Australia Awards Scholarships

• No. of Scholarships - Scholarship numbers vary annually
• Host Country - Australia
• Level of Study - Master's Degree
• Courses - Development-focused & Specialized Fields
• Benefits - Fully Funded
• Application Window - Typically February to April Anually

The Australia Awards are prominent international scholarships supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They seek to inspire leadership, establish long-term people-to-people relationships, and contribute to the development requirements of Australia's partner countries, including Pakistan. These scholarships are primarily designed for Pakistani residents to pursue Master's degrees in subjects that coincide with Pakistan's sustainable development goals.
The initiative focuses on women's and girls' empowerment, water security, agriculture, energy, inclusive economic development, climate change mitigation, and governance. Recipients are expected to return to Pakistan after finishing their studies and use their newly acquired knowledge and abilities to effect positive change in their native country.

 

Benefits

The Australia Awards Scholarships fully fund students so they can focus on their studies and personal growth without worrying about money. Here’s what you get:

• Full tuition fees: The total cost of your Master's degree at a participating Australian university.
• Return flight travel: A single return economy class ticket to and from Australia using the most direct route.
• Establishment allowance: A one-time payment to cover initial living expenses, textbooks, and study supplies upon arrival.
• Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE): A fortnightly stipend for basic living expenses.
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP): A mandatory program that prepares students for formal academic courses by introducing them to Australian life and study.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides health insurance for the term of the scholarship.
• Pre-course English (PCE) fees: If judged required, assistance with English language instruction in-country and/or in Australia may be provided.
• Supplemental academic support: Assistance in ensuring a scholar's academic achievement or improving their educational experience.
• Fieldwork allowance: For qualifying research students or Master's by coursework students with a mandatory fieldwork component, a return economy class flight to their home country or inside Australia.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Pakistani citizens must meet certain requirements to be eligible for an Australia Awards Scholarship, general requirements include:

• Citizenship and Residency: Applicant must be a Pakistani citizen who has lived in Pakistan for at least 24 months before applying for the scholarship.
• Age Limit: Applicants should not be over 45 years old at the time of application submission.
• Academic Qualification: Have finished 16 years of schooling (Bachelor's degree).
• Work Experience: Have at least five years of relevant experience in Pakistan. (Internships and household occupations do not normally count as work experience).
• English Language Proficiency: Meet the requisite English language proficiency criteria by submitting valid test results as of January 1st of the beginning year. The minimum prerequisites are usually:
  • IELTS (Academic): Overall score of at least 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
  • TOEFL internet-based test (iBT): A score of at least 84, with a minimum of 21 on all subtests.
  • PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with no communicative skill score below 50.
  • Note: People with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria may be considered with an IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.0, but must attain the standard score if chosen.
• Visa & Residency Status: Not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or applying for a visa to live in Australia permanently. Not be married or engaged to someone who has or is eligible for Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
• Previous Scholarships: Have not held another Australia Awards Scholarship or received a foreign scholarship during the last two years (measured from the date of return to Pakistan to the application deadline).
• New Course of Study: You must apply to begin a new course of study and not seek support for a course that has already begun in Australia.
• Commitment to Return: Be able to commit to returning to Pakistan after completing their studies for at least two years.