Best Australian Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Australia has become a popular destination for Nigerian students looking for quality education and better career opportunities. With its top-ranked universities, friendly environment, and diverse culture, many students dream of studying in the country. However, tuition fees and living expenses can be expensive, making scholarships an important option for those who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.

Several Australian scholarships are available for Nigerian students, covering tuition, living allowances, and sometimes even travel costs. Some are funded by the Australian government, while others come from universities and private organizations. This article highlights some of the best scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students who want to study in Australia.

1. Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are funded by the Australian government to support students from developing countries, including Nigeria. These scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs. They are offered for undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational education and training (VET) programs.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Nigerian citizen.
• Must meet academic and English language requirements.
• Should have relevant work experience (for some postgraduate programs).
• Must return to Nigeria after completing studies.

How to Apply: Applications are submitted online through the Australia Awards website. The selection process includes academic qualifications, work experience, and an interview.

2. Destination Australia Scholarship

The Destination Australia Scholarship is another government-funded program designed to attract international students, including Nigerians, to study in regional Australia. The scholarship aims to support students in pursuing studies outside major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

What It Covers:

• Up to AUD 15,000 per year for tuition and living costs.

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled in an Australian institution located in a regional area.
• Must meet the admission requirements of the chosen university.

How to Apply: Students need to apply directly through the participating universities, as each institution has its own selection process.

3. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

The University of Melbourne offers fully funded Graduate Research Scholarships for master’s and PhD students. This scholarship is open to international students, including those from Nigeria, who wish to pursue research degrees.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition for up to four years.
• Living allowance of around AUD 37,000 per year.
• Health insurance.
• Relocation grant for students moving from overseas.

Eligibility:

• Must apply for a research-based master’s or PhD program.
• Must have an excellent academic record.

How to Apply: Applicants are automatically considered when they apply for admission to the university. No separate scholarship application is needed.

4. University of Sydney International Scholarships

The University of Sydney offers various scholarships for international students. One of the most attractive options is the University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS), which supports students pursuing a research master’s or PhD.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition fees.
• Living stipend of approximately AUD 37,000 per year.

Eligibility:

• Must have a strong academic background.
• Must apply for a postgraduate research degree.

How to Apply: Students must submit an online application for their research degree, and they will be considered for the scholarship automatically.

5. Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Macquarie University in Sydney offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship to high-achieving students from Nigeria and other countries. It is a partial scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

What It Covers:

• Up to AUD 10,000 towards tuition fees.

Eligibility:

• Must meet the academic requirements of the chosen program.
• Must have an offer of admission from Macquarie University.

How to Apply:
Applications are made online through the university’s website. Applicants must submit a statement explaining why they deserve the scholarship.

6. Monash University International Merit Scholarships

Monash University offers merit-based scholarships to international students, including Nigerians, who demonstrate academic excellence. These scholarships are available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

What It Covers:

• AUD 10,000 per year, renewable based on academic performance.

Eligibility:

• Must have an excellent academic record.
• Must receive an admission offer from Monash University.

How to Apply: Students need to complete an online scholarship application after receiving their admission offer.

7. Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships for International Students

The University of Adelaide offers scholarships to high-performing international students who wish to study undergraduate or postgraduate programs.

What It Covers:

• 50% tuition fee reduction for the entire duration of the program.

Eligibility:

• Must have an excellent academic record.
• Must meet the university’s English language requirements.

How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the University of Adelaide’s scholarship portal.

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8. Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship

Flinders University provides scholarships to international students undertaking research degrees at the master’s or PhD level.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition.
• Stipend of around AUD 33,000 per year.
• Health insurance.

Eligibility:

• Must apply for a research-based postgraduate program.
• Must meet academic and English language requirements.

How to Apply: Students must apply through the Flinders University website, where they also need to submit a research proposal.

9. Griffith University International Scholarships

Griffith University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including Nigerians. Some of the popular ones include:

• Griffith Remarkable Scholarship – Covers 50% of tuition fees.
• International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship – Offers up to 25% tuition fee reduction.

Eligibility:

• Must meet the academic requirements for the chosen course.
• Must receive an admission offer from Griffith University.

How to Apply: Students must submit a separate scholarship application along with their admission application.

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10. Bond University International Scholarships

Bond University provides several scholarships for international students, including:

• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – Covers 50% of tuition fees.
• International Stand Out Scholarship – Offers a tuition reduction of up to 25%.

Eligibility:

• Must have an excellent academic record.
• Must receive an admission offer from Bond University.

How to Apply: Students need to submit an online scholarship application, including a personal statement.

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