteed free residence.
2027 deadline
For the international round for Research Quarter 4 2027/early 2028:
19 October 2026.
Scholarship consideration began on 20 August 2026.
Eligibility
Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance
- Research potential
- Appropriate prior qualifications
- English-language proficiency
- Eligibility for the proposed research program.
Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV
- Research proposal/statement
- English-language evidence
- Passport
- Referee information
- Research publications, if available
Undergraduate
UQ has international undergraduate scholarships, but most standard awards do not provide a full living-cost and accommodation package.
Apply:
UQ Graduate School Scholarships / RTP
UQ International Scholarships
5. Monash University
Monash University is another strong choice for international postgraduate researchers.
Major scholarship: Monash Graduate Scholarship + tuition scholarship
Study level: Research Master’s and PhD
International students: Yes
Living stipend: AUD $37,145 per year at the 2026 rate
Tuition: International students can combine the living scholarship with an international tuition scholarship
Relocation: Up to AUD $2,000 for eligible students moving from overseas.
Monash explains that international graduate researchers can receive a stipend and a separate tuition scholarship.
Deadlines
The main international rounds include:
- 31 March
- 31 July
The 2026 Round 3 deadline was brought forward to 31 July.
How to apply
Graduate research scholarship applications are submitted together with the course application through Monash’s application portal. Eligible applicants are considered for available scholarships.
Undergraduate
Monash offers international undergraduate scholarships and grants, but most are tuition contributions rather than a complete tuition + accommodation + living package.
Apply:
Monash Graduate Research Scholarships
Monash International Scholarships
6. UNSW Sydney
UNSW Sydney has one of the more interesting scholarship portfolios because it includes opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Undergraduate: International Scientia Coursework Scholarship
For Term 1 2027, UNSW is offering an International Scientia Coursework Scholarship that can provide 100% tuition fees for the minimum duration of the program.
Deadline
30 October 2026
Applications opened in July 2026.
Graduate
UNSW also has postgraduate research scholarship opportunities through its Graduate Research School, including tuition and stipend-based awards.
How to apply
For the 2027 international coursework scholarship round:
- Apply for admission to UNSW.
- Create a scholarship application account.
- Submit the scholarship application.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Submit before 30 October 2026.
UNSW confirms that scholarship applications can involve academic records, supporting documentation and personal statements.
Special fully funded undergraduate opportunity
UNSW also has scholarships providing full tuition, accommodation support up to AUD $25,000 per year and a stipend of up to AUD $10,000 per year, but these are specifically for eligible refugee/asylum-seeker students rather than ordinary international applicants.
Apply:
UNSW International Scholarships 2027
UNSW International Scholarships
7. Deakin University
Deakin University offers scholarships at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels.
Fully funded route: RTP / Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship
Study level: PhD / Research Master’s
International students: Yes
Tuition: RTP tuition-fee offset
Living: Stipend
Accommodation: Normally funded indirectly from the stipend rather than a guaranteed free room.
2027 international deadline
The 2027 international research scholarship round opened 6 July 2026 and closed 23 August 2026.
Therefore, applicants seeking that particular 2027 round should prepare for the next available scholarship round rather than assume applications remain open.
Undergraduate
Deakin provides international scholarships, including tuition reductions. It also participates in Australia Awards.
How to apply
Deakin advises applicants to:
- Find an appropriate scholarship.
- Check entry requirements.
- Prepare supporting documents.
- Apply through the relevant scholarship portal/email/VTAC route.
- Submit before the closing date.
Apply:
Deakin International Scholarships
Deakin Research Scholarships
8. Flinders University
Flinders University offers a particularly strong international research scholarship.
Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (FIPRS)
Study level: Higher Degree by Research
International students: Yes
2026 stipend: AUD $36,061
Duration: Up to 3.5 years
Tuition: International tuition fees covered
Payment: Fortnightly.
The scholarship is highly competitive and based on academic merit and research potential.
2027 deadline
The most recently published round closed 18 June 2026. Students should monitor the university’s scholarship page for the next international research round.
Eligibility
Applicants must generally:
- Be international students
- Meet HDR admission requirements
- Demonstrate strong academic/research potential
- Meet English requirements
- Be commencing eligible research study.
Undergraduate
Flinders offers international undergraduate scholarships, including its Vice-Chancellor Excellence Scholarship, but the normal award is a tuition reduction rather than a complete living-and-accommodation package.
Apply:
Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship
Flinders International Scholarships
9. Adelaide University
Adelaide University is a major destination for international students and offers research scholarships.
Graduate Research Scholarships
International applicants can apply for research scholarship opportunities, including the Signature Research Theme scholarship process.
Current 2026/2027 deadline
For the Signature Research Theme scholarship:
EOI opens: 31 August 2026
EOI closes: 30 September 2026.
This makes Adelaide one of the universities on this list where prospective applicants can still take action in September 2026.
Eligibility
Applicants generally need:
- A relevant previous qualification
- Strong academic results
- Research potential
- Eligibility for the selected research project
- English-language proficiency
- Completion of the required qualification by the specified date.
Undergraduate
Adelaide University offers international scholarship opportunities, while Australia Awards may support selected international students in eligible countries and programs.
Apply:
Adelaide University Research Scholarships
Adelaide University International Scholarships
10. Macquarie University
Macquarie University is particularly attractive for students looking for a funded research Master’s or PhD.
International Research Training Program / iMQRES
Study level: Master of Research and PhD
International students: Yes
2027 stipend: AUD $40,900 per year
Tuition: Tuition-fee offset available for eligible scholarships
Other benefits: Some scholarships may include OSHC and visa-related support.
Macquarie’s research scholarship system can combine tuition support with a living stipend.
2027 deadline
The major International Research Scholarship Round for Session 1 2027:
15 June 2026 – 31 July 2026
The International Road to Research Scholarship remains listed with a closing date of:
31 October 2026.
How to apply
Applicants normally need to identify a suitable research degree/project, prepare the required documents and submit the application through Macquarie’s research admissions process.
Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV
- Research proposal
- English-language evidence
- Passport
- Referee reports
- Research/publication evidence where applicable.
Undergraduate
Macquarie also offers international undergraduate scholarships, but ordinary undergraduate awards should not be confused with fully funded tuition + stipend + accommodation packages.
Apply:
Macquarie International Research Scholarships
Macquarie Graduate Research Scholarships