Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI)

Overview

Institutional update (2026): The University of Adelaide merged with the University of South Australia in January 2026 to form a new institution — Adelaide University. The Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) name is being phased out as part of this transition. The research scholarship package for international students continues under Adelaide University with the same core structure — full tuition waiver, annual living stipend, and OSHC coverage.

Adelaide University is one of Australia's leading research universities, ranked in the global top 100. The flagship fully funded research scholarship for international students covers a 100% tuition fee waiver, an annual tax-exempt living stipend (approximately AUD $36,500 indexed annually), a relocation allowance, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of a PhD (up to 3.5 years) or Master's by Research.

Nepal is eligible — the scholarship is open to all international students (except New Zealand citizens) who are accepted into a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programme. Selection is based on academic merit, research experience, and alignment with the university's research strengths.

In addition to the flagship research scholarship, Adelaide University also offers the Global Academic Excellence Scholarship — a 30% to 50% tuition fee reduction for commencing undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students, assessed automatically at the time of admission with no separate application required.

Eligibility

Flagship Research Scholarship (formerly ASI — full tuition + stipend)

• International student accepted into a full-time Higher Degree by Research (PhD or Master of Philosophy/MPhil) at Adelaide University
• Not a New Zealand citizen
• Strong academic record and demonstrated research potential
• Research proposal aligned with one of Adelaide University's research strengths
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or equivalent TOEFL/PTE
• Selection is highly competitive and based on academic merit and research experience

Global Academic Excellence Scholarship (30–50% tuition reduction)

• Commencing international student in an eligible full-time undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree
• Demonstrates academic excellence in previous studies — assessed automatically at admission, no separate application required
• Not eligible for students already holding a scholarship or fee discount from UniSA or University of Adelaide at transition

Who is Not Eligible

• New Zealand citizens
• Students not enrolled in a full-time programme
• Students already holding a concurrent scholarship covering tuition

How to Apply

The process differs between the research scholarship and the coursework scholarship.

Research Scholarship (PhD / MPhil — formerly ASI)

1. Find a supervisor — contact potential supervisors at Adelaide University whose research aligns with your proposed topic. A confirmed or supportive supervisor significantly strengthens your application.
2. Apply for HDR admission — submit your application for PhD or MPhil admission through Adelaide University's online portal, including your research proposal, academic transcripts, and English language scores.
3. Apply for the scholarship — submit your scholarship application alongside or immediately after your HDR admission application. Key deadlines:
   • Semester 1 (February intake): 31 October
   • Semester 2 (July intake): 31 March
4. Selection — selection is based on academic merit, research experience, and alignment with university research priorities. Competition is strong globally.
5. Award notification — successful applicants are notified in time to arrange visa and relocation for their semester start.

Global Academic Excellence Scholarship (Coursework)

No separate application required. Eligibility is assessed automatically when you apply for admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programme at Adelaide University. The scholarship offer appears in your admission letter.