Australia Awards Scholarships

Overview

Australia Awards Scholarships are fully funded international scholarships offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders from developing countries. For Nepal, the programme has been active for decades and is one of the most competitive and well-regarded scholarship opportunities available to Nepali professionals.

Unlike most scholarships that target recent graduates, Australia Awards for Nepal specifically selects mid-career professionals with a track record of contribution and a clear vision for how an Australian qualification will drive development impact back in Nepal. The selection emphasises leadership potential, professional qualities, and development contribution — not academic grades alone.

For Nepal, Australia Awards are offered for Master's by Coursework and Master's by Research commencing in 2027. Study must be in fields aligned with Australia's development priorities for Nepal. The programme is administered locally by the Australia Awards Nepal office, which organises information sessions for prospective applicants.

A dedicated website for Nepal applicants is available at australiaawardsnepal.org — check it for the most current priority sectors, information sessions, and application guidelines specific to Nepal.

Eligibility

Personal Criteria

• Over 18 years of age
• Nepali citizen currently residing in and applying from Nepal
• Not married to, engaged to, or in a de facto relationship with a person who holds or is eligible to hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency
• Minimum academic result of 65% or equivalent in prior studies
• Relevant professional work experience — the programme prioritises professionals over fresh graduates
• Demonstrates leadership potential and commitment to contributing to Nepal's development after returning

English Language Requirements

Standard requirement:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic: equivalent scores

Concessional requirement (for women, people with disability, traditionally marginalised groups, and public servants):

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (all band scores 5.5 or higher)
• Equivalent TOEFL or PTE scores accepted
• Note: if offered the scholarship, these applicants must still meet their chosen Australian university's English requirements before commencing study

Study Field Requirement

Your proposed study programme must directly contribute to one of Nepal's agreed priority development sectors. Fields not aligned with these priorities will not be considered. Check the current priority sectors on australiaawardsnepal.org as these are updated each intake cycle.

Who is Not Eligible

• Applicants seeking a qualification equivalent to one they already hold
• Applicants not residing in Nepal at the time of application
• Those married to or in a relationship with an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Fields of study involving flying aircraft, nuclear technology, or military training

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the OASIS online system — the Australian Government's scholarship application portal.

1. Attend an information session — the Australia Awards Nepal office organises information sessions for prospective applicants. These are strongly recommended, especially for first-time applicants. Register via australiaawardsnepal.org.
2. Check the priority sectors — confirm your proposed field of study aligns with Nepal's current priority development sectors before applying. This is the most common reason for disqualification.
3. Prepare your English language test — ensure your IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE score is valid on 1 January of the application year. Scores must be current — begin preparing early as test slots fill quickly in Nepal.
4. Prepare your documents — gather academic transcripts, professional employment records, referee details, and any other supporting documents as specified in the Nepal application guidelines.
5. Submit via OASIS — complete and submit your full application through the OASIS system at oasis.dfat.gov.au by 30 April 2026 at 11:59 AEST (19:44 NPT) for 2027 intake.
6. Shortlisting and interview — only shortlisted candidates are contacted. Interviews assess your leadership potential, development vision, and understanding of how the Australian degree will contribute to Nepal.
7. University placement — successful awardees are assisted with university placement in Australia. The programme may request recognition of prior learning — if granted, your study duration may be shorter than applied for.
8. Pre-departure training — selected scholars complete pre-departure preparation before commencing study in Australia in 2027.