5 scholarships for female Indian students to study in Australia

With over 40 universities — many of them great — and a famed lifestyle with an emphasis on “life,” everyone wants to study in Australia. Ten Australian universities ranked in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2022, every one of Australia’s universities ranked “world-class” in at least one area of research by Excellence in Research Australia (ERA), up to four years of post-study work visa for international students — these features draw many to the Land Down Under every year.

Leaving home isn’t easy, though. It’s not just the homesickness international students deal with — but the financial burdens that come with pursuing higher education (charged in Australian dollars, no less). From course fees to rent and living expenses, it can get really expensive — but don’t think an Australian education is out of reach. 

The good news is Australian universities provide international students with several scholarships to help them fund their studies. This includes scholarships specifically for female Indian students interested in studying in Australia.  

Each scholarship differs depending on the eligibility and criteria. Some scholarships cover just tuition fees, while others cover tuition, living, and travelling expenses. 

Scholarships for female Indians to study in Australia:

Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship 

“I love this country — especially the people, who are all very warm and welcoming. My colleagues, supervisor, and friends are very supportive and caring,” shares the first recipient of the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, Gopika Kottantharayil Bhasi.

Bhasi was selected for the scholarship in 2020. Due to the pandemic, however, she only began her research at the beginning of this year.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan collaborated with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IIFM) and La Trobe University to launch this scholarship for Indian citizens. This four-year research scholarship is offered only to aspiring female Indian researchers eager to create a meaningful impact in the world. 

Recipients of the scholarship will be entitled to many benefits, including: 

• a four-year La Trobe University full free research scholarship in Melbourne, Australia
• a La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship for three and a half years with a value of 32,500 Australian dollars per annum to support living costs
• visa length Overseas Student Health Cover with Medibank for a single person
• visa application costs for a single person
• a A$3,000 allowance to cover travel costs from India to Melbourne and opportunities to work with award-winning researchers, in world-class research facilities, and access to La Trobe’s suite of professional development programmes. 

Besides being a permanent female resident of India, candidates must have also completed a Master of Research degree within the last 10 years. 

To take up this fantastic opportunity and begin your academic journey in Australia, like Bhasi, apply for the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship here. 

Scholarships open the door for more talented candidates to go abroad. Source: Miguel Schincariol/AFP

Australia Awards Scholarships

Next on the list is the Australia Awards Scholarships for Indian students. The Australian government offers this scholarship to help build links between the next generation of talented Indian business and community leaders. 

This scholarship stands out from the rest because it covers programmes at bachelor’s and postgraduate levels in any field of study. Recipients will have nothing to worry about as the Australia Awards Scholarship covers the full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, and living expenses.

To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must be a recent graduate from one of the target institutions in the 10 Indian states identified by the Indian Economic Strategy, have achieved a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 7.5, have a letter of recommendation from one of the target institutions in India and have achieved an IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0. 

Click here to find out more and apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship. 

Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Meritorious 100% Scholarship

Just announced this year, this scholarship will award four high-achieving students from India with a 100% tuition fee waiver for the full duration of their course. Offered at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Deakin University introduced this programme as part of their “Changing Lives” initiative. 

The four lucky students will be given a priority place in the university’s on-campus accommodation too. 

To be eligible for the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Meritious Scholarship, applicants need to hold a valid Indian passport, reside in India during the time of application, apply through a Deakin Authorised agent that is based in India, and meet the academic requirements set by the university. 

To learn more about the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Meritious Scholarship, check out Deakin University’s website. 

Scholarships give high-achieving students the motivation and incentive to continue achieving. Source: William West/AFP

Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Programme

In India, about 40% of crops are wasted as they cannot reach storage facilities or markets in time. Aryan Bhatia from Delhi has a dream of creating an app that will link farmers with nearby storage facilities and markets. With the help of the Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Programme, Bhatia can pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering and learn to design an app that will reduce food wastage and improve the livelihoods of Indian farmers. 

The University of Sydney launched this scholarship programme to strengthen the university’s and India’s bond. Applicants must be citizens of India who have received an unconditional letter of admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the university. The university awards a total of 28 scholarships annually, amounting to A$500,000. 

Check out the University of Sydney’s website to apply for this scholarship. 

India International Excellence Scholarship

To attract more high-performing students, the University of Newcastle introduced the India International Excellence Scholarship in 2020. The university hopes to recognise Indian students with strong academic backgrounds and provide them with the incentives to motivate them to continue achieving. 

Aside from bearing an Indian passport, applicants would need to pursue a CRICOS registered undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the university. CRICOS stands for Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. 

Awards range from A$5,000 to A$15,000 each year, depending on one’s academic merit. Find out more about the India International Excellence Scholarship here.