Australia Awards Scholarship for Nepali Students (2026): Eligibility, Application, and Everything You Need to Know

Name: Study Abroad from Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
Rating: 4.8

Australia is one of the most popular study destinations for Nepali students, and the Australia Awards Scholarship is the single most generous way to get there. Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), this scholarship is designed to develop the skills and knowledge of individuals from partner countries, including Nepal, so they can drive change and contribute to development when they return home.

If you have the talent, the drive, and a clear vision of how your education can benefit Nepal, this scholarship could cover every major expense of your study in Australia. Let us walk you through the details.

What the Australia Awards Scholarship Covers

This is a fully funded scholarshipfor master's or PhD study at participating Australian universities. The financial support is comprehensive:

Full tuition fees at your chosen Australian university
Return airfare to Australia at the beginning and end of your program
Contribution to living expenses (stipend) — currently around AUD 3,500 per month for the duration of your program
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire period of study
Introductory academic program to help you adjust to studying in Australia
Supplementary academic support if needed
Fieldwork allowance for research-based programs
Book and study materials allowance

In practical terms, you will not need to dip into your own savings. The scholarship is designed so that you can live comfortably and focus on your studies.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, confirm that you meet these essential criteria:

Citizenship and Residency

You must be a citizen of Nepal and reside in Nepal at the time of application. You must not be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, and you must not hold a valid Australian visa at the time of application.

Return to Nepal Commitment

Australia Awards scholars must return to Nepal for at least 2 years after completing their degree. This is a non-negotiable condition. The entire philosophy of the program is that scholars will apply their new skills in their home country.

Academic Qualifications

You need a completed bachelor's degree (for master's applicants) or a master's degree (for PhD applicants). Your academic record should demonstrate your ability to succeed in a rigorous program.

Priority Development Areas

DFAT identifies specific development areas aligned with Nepal's needs. For Nepal, these typically include:

Governance and public policy
Health and nutrition
Education and human resource development
Agriculture and food security
Infrastructure, trade, and the private sector
Disability-inclusive development

Applicants whose study plans align with these priority areas have a stronger chance of selection. This does not mean you cannot apply in other fields, but alignment with priorities is a clear advantage.

Not a Current or Recent Australia Awards Scholar

If you have previously held an Australia Awards Scholarship, you must have completed your return obligation before being eligible again.

How to Apply

The Australia Awards application process is thorough but straightforward if you plan ahead. Here is how it works:

Step 1: Research Programs and Universities

Before the application opens, research the participating Australian universities and identify courses that align with your career goals and Nepal's priority development areas. You will be asked to nominate preferred universities and courses in your application.

Step 2: Submit Your Online Application

Applications are submitted through the Australia Awards portal (oasis.dfat.gov.au). The application typically opens in February and closes in April or May, though exact dates can shift slightly each year. For the 2026 intake, check the official DFAT website and the Australian Embassy in Nepal for confirmed dates.

Your application will include:

Personal and educational details
An academic statement describing your proposed study, career goals, and how your education will contribute to Nepal's development
Evidence of leadership and community involvement
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Two referee reports from people familiar with your academic or professional work
English language test scores (IELTS academic is most commonly accepted)

Step 3: Shortlisting and Interviews

After the application deadline, a selection panel in Nepal reviews applications and creates a shortlist. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, typically conducted in Kathmandu. The interview assesses your motivation, clarity of purpose, and potential to contribute to Nepal's development.

Step 4: Selection and University Placement

Successful candidates are notified and assisted with university admission and visa processes. Most scholars begin their programs in February of the following year (Australian academic year).

Are you planning to apply for the Australia Awards? Let Study Abroad from Nepal help you identify priority-aligned programs, prepare your academic statement, and get interview-ready. Contact us today.

What the Selection Panel Looks for

Understanding the selection criteria helps you build a stronger application. The panel evaluates:

Academic Excellence

Your grades matter, but so does the trajectory of your academic growth. A strong upward trend or a record of consistent achievement signals readiness for advanced study.

Professional and Leadership Experience

Have you applied your education in meaningful ways? Whether through employment, community projects, or advocacy, the panel wants to see impact.

Clear Development Goals

How will your proposed study contribute to Nepal's development? This is arguably the most important question in your application. Be specific. Name the sectors, the challenges, and the ways you plan to address them.

Potential for Completion

Can you realistically complete a demanding program in Australia? The panel considers your academic preparation, English proficiency, and personal resilience.

Gender and Disability Inclusion

The Australia Awards program actively promotes gender equality and disability-inclusive development. Applicants who champion these values or who come from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Tips for a Strong Application

Align your study plan with Nepal's development priorities. This is the single most impactful thing you can do. Show that you understand what Nepal needs and how your education will help address those needs.
Be specific about your career plans. "I want to help my country" is too vague. "I plan to work in Nepal's Ministry of Health to improve maternal health outcomes in rural districts" is the kind of specificity that works.
Choose your referees carefully. Select people who know your work well and can write detailed, enthusiastic references. Brief them on your application goals.
Prepare your English early. Most programs require an IELTS academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0. Give yourself enough time to achieve the required score.
Do not underestimate the interview. Practice articulating your goals clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how your study plan addresses a real challenge in Nepal.

For comprehensive essay and statement writing advice, see our scholarship essay writing guide.

How It Fits Into Your Options

The Australia Awards is one of the most comprehensive scholarships available to Nepali students, but it is worth comparing it with other fully funded options. Our top 15 fully funded scholarships list gives you a side-by-side view, and our Australia study guide covers additional funding opportunities specific to Australia.

For a broader perspective on studying in Australia, visit our scholarship hub for a complete view of what is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to return to Nepal after completing my degree?

Yes. Australia Awards scholars must return to Nepal for at least 2 years after completing their degree. This is a non-negotiable condition of the scholarship.

What IELTS score do I need?

Most programs require an IELTS academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Give yourself enough time to achieve the required score.

Can I apply for any field of study?

You can apply in any field, but applicants whose study plans align with Nepal's priority development areas (governance, health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, disability-inclusive development) have a stronger chance of selection.

How many Nepali students receive Australia Awards each year?

The number varies, but approximately 20-30 Nepali students are selected annually, making it one of the more accessible fully funded scholarships in terms of available slots.

What is the stipend amount?

The living stipend is currently around AUD 3,500 per month for the duration of your program, which is sufficient to live comfortably in most Australian cities.

Take the First Step

The Australia Awards Scholarship has supported thousands of scholars from developing countries, many of whom have gone on to hold senior government, academic, and industry positions. As a Nepali student, you have access to one of the most impactful scholarship programs in the world. If you are ready to start your Australia Awards journey, Study Abroad from Nepal is here to guide you. Reach out today, and let us help you turn your development vision into a fully funded reality.