Australia Scholarships: Top Picks for Indian Students

Australia, a nation renowned for its high-quality education and multicultural environment, hosts the second-largest cohort of international students globally. Over the years, Australia has strengthened its ties with India, creating an extensive educational bridge that benefits Indian students. According to India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the Australia International Education Conference 2024, efforts to enhance Australia-India bilateral relations in education have significantly contributed to addressing skill gaps and fostering migration opportunities for Indian students (Nair, 2024). 

With approximately 115,000 Indian student visa holders in Australia, Indian students represent a significant portion of Australia’s international student population (S., 2024). In fact, 72% of Indian students cite Australia’s top-tier education system as their primary reason for choosing it as a study destination (TNN, 2024). 

A recent Pearson Migrant and Student Study (PMASS) identified several factors that make Australia a preferred choice for Indian students (TNN, 2024): 

1. High-Quality Education: Nine Australian universities rank among the top 100 global universities, as per the latest QS World University Rankings. 
2. Employment Prospects: About 43% of Indian students are attracted by Australia’s excellent post-graduation job opportunities (TNN, 2024). 
3. Median Income: PTE test-takers report an impressive median income of $93,000 AUD per annum within six months of settling, surpassing the national median of $73,000 AUD (TNN, 2024). 
4. MATES Visa Scheme: This program allows Indian graduates to work in Australia for up to two years (Sharma, 2024). 

Despite the many benefits, the cost of living in Australia is a major consideration for Indian students. Depending on the city, living expenses range from $100 to $700 AUD per week (S., 2024). According to Saurabh Arora, CEO & Founder of University Living, the average annual cost for an Indian student in Australia, including tuition fees, accommodation, and daily expenses, is approximately ₹11,63,524 INR (Singh, 2024). Proper financial planning is, therefore, crucial for a stress-free experience. This is where scholarships and financial aid become invaluable. They not only reduce the financial burden but also make the dream of study in Australia more accessible for Indian students. Many of these students also take advantage of Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students, which offer substantial financial support. These Australia Scholarships for International Students provide opportunities to study in prestigious institutions while alleviating the financial burden, making Australia a highly attractive option. 

Exploring these scholarships to study in Australia is essential to ensuring a smooth and enriching educational journey: 

Top Scholarships Available for Indian Students

Below is a list of some prominent scholarships that cover tuition fees and living expenses, as highlighted in the Indian Student Mobility Report 2023-24 (Singh, 2024) and various others: 

Conclusion

Australia is an excellent destination for study abroad, offering numerous financial aids and a wealth of benefits. To make the most of these opportunities, ensure you thoroughly explore the scholarships mentioned above and identify the ones that best align with your needs and qualifications. With the right match, start your application process as early as possible, as these scholarships are highly competitive. Securing one can pave the way for a stress-free education and a fulfilling life in Australia.