Applications are now open for the Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa for study commencing in 2027. This prestigious scholarship program offers qualified professionals from eligible African countries the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at leading Australian tertiary institutions, fully funded by the Government of Australia. The program targets emerging leaders who demonstrate strong academic ability, professional experience, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to development outcomes in their home countries.REGISTER NOW for new programs at MK SCHOLARS

The Australia Awards program is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and forms part of Australia’s international development assistance to Africa. It is implemented in partnership with Australian higher education institutions and regional stakeholders across Africa, with a strong focus on education, knowledge exchange, leadership development, and long-term cooperation between Australia and African nations.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

• Recipients of the Australia Awards Scholarship will receive comprehensive support for the full duration of their studies, including:

• Return air travel to and from Australia
• A one-off establishment allowance upon arrival
• Full tuition fees
• Contribution to living expenses
• Introductory Academic Program
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the scholarship
• Supplementary academic support
• Fieldwork allowance for eligible research or coursework programs with compulsory fieldwork

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet all requirements outlined in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook. In addition, candidates from Africa must:

• Be at least 25 years old by 1 February 2027
• Have a minimum of five (5) years of post-graduate work experience relevant to the proposed field of study
• Be employed at the time of application
• Be a citizen and resident of an eligible African country and apply from their country of citizenship
• Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree
• Not already hold or be undertaking a master’s degree or equivalent
• Not have previously received a long-term Australia Award
• Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores, valid as of 1 January 2026)

Applications from all people, people with disabilities, and other marginalised groups are strongly encouraged.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Australia Awards Scholarships for Africa are available only at the Master’s level and are aligned with the following priority fields of study:

• Agriculture and food security
• Climate change
• Foreign policy and international security
• Gender, disability, and social inclusion
• Mining and energy
• These priority areas are reviewed regularly by the Australian Government.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Applicants must submit certified and clearly scanned copies of the following documents through the OASIS online system:

• Valid passport (proof of citizenship)
• Undergraduate degree certificate
• Undergraduate academic transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Employer referee report
• Academic referee report
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE, where applicable)

• All documents must be compiled into single PDFs by document category and uploaded in colour.
  
  
  

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

 Interested applicants must open the application link at the bottom of this page to start their application.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The program provides access adjustments and dedicated support for applicants with disabilities, as well as for those seeking to specialise in disability inclusion and rights. Successful scholars will participate in pre-departure briefings, course counselling, and an Introductory Academic Program upon arrival in Australia.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• Application Opening Date: 1 February 2026 (09:00 AEDT)
• Application Closing Date: 30 April 2026 (14:00 AEST)