International professionals planning to pursue a PhD in Australia in 2028 can begin preparing for the Australian Government’s Australia Awards Scholarships, one of the country’s major long-term scholarship programmes for applicants from eligible developing countries.
Australia Awards Scholarships are administered by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and support eligible candidates undertaking full-time study at participating Australian institutions.
Importantly, the Australia Awards Scholarship Policy Handbook confirms that scholarships may be available for Doctorate degree (PhD) programmes. However, PhD availability depends on the applicant’s country or regional programme, and some participating programmes do not fund doctoral study.
For applicants targeting study commencing in 2028, preparations can begin now, but DFAT has not yet published the official 2028 application dates. The currently published mainstream application schedule relates to study commencing in 2027.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Australia Awards Scholarships |
| Funder | Australian Government |
| Administrator | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
| Study Destination | Australia |
| PhD Funding | Possible, depending on country programme |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Tuition | Covered |
| Airfare | Return economy airfare |
| Living Expenses | Contribution to Living Expenses |
| Establishment Allowance | Included |
| Health Cover | Overseas Student Health Cover |
| Academic Support | May be available |
| Pre-course English | May be available where required |
| Research Fieldwork | May be supported for eligible research scholars |
| 2028 Applications | Not yet officially announced |
| Return Requirement | Minimum two years outside Australia after completion |
Can You Study a PhD Through Australia Awards?
Yes, potentially.
The Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook lists eligible course types that may include:
- Vocational Education and Training
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctorate degree (PhD) programmes
However, this does not mean PhD scholarships are available to every participating country.
DFAT specifically states that applicants must consult their relevant Country or Regional Profile because some programme areas:
do not provide scholarships for undergraduate or PhD studies.
Opportunities Feed Warning
Do not assume that being from an Australia Awards participating country automatically means you can apply for PhD funding.
Your country must specifically support doctoral awards for the relevant intake.
Is the Australia Awards Scholarship 2028 Open?
Not yet, based on the current official DFAT information.
As of September 14, 2026, DFAT’s published mainstream scholarship dates are for candidates commencing their studies in:
2027.
For many participating countries, that application round opened on 1 February 2026 and closed on 30 April 2026.
The 2028 intake dates have not yet been published on the official opening-and-closing-dates page.
Opportunities Feed Advice
Applicants targeting 2028 should use this period to prepare rather than wait for applications to open.
Research proposals, academic admission requirements, referee arrangements and country-specific development priorities can require substantial preparation.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility varies by country.
DFAT says applicants must check the Country Profile corresponding to their country of citizenship or residence for:
- Local eligibility requirements
- Priority fields
- Supporting documents
- Application procedures
The policy handbook also provides general eligibility conditions.
General Eligibility Requirements
Under the current Australia Awards policy, applicants generally must:
- Be at least 18 years old on February 1 of the year they begin the scholarship
- Be a citizen of a participating country
- Be residing in and applying from an eligible developing country
- Not hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Not be applying for permanent residence in Australia
- Not be serving military personnel
- Meet country-specific eligibility requirements
- Meet admission requirements of the Australian institution
- Meet Australian Student Visa requirements
Additional conditions can apply.
Participating Countries
Australia Awards Scholarships are available only to applicants from designated participating countries.
Current participating regions include parts of:
- Africa
- Asia
- Pacific
For Africa, the currently listed countries include:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Botswana
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Opportunities Feed Warning
Participation can change between intake years.
Applicants preparing for 2028 should verify the participating-country list when the official 2028 round launches.
Australia Awards for African PhD Applicants
Australia Awards has historically supported postgraduate study by African professionals.
DFAT says that since 2004, more than 4,000 scholars from African countries have studied in Australia through Australia Awards, including nearly 2,000 postgraduate scholars undertaking Master’s and PhD degrees.
However, the exact qualifications funded in the 2028 Africa round will depend on the official country and regional rules released for that intake.
What Does the Australia Awards Scholarship Cover?
Australia Awards Scholarships provide extensive financial support.
General benefits include:
Full Tuition Fees
The scholarship generally covers:
full tuition fees
for the approved academic programme.
For doctoral applicants, this can remove one of the largest financial barriers to studying in Australia.
Return Airfare
Recipients generally receive:
one return economy-class airfare
between their home country and Australia using the most direct route.
Establishment Allowance
Scholars receive a one-time establishment allowance that can contribute towards expenses such as:
- Accommodation
- Textbooks
- Study materials
Living Expenses
Recipients receive a:
Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE)
paid fortnightly at a rate determined by DFAT.
The source does not establish a fixed 2028 rate.
Opportunities Feed Warning
Do not advertise an exact 2028 living allowance until DFAT publishes the applicable rate.
Overseas Student Health Cover
Australia Awards generally provides:
Overseas Student Health Cover
for the scholarship recipient for the duration of the award.
This helps cover basic medical costs, subject to the applicable conditions and exclusions.
Pre-Course English Training
Where DFAT considers it necessary, scholars may receive support for:
Pre-course English training.
This may take place:
- In the applicant’s home country
- In Australia
- Through a combination of arrangements
depending on the award.
Academic Support
Supplementary academic assistance may also be provided to support a scholar’s:
- Academic success
- Research
- Overall academic experience
Fieldwork Support for PhD Researchers
Fieldwork is particularly important to PhD applicants.
Australia Awards states that fieldwork support may be available for eligible research scholars where fieldwork is compulsory.
Support may include an economy airfare for eligible research students to conduct fieldwork in:
- Their country of citizenship
- Another eligible location within Australia
subject to programme conditions.
Opportunities Feed Insight
For doctoral candidates whose research involves data collection in their home country, this can be an especially valuable component of the scholarship.
Introductory Academic Program
Australia Awards scholars normally participate in a compulsory:
Introductory Academic Program
before their formal academic studies begin.
The programme provides information about:
- Living in Australia
- Studying in Australia
- Academic expectations
Important Two-Year Return Requirement
One of the most important Australia Awards conditions is the requirement to return home.
Scholarship recipients must generally leave Australia for at least:
two years
after completing their scholarship.
DFAT states that failure to comply can result in the scholar owing the total accrued cost of the scholarship.
Opportunities Feed Insight
Australia Awards is designed as a development scholarship, not primarily as an immigration pathway.
Applicants should be able to explain how their PhD research and expertise will contribute to development in their home country.
What Fields Can PhD Applicants Study?
There is no single worldwide list covering every country.
Priority study areas are determined by:
- DFAT
- Partner governments
- Regional priorities
- Development objectives
DFAT instructs applicants to review their country profile for applicable priority fields.
Possible areas can differ significantly between countries.
Why Development Impact Matters
Australia Awards Scholarships aim to help participating countries address their development needs.
Recipients are expected to develop skills and knowledge that can help them:
- Drive change
- Strengthen institutions
- Contribute to development
- Apply their expertise after returning home
Opportunities Feed Advice for PhD Applicants
A research proposal should therefore do more than demonstrate academic novelty.
Applicants should be able to explain:
What problem does this research solve for my country?
and:
How will I use the expertise after returning home?
Choosing a PhD Research Topic
Strong Australia Awards PhD preparation should connect three areas:
Your professional background + your country’s development priorities + a feasible doctoral research question.
For example, a candidate working in agriculture might propose research connected to:
- Food security
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Agricultural technology
- Water management
A public-health professional might focus on:
- Health systems
- Maternal health
- Epidemiology
- Health data
- Disease prevention
The actual eligible fields must still be confirmed from the relevant 2028 country profile.
Choosing an Australian University
Australia Awards scholars study at participating Australian institutions.
PhD applicants should begin investigating:
- Universities offering their research area
- Relevant faculties
- Research centres
- Potential supervisors
- Admission requirements
- English-language requirements
- Research proposal requirements
Opportunities Feed Advice
Do not choose a university based solely on global rankings.
The best PhD programme should offer:
- Strong research supervision
- Expertise matching your topic
- Appropriate facilities
- A realistic pathway to completing your research
Do You Need a Supervisor Before Applying?
The general Australia Awards page does not establish a universal rule requiring every applicant to secure a PhD supervisor before submitting a scholarship application.
University admission requirements and country-specific Australia Awards rules may differ.
Applicants should therefore check:
- Their Australia Awards Country Profile
- Their target university’s PhD admission requirements
before approaching supervisors.
Documents PhD Applicants Should Start Preparing
Exact requirements for 2028 have not yet been announced.
However, candidates can begin preparing materials commonly relevant to postgraduate scholarship applications, including:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Research interests
- Research proposal
- Employment history
- Evidence of leadership or development impact
- Referee information
- English-language documentation where required
DFAT currently provides templates for documents such as CVs and referee reports, but country-specific requirements determine what applicants actually need to submit.
Research Proposal Preparation
PhD applicants should begin developing a proposal that clearly covers:
Research Problem
What specific problem will the research address?
Research Gap
What is missing from existing knowledge?
Research Questions
What exactly will the PhD investigate?
Methodology
How will evidence be collected and analysed?
Development Relevance
Why does the research matter to the applicant’s country?
Expected Impact
How could the findings influence:
- Policy
- Practice
- Institutions
- Communities
- Future research?
Work Experience and Leadership
Country programmes can impose additional requirements, including a required number of years of professional experience.
Applicants should therefore start documenting:
- Professional achievements
- Leadership responsibilities
- Projects
- Policy contributions
- Community impact
- Research experience
Quantified examples are stronger than generic statements.
Using AI in an Australia Awards Application
Applicants should pay particular attention to DFAT’s current AI rules.
DFAT says AI may be used only for limited functions such as:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Organising ideas
It states that AI must not be used to write, improve or paraphrase application responses, and misuse may result in disqualification.
Opportunities Feed Warning
This is especially important for the 2028 application cycle.
Candidates should check the updated AI policy when applications eventually open because DFAT may revise its rules.
How to Apply for Australia Awards 2028
Once applications officially open, candidates should:
- Confirm that their country participates in the 2028 intake.
- Check whether their country offers PhD scholarships.
- Read their Country or Regional Profile.
- Check priority areas of study.
- Read the latest Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.
- Review Australian university PhD requirements.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Complete the relevant application process.
- Submit before their country’s official deadline.
DFAT notes that application methods can vary, with some countries using online applications and others requiring different procedures.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Claiming the 2028 scholarship is already open
- Assuming every participating country funds PhDs
- Choosing a research topic unrelated to development priorities
- Ignoring country-specific eligibility requirements
- Waiting until applications open to begin a PhD research proposal
- Assuming admission requirements are the same at every Australian university
- Overlooking the two-year return-home condition
- Inventing a 2028 stipend amount
- Using AI to write application responses contrary to DFAT rules
- Relying on unofficial scholarship websites instead of DFAT guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australia Awards Scholarships available for PhD study?
Yes, PhD programmes are among the types of study that may be supported under Australia Awards policy. Availability depends on the applicant’s country programme.
Are Australia Awards Scholarships 2028 open?
Not yet according to the current DFAT scholarship schedule. The currently published mainstream dates relate to study commencing in 2027.
Is Australia Awards fully funded?
The scholarship generally covers major costs including full tuition, return airfare, establishment support, living expenses and health cover.
Does it cover PhD tuition fees?
Where a PhD has been approved under an Australia Awards Scholarship, full tuition fees are generally among the scholarship benefits.
Does Australia Awards pay living expenses?
Yes. Scholars receive a Contribution to Living Expenses at a rate determined by DFAT.
Does it provide airfare?
Yes. A return economy-class airfare is generally provided.
Is health insurance included?
Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover is generally included for the award holder.
Can research fieldwork be funded?
Eligible research scholars may receive support for compulsory fieldwork under applicable conditions.
Can Zimbabweans apply?
Zimbabwe is included in the current Australia Awards Africa participating-country group. Eligibility for the 2028 PhD intake specifically must be confirmed once the relevant 2028 country profile is published.
Can South Africans apply?
South Africa is also currently listed within the Australia Awards Africa participating-country group.
Do scholars have to return home after graduating?
Yes. Scholars are generally required to leave Australia for at least two years after completing their award.
Can I stay in Australia permanently after the scholarship?
The scholarship conditions include a two-year return requirement, so candidates should not treat Australia Awards as a direct permanent-migration route.
Can I use ChatGPT to write my scholarship essays?
Under DFAT’s current guidance, AI cannot be used to write, improve or paraphrase application responses. Applicants should check the latest policy when the 2028 application cycle opens.
Opportunities Feed Verdict
Australia Awards Scholarships remain one of the strongest government-funded opportunities to monitor for professionals from eligible developing countries who want to undertake doctoral study in Australia.
For prospective 2028 PhD applicants, however, one distinction is essential: the 2028 application round has not yet been officially announced. The current DFAT application schedule is still focused on study commencing in 2027.
The Australia Awards policy does permit Doctorate degree (PhD) programmes, but PhD availability is controlled at the country or regional level, and some programme areas specifically exclude doctoral awards.
Where an eligible PhD award is offered, the support is substantial. Benefits generally include full tuition fees, return airfare, an establishment allowance, fortnightly living support, health insurance, possible English-language preparation, academic support and eligible research fieldwork assistance.
The best strategy for prospective 2028 applicants is therefore to begin preparing now: identify a development-relevant research problem, investigate suitable Australian universities and supervisors, strengthen professional and research experience, and watch for the official 2028 country profiles and application dates.
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