Australia Awards Scholarship for Ethiopian Students — Study in Australia
Fully funded Master’s degree programs at Australian tertiary institutions — including tuition, return airfare, living allowance, and health cover for 2027 intake
The Australia Awards Scholarship is a prestigious international award offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders in developing countries. It gives Ethiopian citizens the opportunity to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree at an Australian tertiary institution — with full financial support covering tuition, return airfare, living expenses, establishment allowance, and overseas student health cover. Applicants are assessed on professional and personal qualities, academic competence, and most importantly, their potential to positively impact inclusive development in Africa. Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability, and other marginalised groups.
What the Australia Awards Scholarship Covers
- Full Tuition Fees: 100% covered for the entire academic program
- Return Air Travel: International flights to and from Australia
- Establishment Allowance: One-off payment on arrival to help you settle in
- Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE): Regular stipend for living costs during studies
- Introductory Academic Program: Orientation to Australian academic life
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Full medical insurance for the scholarship duration
- Supplementary Academic Support: Additional tutoring and academic assistance
- Fieldwork Allowance: For research students and Masters by coursework with compulsory fieldwork
- Reasonable Accommodation: Support for scholars with disabilities who need it
Priority Fields of Study (2027 Intake)
The priority areas of study for eligible African countries, including Ethiopia, are:
- 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. See the latest at australiaawardsafrica.org.
Level of Study
Australia Awards Scholarships provide citizens of eligible African countries with the opportunity to obtain a Master’s qualification at an Australian tertiary institution. Awards will be offered for commencement in 2027, with scholarships granted for the minimum period necessary to complete the academic program, including any preparatory training.
Eligibility Criteria (Country-Specific for Ethiopia)
- Nationality: Must be an Ethiopian citizen, residing in and applying from Ethiopia (unless working for an African Regional Organisation or on diplomatic mission for Ethiopia).
- Age: Minimum of 25 years old on 1 February 2027.
- Work Experience: At minimum, 5 years of post-graduate work experience in a field relevant to your intended study.
- Employment: Must be employed at the time of applying for the scholarship.
- Academic Qualification: Must already hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree).
- Master’s Status: Must not already hold or be undertaking a Master’s degree or equivalent.
- Previous Awards: Must not have previously received a long-term Australia Award.
- English Proficiency: Minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0 (or TOEFL iBT 84 with minimum 21 in all subtests, or PTE Academic 58 with no communicative skill below 50). Scores must be valid on 1 January 2027. Waived for candidates whose first language is English and who completed their education in English.
Equity of access adjustments are available for people with disabilities and for applicants specialising in disability rights and inclusion. See the GEDSI Support Hub for details.
Application Dates (2027 Intake)
How to submit: All applications must be lodged online through OASIS via the Australia Awards Africa website. Paper, emailed, or late applications will not be considered.
Key dates for study commencing in Australia in 2027:
- Opening date: 1 February 2026
- Closing date: 30 April 2026 (11:59 PM AEST)
- Shortlisting & interviews: Conducted after eligibility checking — only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Successful candidates notified: Late 2026
- Commencement in Australia: 2027
Applications and/or supporting documents received after the closing date will not be considered.
Required Documents
In addition to the items listed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook, applicants must upload the following in OASIS:
- Passport (uploaded as Proof of Citizenship)
- Undergraduate Degree Certificate
- Undergraduate Academic Transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Employer Referee Report
- Academic Referee Report
- IELTS / TOEFL / Pearson (PTE) Test Certificate — proof of English language proficiency (waived only for native English speakers educated in English)
Successful candidates will be required to produce original documents for certification.
Selection Process
- Applications are first checked for eligibility, then shortlisted for interview.
- Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
- Interviews assess candidates on: academic competence, potential to contribute to inclusive development outcomes in Africa, and professional and personal leadership attributes including relevant work experience.
- Successful candidates are notified in late 2026.
- Awardee travel is subject to requirements imposed by the Australian Government (federal Department of Education and the relevant State or Territory government).
Preparatory Training
Successful applicants must attend:
- Course counselling
- Pre-departure briefing
- The host university’s Introductory Academic Program
- Any other required preparatory study on arrival in Australia
Important Notes
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered — follow all OASIS instructions carefully.
- Applications must be submitted online only — no paper or email submissions.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; do not expect confirmation of receipt.
- Eligible applicants must be citizens of Ethiopia (or other eligible African countries) and apply from their country of citizenship.
- English test scores must be valid on 1 January 2027 — plan your test dates accordingly.
- For full entitlement and visa details, consult the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.
Contact Information
Australia Awards Africa
Embassy of Autralia, Addis Ababa
Phone: +251 11 6672651 / 6672652 / +251 967 941 377
Email: [email protected]
Website: australiaawardsafrica.org
Apply online: Australia Awards Africa — Apply
Ready to Apply for Australia Awards?
Visit the official Australia Awards Africa page for full guidelines and the OASIS online application, or explore more scholarships for Ethiopian students on Atenu.