Australia Awards vs. Destination Australia Scholarships – Which One is for You?
When considering studying in Australia, two major government-backed scholarships often stand out: the Australia Awards and the Destination Australia Scholarships. While both aim to support international students, they differ significantly in objectives, benefits, eligibility, and target audience. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which scholarship aligns best with your academic and career goals.
Overview
Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They aim to promote knowledge, education links, and long-term partnerships with developing countries.
Destination Australia Scholarships, on the other hand, are part of the Australian Government's initiative to encourage students to study in regional and remote areas of Australia, helping boost regional education providers and communities.
Objectives
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Australia Awards: Focus on building capacity and contributing to the development needs of partner countries. These scholarships foster global leaders and future influencers.
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Destination Australia: Promote regional growth by supporting domestic and international students to study in regional institutions.
Scholarship Benefits
Australia Awards:
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Full tuition fees
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Return air travel
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Establishment allowance
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Living expenses (stipend)
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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
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Introductory academic program
Destination Australia:
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AUD $15,000 per year
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For up to 4 years depending on the program
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Intended for study in regional campuses only
Eligibility Criteria
Australia Awards:
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Must be from an eligible developing country (Asia, the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East)
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Meet academic and English language requirements
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Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to development
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Apply through the official Australia Awards country-specific process
Destination Australia:
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Open to international and domestic students
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Must enrol in a full-time course at a regional campus
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Meet university-specific academic and language requirements
Areas of Study
Australia Awards:
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Courses must align with priority development sectors (e.g., agriculture, public policy, health, education, infrastructure)
Destination Australia:
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Open to a wide range of disciplines, depending on the offerings of the regional institution
Duration
Australia Awards:
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Generally covers the entire duration of the program (undergraduate or postgraduate)
Destination Australia:
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Up to 4 years of study
Application Process
Australia Awards:
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Competitive selection
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Submit online application through DFAT portal
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Often requires development impact plans, references, and interviews
Destination Australia:
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Apply directly through participating universities
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Selection criteria vary by institution
Ideal Candidates
Australia Awards:
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Aspiring professionals from developing countries
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Interested in contributing to their home country’s development
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Seeking leadership and capacity-building opportunities
Destination Australia:
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Students interested in regional Australian life
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Those looking for affordable living and smaller campus environments
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Open to diverse academic fields and practical experiences
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Australia Awards and Destination Australia depends on your background, goals, and preferred study experience. If you seek a fully funded program with leadership development in a global context, Australia Awards may be your path. If you're drawn to unique experiences in regional Australia with financial support, Destination Australia could be ideal.
Before applying, carefully review the specific eligibility and application details on the official websites or through the universities offering these scholarships. Australia offers world-class education—choosing the right scholarship can make your journey smoother and more impactful.