Which Australian University Offers 100% Scholarships for South African Masters Students?
Which Australian University Offers 100% Scholarships for South African Masters Students? South African students can access several scholarships that may cover all tuition fees, and some can also provide a living stipend and other benefits.
For coursework Masters students, one of the strongest options is the Australia Awards Scholarship, funded by the Australian Government. South Africa is an eligible country, and the 2027 Africa program provides Master’s scholarships covering full tuition fees, a contribution to living expenses, return airfare, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and other benefits.
For students pursuing a Masters by Research, universities such as the University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and Griffith University have research scholarships that can combine full tuition coverage with living support.
The important point is that 100% tuition funding is not necessarily the same as a fully funded scholarship. Always check exactly what a scholarship pays for before applying.
Which Australian University Offers 100% Scholarships for South African Masters Students?
What Is a 100% Scholarship in Australia?
The phrase “100% scholarship” can mean different things.
A 100% tuition scholarship normally means the scholarship covers the full tuition fee for the eligible course. It does not necessarily pay for rent, food, flights, health insurance or other expenses.
A fully funded scholarship generally provides a much broader package. Depending on the scholarship, it may include:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- Airfare
- Establishment allowance
- Research or fieldwork support
- Other study-related allowances
For example, the Australia Awards Africa scholarship for the 2027 intake lists full tuition fees, a contribution to living expenses, return air travel, an establishment allowance, OSHC and other benefits.
By comparison, some university scholarships may cover tuition but provide no living stipend.
Therefore, South African students should always read the official scholarship conditions rather than relying on the words “100% scholarship.”
Can South African Students Get Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in Australia?
Yes.
South African citizens are eligible for some Australian scholarships, including Australia Awards and university-funded research scholarships.
The Australian Government’s current Australia Awards information specifically lists South Africa among the eligible African countries.
There is also another important pathway: the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP). The RTP supports international students undertaking eligible research Master’s and doctoral degrees at participating Australian universities. Depending on the university and award, support may include a tuition fee offset, living stipend and additional allowances.
However, RTP scholarships are generally intended for research Master’s degrees, not ordinary coursework Master’s programs.
Which Australian University Offers 100% Scholarships for South African Masters Students?
The following universities are particularly worth investigating for South African applicants.
| University | Scholarship | Master’s Eligible? | South Africans Eligible? | What It Covers | Application Method |
|---|
| University of Melbourne | Melbourne Research Scholarship | Yes – Research Master’s | Yes, as international student | Full fee offset; stipend available under stipend award | University application/automatic consideration |
| University of Queensland | Graduate Research School Scholarships/RTP | Yes – MPhil/research programs | Yes, international | Tuition plus living stipend and OSHC for eligible awards | University research application |
| UTS | International Research Training Program Scholarship | Yes – Master by Research | Yes, international | Tuition, living allowance and OSHC | Apply for course and scholarship |
| Griffith University | GUIPRS + research stipend scholarships | Yes – Research Master’s | Yes, international | Tuition fee offset; stipend may be packaged | University scholarship application |
| Australian Government | Australia Awards | Yes – Master’s | Yes | Full tuition, living contribution, airfare, OSHC and other benefits | Government scholarship application |
Which Australian University Offers 100% Scholarships for South African Masters Students?
The Australian Government confirms that RTP scholarships can provide tuition fee offsets, living stipends and allowances, while universities determine the application and selection process for international candidates.
University of Melbourne
The Melbourne Research Scholarship is one of the strongest options for an international student seeking a research Master’s.
The University states that the scholarship is available to high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking graduate research. For a Master’s by Research, the scholarship can provide a full fee offset for up to two years. A stipend scholarship can also provide a living allowance of AUD $39,500 per year pro rata at the 2026 full-time rate, for up to two years.
This makes Melbourne particularly attractive if you are willing to pursue a research-based Master’s rather than a standard coursework degree.
University of Queensland
The University of Queensland offers Graduate Research School Scholarships, including scholarships supported through the RTP.
The 2026 scholarship rate is listed as AUD $39,220 per year tax-free, with the amount indexed annually. The scholarship can include tuition funding and single OSHC. Eligible research programs include the Master of Philosophy and certain research-focused programs.
For international applicants targeting a later intake, UQ publishes specific scholarship rounds and deadlines. This means students should check the current round rather than relying on an old application date.
University of Technology Sydney
UTS offers the International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP) for highly ranked international research students.
For students commencing from 2026, UTS lists:
- Tuition fees for up to two years for a Master by Research
- Living allowance of up to two years
- AUD $40,500 per year living allowance from 2026
- OSHC
- Competitive selection
The scholarship is therefore potentially a fully funded pathway for an eligible research Master’s student, rather than merely a tuition discount. UTS listed an application period from 7 September to 7 October 2026 for the current round.
Griffith University
Griffith University provides international research students with the Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUIPRS).
The scholarship covers tuition fees for eligible Higher Degree by Research candidates. For research Master’s candidates, the tuition fee coverage can continue for up to two years. Eligible international students may also receive a separate stipend scholarship.
Griffith’s 2026 Postgraduate Research Scholarship provides a stipend of AUD $35,656 per year, while successful international candidates can receive GUIPRS tuition coverage.
This combination can therefore create a fully funded package for a competitive research applicant.
Best Australian Scholarships for South African Masters Students
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
Provider: Australian Government
Study level: Master’s
South Africans eligible: Yes
Type: Government-funded scholarship
For South African students seeking a coursework Master’s, Australia Awards deserves particular attention.
For the 2027 Africa intake, eligible candidates could receive:
- Return air travel
- Establishment allowance
- Full tuition fees
- Contribution to living expenses
- Introductory academic program
- OSHC
- Supplementary academic support
- Fieldwork allowance where applicable
South Africa is explicitly listed among the eligible countries.
However, the scholarship is competitive and has significant country-specific requirements.
For the 2027 intake, African applicants had to be at least 25 years old on 1 February 2027, have at least five years of relevant postgraduate work experience, be employed when applying, hold an undergraduate degree and meet other conditions.
The 2027 application period opened on 1 February 2026 and closed on 30 April 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline were not considered.
Important: Since the current date is October 2026, South African students cannot submit a new application for the 2027 round. They should monitor the official Australia Awards Africa website for the next intake.
2. Melbourne Research Scholarship
This is a strong choice for South Africans interested in a Master’s by Research.
The scholarship can provide a full tuition fee offset for up to two years and, where a stipend award is offered, a living allowance. The University of Melbourne confirms that international students are eligible.
3. UTS International Research Training Program Scholarship
UTS’s IRTP is another strong option for international students pursuing a research Master’s.
It can cover tuition, living costs and OSHC, making it substantially more comprehensive than a tuition-only award.
4. UQ Graduate Research School Scholarships
UQ provides competitive research scholarships to international students. The package can include tuition fees, a living stipend and OSHC.
Australian Government Scholarships South African Students Should Know About
The most important government scholarship for South African Master’s applicants is Australia Awards.
South Africa is currently listed as a participating country in the Africa program.
Do not assume, however, that every Australian Government scholarship is open to South Africans. Eligibility depends on the particular program and intake.
The Australia Awards program also has country-specific requirements, priority study areas and application deadlines. Students should therefore check the South Africa/Africa information published for each intake.
The Australian Government’s Study Australia portal also confirms that the RTP is available to international students undertaking eligible research Master’s and doctoral programs.
| Scholarship type | Tuition | Living costs | Airfare | Health insurance |
|---|
| Full tuition scholarship | Usually 100% | Usually no | Usually no | Depends |
| Tuition fee waiver | 100% or partial | Usually no | Usually no | Depends |
| Stipend scholarship | May be covered separately | Yes | Usually no | Depends |
| Fully funded scholarship | Usually 100% | Yes | May be included | Often included |
The most important lesson is simple: never assume that a full tuition scholarship pays for everything else.
For example, the Australian Government’s RTP can be structured as a fee offset, stipend, allowances or a combination of these. Universities decide how their RTP awards are administered.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
Requirements vary considerably, but South African applicants should expect some combination of the following:
Academic performance
Strong academic results are important, particularly for competitive research scholarships.
Previous degree
You normally need a recognised undergraduate qualification that meets the university’s Master’s admission requirements.
Master’s admission
Receiving a scholarship does not automatically mean you have been admitted to every university or course. You must satisfy the university’s admission requirements.
English proficiency
English requirements depend on the university, course and applicant’s previous education.
Australia Awards Africa has specific English requirements. For the 2027 intake, the published requirement was IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or specified equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores, subject to the stated exemption.
Work experience
Some scholarships, particularly Australia Awards Africa, require significant professional experience. This should not be confused with the requirements for university research scholarships.
Leadership and community involvement
Australia Awards evaluates applicants partly on leadership qualities, professional and personal qualities, academic competence and potential development impact.
Research potential
For a research Master’s, universities may assess your research background, academic record, proposed research and potential to contribute to the field.
Do South African Students Need IELTS to Study in Australia?
Not necessarily.
There is no universal rule saying that every South African must take IELTS to obtain an Australian scholarship.
English requirements can depend on:
- The university
- The course
- Your previous education
- The scholarship
- Your country of citizenship
- Whether an English-language exemption applies
Australia Awards Africa, for example, has specific English-language requirements and exemptions.
Therefore, check both the university’s admission requirements and the scholarship’s requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Study a Master’s in Australia Without a Scholarship?
Australia can be expensive for an international student.
- Your expenses may include:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- Health insurance
- Books and study materials
- Mobile and internet costs
- Visa expenses
- Air travel
- Personal expenses
For student visa purposes, the Australian Department of Home Affairs currently lists AUD $29,710 as the annual living-cost figure for a student. This is a visa-related minimum and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that it represents the actual cost of living in every Australian city.
Students should research the actual cost of living in their chosen city.
How to Apply for a 100% Scholarship in Australia
A practical application process is:
- Identify scholarships open to South African citizens.
- Check whether the scholarship covers coursework or research Master’s study.
- Check the eligible fields of study.
- Review the university’s Master’s admission requirements.
- Prepare your academic transcripts.
- Prepare your CV.
- Write a strong personal or scholarship statement.
- Obtain recommendation letters.
- Prepare a research proposal if required.
- Complete any English-language requirement.
- Submit the scholarship application.
- Submit the university application where required.
- Monitor your email and application portal.
Do not assume that the scholarship application and university application are always the same. Some scholarships use a combined university application, while others require a separate scholarship application.
Documents South African Students May Need
Depending on the scholarship, prepare:
- Passport
- Undergraduate degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Personal statement
- Scholarship essays
- Recommendation letters
- English-language test results where required
- Research proposal where applicable
- Evidence of professional experience
- Employment or referee documentation
Australia Awards Africa, for example, requires documents including a passport, undergraduate degree certificate, transcript, CV, employer referee report, academic referee report and English-language evidence where applicable.
How Competitive Are Australian Scholarships for South African Students?
Australian scholarships can be highly competitive.
A strong application is more than a collection of good grades. Depending on the scholarship, selection may consider:
- Academic performance
- Leadership
- Professional experience
- Community impact
- Career goals
- Development impact
- Research potential
- Quality of the proposed research
- Fit with the scholarship’s objectives
Australia Awards Africa specifically states that applicants are assessed on professional and personal qualities, academic competence and leadership/development potential.
For research scholarships, universities may also rank applicants against other candidates based on academic excellence and research potential.
There is no scholarship that can guarantee success.
10 Tips for South Africans Applying for Australian Scholarships
- Start early. Do not wait until the deadline.
- Check citizenship requirements first. International eligibility does not automatically mean South African eligibility.
- Know whether the Master’s is coursework or research.
- Read the funding details carefully.
- Research the university before writing your statement.
- Show measurable achievements rather than making general claims.
- Connect your career plans to your proposed degree.
- Choose referees who know your academic or professional work well.
- Keep certified documents ready where required.
- Always verify deadlines on the official scholarship page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Australian university gives 100% scholarships to South African students?
No single university automatically gives every South African student a 100% scholarship. Strong options include the University of Melbourne, UQ, UTS and Griffith University for eligible research Master’s applicants. Australia Awards is another major option for eligible South African Master’s applicants.
Can South Africans get fully funded Master’s scholarships in Australia?
Yes. South Africans can apply for eligible government and university scholarships. Australia Awards provides a particularly comprehensive package, while several universities offer fully funded or near-fully funded research scholarships.
Which Australian university is easiest to get a scholarship from?
There is no reliable university that can be described as the “easiest.” Scholarships are competitive, and chances depend on your academic record, course, research potential, experience and the number of awards available.
Are there full tuition scholarships in Australia for South Africans?
Yes. Examples include eligible research scholarships at universities such as Melbourne, UQ, UTS and Griffith. Australia Awards also provides full tuition for successful eligible recipients.
Can I study for a Master’s in Australia for free?
Potentially, yes, if you win a scholarship that covers 100% of tuition. If the scholarship also provides living expenses and other benefits, your personal financial burden may be substantially reduced. However, not every scholarship covers every expense.
Does Australia offer government scholarships to South Africans?
Yes. South Africa is currently included among the participating African countries for Australia Awards Scholarships.
What Australian scholarships cover tuition and living expenses?
Examples include Australia Awards and some university research scholarships. UTS, Melbourne, UQ and certain Griffith research scholarship combinations can provide tuition support together with living allowances.
Do I need IELTS to get an Australian scholarship as a South African?
Not necessarily. Requirements vary. Some scholarships and universities accept exemptions or alternative English tests. Australia Awards Africa has specific English-language requirements.
How much money do I need to study in Australia without a scholarship?
The amount depends on your university, city and lifestyle. For student visa purposes, the current annual living-cost figure for a single student is AUD $29,710, but actual expenses may be higher.
When should South African students apply for Australian scholarships?
Apply as early as possible. Major scholarships can have deadlines many months before the academic intake. For example, the 2027 Australia Awards Africa round opened on 1 February 2026 and closed on 30 April 2026.
Which Australian University Offers 100% Scholarships for South African Master’s Students?
South African students have several realistic routes to 100% scholarships in Australia for South African students, but there is no single university that guarantees full funding to every applicant.
If you want a coursework Master’s, the Australian Government’s Australia Awards Scholarship is one of the most important opportunities to investigate. South Africa is an eligible country, and the scholarship can cover full tuition together with living support, airfare, OSHC and other benefits.
If you want a research Master’s, universities such as the University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, UTS and Griffith University offer scholarships that can cover tuition and, for eligible awards, provide living support.
The best strategy is to decide first whether you want a coursework or research Master’s, identify scholarships for which South Africans are eligible, and then carefully compare what each scholarship actually pays for.
Because scholarship rules, funding amounts and deadlines can change, always confirm the latest information directly with the scholarship provider before submitting an application.
Sources and Further Reading
Australian Government – Australia Awards participating countries
Australia Awards Africa – 2027 intake information
Study Australia – Scholarships
Australian Government – Research Training Program
University of Melbourne – Graduate Research Scholarships
Related Articles:
How to apply for a Master’s degree in Australia
Australian student visa requirements for international students
Cost of studying in Australia for international students
Best universities in Australia for international students
Fully funded scholarships in Australia
Australia Awards Scholarships application guide