Top Australian Universities Offering Fully Funded STEM Masters (2026 Intakes)
Scholarships in Australia
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Australia is one of the few countries where international students can still get full funding — tuition, living allowance, health insurance, even flights in some cases.
But here’s the thing — most of these scholarships close between August and November, depending on the university.
So if you want to study next year, this is the time to prepare and apply.
Let’s go over the main ones
1. Monash University Graduate Research Scholarships
Deadline: Around 31 October 2025 for 2026 intake
Link: Monash Graduate Research Scholarships
If you’re going into engineering, data science, or technology, this is one of the best options.
Monash offers full tuition and a living stipend (about AUD $35,000/year) through its graduate research scholarships.
You can apply for:
Master of Engineering Science (Research)
Master of Philosophy
PhD (if you’re ready for that jump)
Tip: Don’t just apply blindly. Identify a professor whose research matches yours and send a short, polite email asking if they’re accepting students for 2026.
That can double your chances of securing funding.
2. University of Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS / RTP)
Deadline: 31 October 2025 (Round 1)
Link: University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
If you want to study at one of the top 35 universities in the world, Melbourne should be on your list.
Their fully funded scholarships cover:
100% tuition
A stipend of about AUD $37,000/year
Health cover
Relocation allowance
You don’t even need a separate application — once you apply for admission, you’re automatically considered for the scholarship.
Just make sure you apply by October 31, 2025, to be part of the first round.
STEM tip: Melbourne gives priority to applicants in renewable energy, AI, biotech, and sustainability-related fields.
How to Strengthen Your Application
If you want to stand out:
Start early. Most Australian universities close research scholarship rounds before December.
Reach out to supervisors. In Australia, professors play a big role in selecting scholarship candidates.
Prepare these documents now:
Transcripts
CV (1–2 pages)
Statement of Purpose (focused on your research interests)
Reference letters
English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo)
Use your STEM focus. If your background is in engineering, computing, or environmental sciences, highlight it — these fields are in high demand.
BONUS: Australia Awards Scholarships (DFAT)
Deadline: Most countries closed by April 2025, but check your country’s page. Some reopen early 2026.
Link: Australia Awards Country Pages
This one is the big one - the Australia Awards is the government’s official, fully funded scholarship.
It covers:
Full tuition fees
Round-trip flights
Living allowance
Health insurance
It’s aimed at students from developing countries, especially across Africa and Asia.
Every country has its own window, but most 2026 intakes opened around February and closed by April.
So, if your country’s portal is closed right now, use this period to prepare all your documents so you’re ready once it reopens in early 2026.
Tip: Check your country’s eligibility page and sign up for alerts on the OASIS portal.
Summary: Where to Start Today
If you’re watching this or reading this and thinking, “Can I really get in?” — the answer is yes.
Hundreds of international students get fully funded to study in Australia every single year, many from Africa and Asia.
The key is preparation and timing.
Don’t wait till November.
Start preparing your documents this week. Reach out to supervisors. Check those deadlines.
I’m rooting for you. Let’s get you funded.
Meet the Author!
Hi, I’m Nzube Ohalete, the voice behind ScholAfrica. I am pursuing a fully funded Ph.D. in Data Science at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, USA. I have received over $439,508 in scholarships, and I’m on a mission to help 1 million African scholars achieve the same.
If you found this opportunity helpful, the best compliment I could receive would be if you shared it with one person or restacked it.
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