Australian federal government - Destination Australia

Benefit

This programme has ended. The Australian government confirmed in its 2024-2025 Budget that there are no more funding rounds from 1 July 2024. If you already hold a scholarship, you keep it for the rest of your studies, up to four years, as long as you still meet the criteria. New applications are no longer possible.

While it ran, the scholarship paid about EUR 9,000 per year (AUD 15,000) for up to four years, in one payment per study year. The money went straight to you and you could spend it on tuition and living costs. It came from the Australian federal government to encourage students to study and live in regional Australia, away from the big cities.

Eligibility

• Where you studied: At a recognised Australian college or university with a campus in a regional or remote area, meaning anywhere outside the major cities.
• Where you lived: You lived in that regional or remote area for the whole scholarship period.
• Enrolment: Full time, with no more than a third of your course done online or by distance.
• Level of study: Anything from Certificate IV and diplomas up to bachelor, master and doctoral degrees.
• Nationality: Open to international students with a valid student visa, and to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
• Field of study: Any subject.

How to apply

You did not apply to the government directly. Regional colleges and universities won the grant money, then ran their own selection. You applied to the institution itself. Each one could pick students on merit, financial need or its own criteria.