If you are a motivated professional from Africa looking to pursue a Master’s degree in Australia, applications are now open for the Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa 2025-2026. These prestigious scholarships, funded by the Australian Government, aim to develop the skills and knowledge of emerging leaders who can drive change and contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries. Details in this article.
Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa Summary
Location: Australia
Host University: Various Australian universities
Study Level: Master’s degree
Study Fields: Various Disciplines
Duration: Full duration of the Master’s program
Funding and Coverage: Fully funded
Application Deadline: 30 April 2025
Start Date: Academic year 2026
Scholarship Overview
The Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa are designed to promote prosperity, reduce poverty, and strengthen political stability in eligible African countries. They provide an opportunity for talented individuals to study at top Australian universities, gain expertise in key development areas, and return home to contribute to their country’s progress.
These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to development. The program also prioritizes gender equality, disability inclusion, and support for marginalized groups.
Available Study Programs
The following priority fields of study have been identified for the 2025-2026 intake:
Agriculture and Food Security
Climate Change
Foreign Policy and International Security
Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion
Mining and Energy
The Australian Government regularly reviews these focus areas to ensure alignment with the developmental priorities of partner countries.
Eligible Countries
Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa are eligible to citizens of: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Benefits and Coverage
The Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa provide a comprehensive funding package, including:
Full tuition fees at a recognized Australian university
Return air travel from the scholar’s home country to Australia
One-time establishment allowance upon arrival in Australia
Living expenses stipend to cover accommodation, food, and daily needs
Introductory Academic Program to help students adjust to the Australian education system
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of the scholarship
Supplementary academic support to help scholars succeed in their studies
Fieldwork allowance (for research-based programs with a fieldwork component)
Support for students with disabilities, including reasonable accommodations and assistive services
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa 2025-2026, applicants must:
Be a citizen of one of the eligible African countries and apply from their home country
Be at least 25 years old by 1 February 2026
Have a minimum of 5 years of post-graduate work experience relevant to their field of study
Be currently employed in a role aligned with their chosen study program
Not already hold or be pursuing a Master’s degree or equivalent
Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree
Not have previously received a long-term Australia Award
Meet English language proficiency requirements as follows:
IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL iBT: Score of 84, with at least 21 in all subtests
PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with no communicative skill score less than 50
(Exemptions apply to candidates whose first language is English and who completed their education in English.)
Special consideration will be given to women, persons with disabilities, and applicants from marginalized communities.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Applicants must first apply for a Master’s degree program at an eligible Australian university.
Ensure that the chosen program aligns with the priority study fields for the scholarship.
Step 2: Submit Online Scholarship Application
All applications must be submitted via the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS).
Applicants should register on OASIS and complete their profile before submitting their scholarship application.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Applicants must upload all required supporting documents, including:
Passport (Proof of Citizenship)
Undergraduate Degree Certificate
Academic Transcripts
Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing work experience
Employer Referee Report
Academic Referee Report
Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE certificate)
Step 4: Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview where they will be assessed on:
Academic competence
Potential impact on development in Africa
Leadership skills and work experience
Final decisions will be announced in late 2025.
Key Application Dates
Applications Open: 1 February 2025
Application Deadline: 30 April 2025 (11:59 PM AEST)
Selection Interviews: Mid-2025
Final Award Announcements: Late 2025
Scholarship Start Date: Academic Year 2026
Additional Information
Successful applicants must attend pre-departure training, including:
Course counseling
Pre-departure briefing
University's Introductory Academic Program
Awardees must return to their home country upon completion of their studies to contribute to development efforts.
ℹ️ Further Information
For more details, visit:
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding applications, eligibility, or program requirements, contact:
Australia Awards Africa
📍 Address: Boardwalk Office Park, 107 Haymeadow Road, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa
📞 Phone: +27 67 421 6340 (South Africa) | +254 708 608 580 (Kenya)
📧 Email: enquiries@australiaawardsafrica.org
📂 Resources
For additional information, download the PDF Call for Applications Document
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
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