Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa 2027 – Fully Funded Master’s Degree — The Australia Awards Africa Programme is inviting applications for fully funded Master’s degree scholarships at Australian tertiary institutions for the 2027 academic year. These prestigious awards provide African citizens with the opportunity to gain world-class education and skills to drive change in their home countries while fostering long-term people-to-people connections with Australia.
About Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to the next generation of global leaders in developing countries. Through study and research, recipients gain the skills and knowledge to drive change and foster long-term people-to-people connections with Australia.
Eligibility Requirements (South African Applicants)
- Citizen of South Africa, residing and applying from South Africa (exceptions for African Regional Organisation employees or diplomatic mission staff)
- 25 years or older by 1 February 2027
- At least 5 years of post-graduate work experience in a field relative to their study
- Employed at the time of application
- Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree)
- Not already hold or be undertaking a Master’s degree or equivalent
- Meet minimum English language proficiency requirements
- Not have previously received a long-term Australia Award
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.
Scholarship Benefits
- Return air travel
- Once-off establishment allowance upon arrival
- Full tuition fees coverage
- Contribution to living expenses
- Introductory Academic Programme (IAP)
- Overseas Student Health Cover
- Supplementary academic support
- Fieldwork allowance (for research students)
- Reasonable accommodation for scholars with disabilities
Successful applicants must attend course counselling, pre-departure briefing, and preparatory study programmes.
Priority Fields of Study
- Agriculture and food security
- Climate change
- Mining and energy
- Foreign policy and international security
- Gender, disability, and social inclusion
Applications focus on developing expertise to influence change in partner countries in these priority sectors.
Programme Details
- Degree Level: Master’s degree only
- Academic Year: 2027 intake
- Location: Australian tertiary institutions
- Duration: Standard Master’s programme duration (typically 1-2 years)
- Target Group: African citizens, with strong encouragement for women, people with disability, and marginalised groups
- Application Type: Fully funded scholarship
The scholarships aim to develop global leaders who can drive change in their home countries.
How to Apply
Application Method: Online submission only through the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS).
⏰ Closing Date: Applications close on 30 April 2026 at 14:00 PM AEST.
Late applications and supporting documents will not be considered under any circumstances.
Required Supporting Documents
- Passport (Proof of Citizenship)
- Undergraduate Degree Certificate
- Undergraduate Academic Transcript
- Curriculum Vitae
- Employer Referee Report
- Academic Referee Report
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Any other documents specified in application guidelines
Successful candidates must present original documents for certification. All documents must be submitted through the OASIS system.
Important Resources & Links
- Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook: View Handbook
- 2027 Intake Eligibility: Eligibility Details
- Referee Reports Template: Download Template
- Frequently Asked Questions: View FAQs
- Study in Australia Information: Study Resources
- Australia Awards Africa: Programme Website
Applicants are responsible for researching programmes and ensuring qualifications will be recognised in South Africa through SAQA and relevant professional bodies.
Contact Information
- Email: enquiries@australiaawards.org
- Telephone: +27 67 421 6340
- FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
- Programme Website: Australia Awards Africa
For all queries, contact Australia Awards Africa via email or telephone. Refer to FAQs before contacting for common questions.
Important Notes
- This opportunity is NOT offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training
- Applicants must undertake their own research into programmes and institutions
- Responsibility for ensuring qualification recognition in South Africa lies with the applicant (contact SAQA and relevant professional bodies)
- If discrepancies exist, information from the sponsor supersedes details provided
- No additional financial support provided by Department of Higher Education and Training
- Strong encouragement for applications from women, people with disability, and marginalised groups
- Applications submitted after deadline will not be considered
- All documents must be submitted through OASIS online system
Successful applicants become part of a prestigious network of Australia Awards alumni with ongoing professional development opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Australia Awards Scholarships?
Prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government for Master’s degree studies at Australian institutions, fully funding tuition, travel, accommodation, and living expenses for citizens of eligible African countries.
2. Who is eligible to apply from South Africa?
South African citizens aged 25+ by 1 February 2027, with undergraduate degrees, 5+ years relevant work experience, currently employed, meeting English proficiency requirements, and not holding/undertaking a Master’s degree or previous long-term Australia Award.
3. What fields of study are prioritised?
Agriculture and food security, climate change, mining and energy, foreign policy and international security, and gender, disability, and social inclusion.
4. How do I apply?
Online only through the OASIS system before 30 April 2026 at 14:00 PM AEST. Required documents include passport, degree certificates, transcripts, CV, referee reports, and English proficiency proof.
5. What does the scholarship cover?
Full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, living expenses contribution, health cover, academic support, fieldwork allowance, and disability accommodation where needed.
6. Is there an age limit?
Yes, applicants must be 25 years or older by 1 February 2027. There is no upper age limit specified.
7. Do I need work experience?
Yes, minimum 5 years of post-graduate work experience in a field relative to your proposed study is required, and you must be employed at the time of application.
8. Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
No, applicants must not already hold or be undertaking a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
9. Are women and people with disabilities encouraged?
Yes, applications are strongly encouraged from women, people with disability, and other marginalised groups to promote diversity and inclusion.
10. Who should I contact for queries?
Contact Australia Awards Africa via enquiries@australiaawards.org or +27 67 421 6340. For more international opportunities, explore our international scholarships database or check fully funded scholarships.
For more international scholarship opportunities and 2027 study abroad programmes, visit EduFunds.co.za
Australia Awards Africa Programme
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Fully Funded Master’s Degree Scholarships