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Considering the high costs of international education, the University of Adelaide offers a diverse portfolio of scholarships for international students commencing in the 2026-2027 academic year across various undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and graduate research programs. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence and commitment, with coverage ranging from partial tuition fee reductions (e.g., 15%, 25%, or 50% for coursework students like the Global Academic Excellence Scholarships or Global Citizens Scholarships) to full tuition fee waivers and a generous annual living stipend for outstanding research students (like the Adelaide University Research Scholarships – AURS). Core benefits often include a tuition fee offset for the duration of the program, a living stipend (indexed annually), and additional allowances like Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and a relocation allowance for those moving to Adelaide.
In this blog, we provide a detailed overview of the eligibility criteria, application process, and specific benefits for the most prominent University of Adelaide scholarships to help you secure funding for your Australian study journey.
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Types of University of Adelaide Scholarships
The University of Adelaide offers a range of scholarships, primarily categorised by the level of study and the basis of the award. The main types of scholarships for international students include:
1. Coursework Scholarships (Undergraduate & Postgraduate): Primarily based on academic merit, offering a reduction in tuition fees. Examples include:
- Global Academic Excellence Scholarships (highest tuition fee reduction).
- Global Citizens Scholarships (tiered tuition fee reductions).
- Alumni International Scholarship (for former University of Adelaide students).
- Onshore International Scholarship (for students who completed their previous Australian qualification in Australia).
2. Research Scholarships (Higher Degree by Research – HDR): Competitive, comprehensive awards for Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. Examples include:
- Adelaide University Research Scholarship (AURS).
- Research Training Program Scholarship (RTPS).
- Project and Cohort-Specific Scholarships.
3. External and Other Scholarships: Awards funded by external bodies or tailored for specific criteria. Examples include:
- Australian Government Scholarships (e.g., Australia Awards).
- Faculty/Discipline-Specific Scholarships.
- Travel and Top-up Scholarships.
- Equity-Based Scholarships.
List of University of Adelaide Scholarships for International Students
The University of Adelaide offers a range of scholarships for international students, primarily based on academic merit for coursework degrees and high academic/research excellence for research degrees.
Here is a list of important scholarships, their coverage, and general eligibility criteria:
Coursework Scholarships (Undergraduate & Postgraduate)
These scholarships are typically automatically assessed based on your application for admission. They offer a reduction in tuition fees.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Important Eligibility Criteria (Academic Merit) |
| Global Academic Excellence Scholarship (50%) | 50% reduction in international tuition fees for the full duration of the degree. | Commencing international student (Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework). Must demonstrate outstanding academic merit (e.g., minimum overall GPA of 6.7 out of 7.0 or a high distinction average). Highly competitive. |
| Global Citizens International Scholarship (30%) | 30% reduction in international tuition fees for the full duration of the degree. | Commencing international student (Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework). Must achieve a high academic score (e.g., minimum GPA of 6.5 out of 7.0 or comparable). |
| Global Citizens International Scholarship (15%) | 15% reduction in international tuition fees for the full duration of the degree. | Commencing international student (Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework). Must achieve a high academic score (e.g., minimum GPA of 6.0 out of 7.0 or comparable). |
| University of Adelaide Onshore International Scholarship | 25% reduction in international tuition fees. | Commencing international student who has successfully completed a Bachelor or Master qualification in Australia and is now applying for a higher-level degree. |
| Alumni International Scholarship | 10% reduction in international tuition fees. | Commencing international student who has previously completed an award program at the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, or Torrens University. |
Research Scholarships (HDR: PhD & MPhil)
These are highly competitive, comprehensive scholarships for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Important Eligibility Criteria |
| Research Training Program Scholarship (RTPS) (Australian Government) | – 100% Tuition Fee Waiver for international students (up to 3.5 years for PhD).- Annual Living Stipend (e.g., A$35,300 in 2025, indexed).- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the student.- Relocation Allowance (up to A$1,500). | International student applying for admission to a PhD or MPhil program. Must hold a relevant Bachelor Degree with Honours or equivalent demonstrating high academic merit and research potential. |
| University of Adelaide Research Scholarship (UARS) | – 100% Tuition Fee Waiver (up to 3.5 years for PhD).- Annual Living Stipend (e.g., A$35,300 in 2025, indexed).- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the student.- Relocation Allowance. | International student eligible for admission to a PhD or MPhil program. Awarded competitively based on academic merit and research experience. |
Government & Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Important Eligibility Criteria |
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Fully-funded—includes full tuition fees, return air travel, living expenses, and OSHC. | Citizens of participating developing countries (contact your home country’s Australian High Commission/Embassy for details). Must meet the specific country and program eligibility requirements. |
| Adelaide Sarawak Alumni Scholarship | A one-off payment of A$5,000 (subject to change). | Continuing international student from Sarawak, Malaysia, in an Undergraduate program, demonstrating academic merit. |
Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia For International Students
Details of University of Adelaide Scholarships
The University of Adelaide offers a competitive range of scholarships for international students, primarily focused on rewarding high academic achievement across all study levels.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship (50%)
This is the University’s most prestigious and highly competitive merit-based award for commencing international students undertaking a full-time Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework degree, providing a substantial 50% reduction in international tuition fees for the entire standard duration of the program. Eligibility requires demonstrating exceptional prior academic performance, such as achieving an equivalent to a Raw ATAR of 99.9 for undergraduate entry or a minimum overall GPA of 6.7 on a 7.0 scale for postgraduate entry; while the scholarship is limited in number and excludes certain programs, a select pool of applicants is automatically identified for consideration, with some rounds requiring an additional written application and selection by a committee to secure one of the few available places.
| Benefits | 50% reduction in international tuition fees for the full minimum standard duration of the eligible Undergraduate or Postgraduate (Coursework) degree. |
| Eligibility | Must be an international student commencing a full-time coursework program. Must have achieved exceptional academic results in prior qualifications (e.g., minimum ATAR of 99.9 or a GPA of 6.7/7.0 for UG/PG entry). Excludes certain degrees and applicants already receiving a tuition fee waiver of equal or greater value. |
| Application Process | Apply for admission to an eligible program. You must also complete and submit the separate Scholarship Application Form by the closing date. |
| Deadline | Semester 1, 2026 Commencement: Typically closes in October/November 2025. |
Research Training Program Scholarship (RTPS) / University of Adelaide Research Scholarship (UARS)
These are the principal, centrally-funded scholarships awarded to outstanding domestic and international graduates undertaking a full-time Higher Degree by Research (HDR), such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil), providing a generous package that includes a 100% tuition fee waiver for the duration of the program (up to 3.5 years for a PhD) and a tax-exempt annual living stipend (e.g., A$35,300 in 2025, indexed). Selection is based on highly competitive academic merit, research experience, and alignment with the University’s strategic goals, and the award also typically covers Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the student and a relocation allowance (up to A$1,500) for students moving to Adelaide to commence their research.
| Benefits | 100% Tuition Fee Waiver for up to 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (MPhil). Annual Living Stipend (e.g., A$35,300 for 2025, indexed annually). Includes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the student and a relocation allowance. |
| Eligibility | Must be an international student applying for admission to a full-time Higher Degree by Research (HDR – PhD or MPhil). Must hold a qualification equivalent to a First-Class Honours degree in Australia or a Master’s degree with a significant research component, demonstrating exceptional research aptitude. |
| Application Process | A single application is made for both Admission and Scholarship via the Graduate Research School’s online system. |
| Deadline | Major International Round (for Semester 1, 2026 start): Typically closes in June 2025. Minor International Round (for Semester 2, 2026 start): Typically closes in January 2026. |
Global Citizens International Scholarship (30%)
This merit-based award is designed to reward high-achieving commencing international students in eligible full-time Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework degrees with a 30% reduction in international tuition fees for the full standard duration of the program. The scholarship is generally automatically assessed at the time of application for admission and offered to candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance in their previous qualifications, typically requiring an equivalent to an Australian ATAR of 90 for undergraduate entry or a minimum overall GPA of 6.0 on a 7.0 scale for postgraduate entry, with recipients required to maintain a specified minimum GPA to retain the fee reduction throughout their studies.
| Benefits | 30% reduction in international tuition fees for the full minimum standard duration of the eligible Undergraduate or Postgraduate (Coursework) degree. |
| Eligibility | Must be an international student commencing a full-time coursework program. Awarded based on strong academic merit (e.g., minimum ATAR of 95 for UG entry or a minimum GPA of 6.0/7.0 for PG entry, or equivalent). Excludes certain programs. |
| Application Process | Automatic consideration upon application for admission to an eligible coursework program. |
| Deadline | Open all year. |
Global Citizens International Scholarship (15%)
This scholarship tier is the most widely accessible of the merit-based tuition fee reductions for international students, offering a 15% reduction in international tuition fees for the full standard duration of an eligible full-time Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework program. The award is automatically assessed during the admissions process, with no separate application required, and is offered to commencing students who meet the academic entry requirements and achieve a specified minimum academic score, such as an equivalent to an Australian ATAR of 85 for undergraduate entry or a minimum overall GPA of 5.5 on a 7.0 scale for postgraduate entry, rewarding a solid level of academic success.
| Benefits | 15% reduction in international tuition fees for the full minimum standard duration of the eligible Undergraduate or Postgraduate (Coursework) degree. |
| Eligibility | Must be an international student commencing a full-time coursework program. Awarded based on good academic merit (e.g., minimum ATAR of 85 for UG entry or a minimum GPA of 5.5/7.0 for PG entry, or equivalent). Excludes certain programs. |
| Application Process | Automatic consideration upon application for admission to an eligible coursework program. |
| Deadline | Open all year |
Tips for a Successful University of Adelaide Scholarship Application
Successfully securing a competitive scholarship from the University of Adelaide, particularly the Global Academic Excellence (50%) or Research Training Program (RTP), requires a strategic approach.
Here are essential tips tailored for a strong application:
- Exceed Academic Requirements: Aim for grades significantly higher than the published minimums for competitive scholarships (e.g., 50% GAE, RTP).
- Apply Early (Coursework): For highly competitive, limited-place awards (like the 50% GAE), apply well before the deadline for the best chance.
- Secure Supervisor First (Research): For RTP/UARS, a confirmed, strong supervisor is mandatory before lodging your application.
- Strengthen Research Profile: For research scholarships, showcase publications, high-grade theses, or significant research experience.
- Tailor Your Personal Statement: Address the specific scholarship criteria. Don’t write a generic essay; link your past achievements to your future study goals at Adelaide.
- Highlight Impact/Leadership: Include measurable achievements, leadership roles, and community contributions to stand out as a well-rounded candidate.
- Ensure Flawless Documentation: Submit certified, accurate, and complete academic transcripts and English translations.
- Automatic Assessment Check: Know which scholarships (like the 15% and 30% Global Citizens) are automatic—no separate form needed. Your admission application is the key.
- Align with University Goals: If writing an essay, explain how your study/research aligns with the University of Adelaide’s strategic research or academic areas.
- Proofread Meticulously: Eliminate all spelling and grammar errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail and professionalism.
Why Study at the University of Adelaide?
The University of Adelaide is an excellent choice due to its elite global academic standing, its commitment to cutting-edge research, and the high quality of life and post-study career advantages offered by the city of Adelaide itself.
- Elite Global Ranking: Consistently ranked in the Top 1% of universities worldwide (QS, THE).
- Group of Eight (Go8): Member of Australia’s premier research-intensive universities.
- Nobel Laureate Legacy: Associated with five Nobel Laureates and over 110 Rhodes Scholars.
- World-Class Research: High-rated research, especially in Engineering, Health Sciences, and Agriculture/Wine.
- High Employability: Strong graduate outcomes due to industry-linked degrees and placements.
- Adelaide Lifestyle: Ranked among the world’s most liveable, safe, and friendly cities.
- Affordability: One of the most affordable Australian capital cities for cost of living (especially rent).
- Post-Study Advantage: Offers extended post-study work rights as a designated regional city.
- Innovation Hubs: Located near major industry precincts (e.g., Adelaide BioMed City, Lot Fourteen) for career opportunities.
- Rich Student Experience: Central campus location with access to the city’s vibrant arts, culture, and nature (beaches, hills).
Also Read: Open Universities in Australia
FAQs
For many University of Adelaide coursework scholarships (undergraduate and postgraduate), you are automatically assessed for eligibility when you submit your application for admission to a degree program. For competitive research scholarships and specific awards, you must submit a separate online scholarship application form by the specified deadline, ensuring you meet all academic merit criteria.
Eligibility for University of Adelaide scholarships is primarily based on academic merit, requiring international students to have an offer of admission for a coursework or research degree and demonstrating a high level of achievement in previous studies (e.g., a minimum GPA or ATAR equivalent). For many scholarships, you are automatically assessed upon application for admission, and specific competitive awards may have additional requirements like a higher GPA, research experience, or particular country of citizenship.
Yes, many major University of Adelaide scholarships, particularly those for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students (like RTP or University of Adelaide Research Scholarships), are renewable annually. The continuation of the scholarship is conditional upon the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress, which is typically determined by their Annual Review of Progress. The total period of support is generally fixed for the duration of the degree (e.g., up to three years for a PhD).
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