The majority of international students who come to Australia to study pay the full fees themselves. There are options, however, for students who are unable to afford the fees on their own. Financial aid and scholarships opportunities are available to students who meet the requirements.

Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships offered by the Australian government, individual educational institutions, and other organizations that target specific fields of study or students from particular world regions.

Managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), Australian Scholarships include:

1. The Endeavour Awards: The Endeavour Awards is a competitive, international, merit-based scholarship award program run by the Australian government for students of the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions. With an emphasis on study, research, and professional development, the Awards give students the opportunity to advance their professional or academic careers. A limited number of Awards are open to European and American students.

2. Australian Leadership Awards (ALA): Specifically for students who are in a position to positively impact social and economic conditions of their home countries, ALAs are postgraduate scholarships that allow students to focus on specialized research. Students who are granted an ALA are required to return to their home country or region for at least two years after study completion.

3. Australian Development Scholarships (ADS): Geared toward arming students with the skills to aid governance, human development, and economic growth in their home countries, ADS gives students the tools to make positive changes. ADS provides opportunities for students in underdeveloped countries to study full time in Australia in undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

In addition to scholarships, the Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) offers Fellowship programs which
are intended as short term study opportunities for research and learning. Available Fellowships cover a range of fields, including development, education, economic growth, environmental issues, food safety, gender equality, government, health issues, human rights, agricultural and rural development, clean water and improving sanitary conditions.

Other sources of scholarships include charitable organizations and educational institutions. Most of these must be applied for in the student's home country.

Some scholarships assist students in paying for travel and living expenses as well as for educational expenses.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to some international students. Many countries offer governmental financial aid that may be used while studying in Australia. Aid must be applied for and granted in the student's home country. General requirements for being approved for financial aid are:

1. Demonstrated financial need.
2. Citizen or eligible non-citizen of the country.
3. Be enrolled as a student at a specific percentage (varies).
4. Maintain a satisfactory academic record.
5. Not be in default on any other federal loan.

Students should meet with a study abroad adviser to ensure that any federal aid they have been granted will transfer to international study programs in Australia.

Australia's outstanding reputation as a world class educational center along with its unequaled beauty and unique cultural diversity make it one of the most popular destinations for international students. A scholarship or a financial aid loan may open the door for lower income but academically gifted students to study in Australia.