Australia Announces Fully-Funded Scholarships for Pakistani Students

The Australia Awards program continues to provide fully-funded scholarships to Pakistani professionals for master’s level studies in Australia, supporting education-driven development initiatives. The program aims to strengthen long-term capacity, leadership skills, and people-to-people links between Pakistan and Australia, promoting stability, prosperity, and sustainable development.

The scholarships focus on priority fields including climate change, women’s empowerment, agriculture and water security, infrastructure, and inclusive economic development. Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, professional experience, leadership potential, and the candidate’s ability to contribute to Pakistan’s development outcomes. The program encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, and other marginalised groups.

Scholarships cover tuition fees, return airfare, living allowances, overseas student health cover, academic support, and fieldwork allowances when applicable. Applicants must be Pakistani citizens residing in Pakistan, have completed 16 years of education, possess at least five years of relevant work experience, and be under 45 years of age. They are also required to submit a Development Impact and Linkages Plan and commit to returning to Pakistan for at least two years after completing their studies.

Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 1 February 2026 and will close on 30 April 2026 at 14:00 AEST. All submissions must be completed online through the OASIS portal, with required documents including degree certificates, transcripts, CV, referee reports, English test results, and no-objection certificates for public sector employees.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and assessed on academic ability, leadership qualities, work experience, and potential development impact. Selected scholars must attend pre-departure briefings and preparatory training, as well as their university’s Introductory Academic Program upon arrival in Australia. The program supports a wide range of disciplines aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, including agriculture, development studies, education, finance, gender studies, public health, environmental policy, and public policy, making it one of the most comprehensive opportunities for advanced education and leadership development for Pakistani professionals.