University of New South Wales Scholarships for International Students 2026-27

Considering an elite Australian education? The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Scholarships for International Students 2026-27 offer significant financial support to high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students across a wide array of programs, including Law & Justice, Business, Engineering, and Arts, Design & Architecture. These prestigious scholarships, such as the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship and the International Student Award, provide diverse benefits ranging from partial tuition fee payments (e.g., $10,000 to $20,000 per annum, or a 15% contribution) up to full tuition fee coverage for the minimum duration of the program, rewarding exceptional academic merit and leadership potential. The coverage often applies to the full length of the degree program, helping to make a world-class education at UNSW Sydney accessible to global talent.

In this blog, we provide a detailed breakdown of the key scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application processes for the 2026-27 intake.

Types of University of New South Wales Scholarships

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers a diverse range of scholarships categorized primarily by student residency status, level of study, and selection criteria.

Category	Types of Scholarships	Description
I. By Residency Status	International Scholarships	Awards specifically for non-Australian citizens/Permanent Residents, such as the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship and International Student Award.
	Domestic Scholarships	Awards for Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, Humanitarian Visa Holders, and New Zealand Citizens.
II. By Level of Study	Undergraduate Coursework	Scholarships for students commencing a Bachelor’s degree.
	Postgraduate Coursework	Awards for students pursuing a Master’s by Coursework, Graduate Diploma, or Graduate Certificate.
	Postgraduate Research	Highly competitive scholarships for Master’s by Research and PhD candidates (e.g., RTP, UIPA).
	Pathway Program Awards	Scholarships granted to students transitioning from UNSW College programs (Foundation Studies, Pre-Masters) into a UNSW degree.
III. By Selection Criteria	Academic Merit-Based	Rewards for outstanding academic performance and high entrance scores.
	Faculty/Program-Specific	Funded by individual schools or faculties (e.g., Law & Justice, Business School, Engineering) for students in those disciplines.
	Equity and Access	Financial support for students experiencing educational disadvantage (e.g., financial hardship, regional isolation, refugee status).
	Co-operative Education (Co-op)	Integrated programs offering financial stipends along with industry placements and professional development.

List of University of New South Wales Scholarships for International Students

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers a variety of scholarships for international students at all levels of study. Here is a list of some of the most prominent ones, including their coverage and general eligibility criteria.

Scholarship Name	Coverage/Value	Study Level	Primary Eligibility & Criteria
International Scientia Coursework Scholarship	Tier 1: Full Tuition Fees (for duration). Tier 2: $$$20,000 AUD per year towards tuition.	UG & PG Coursework	High academic merit, leadership, and extracurricular achievements. Must have an offer of admission.
Australia’s Global University Award	One-off payment of $10,000 AUD towards tuition fees (first year).	UG & PG Coursework	High academic merit. Must have an offer of admission.
International Student Award (ISA)	15% contribution towards tuition fees for the entire duration of the program.	UG, PG Coursework & Diploma	International student from an eligible country, commencing a new program. Assessed on merit and commitment.
Postgraduate Research (RTP / UIPA)	Full Tuition Fee Coverage PLUS annual tax-free living Stipend (approx. $$$37,684 AUD p.a.) and OSHC.	MPhil & PhD (Research)	Excellent academic record (equivalent to First Class Honours). Accepted into a full-time research program.
UNSW College Award	One-off payment of $10,000 AUD towards tuition fees (first year of UG).	Undergraduate	High academic achievement in a UNSW College Foundation Studies or Diploma program, progressing to a UNSW Bachelor’s degree.
UNSW Continuing Scholars Award	Stipend of $5,000 AUD towards tuition/living expenses (one year).	Postgraduate Coursework	International student completing a UNSW UG degree and immediately commencing a UNSW PG coursework degree.
Faculty-Specific/Articulation Awards	Varies (e.g., $5,000 – $10,000 AUD one-off or per annum).	UG & PG Coursework	International student commencing in a specific Faculty (e.g., Engineering, Law) or coming from an approved partner institution. Generally merit-based.
Chevening Scholarships	Full Funding (Tuition fees, flights, accommodation, living stipend).	Postgraduate Coursework (Masters)	Citizenship of an eligible country, minimum two years of work experience, and demonstration of leadership potential.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia For International Students

Details of University of New South Wales Scholarships

Here are the details of the top four University of New South Wales (UNSW) scholarships for international students:

1. International Scientia Coursework Scholarship

The International Scientia Coursework Scholarship is UNSW’s flagship award for high-achieving international students commencing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs. It offers two tiers of value: either Full Tuition Fee coverage for the minimum duration of the program, or a substantial $20,000 AUD contribution per annum towards tuition fees. Eligibility is highly competitive, based on outstanding academic merit, demonstrated leadership capabilities, and involvement in extracurricular activities. This scholarship is not automatically awarded; eligible candidates must submit a separate, comprehensive scholarship application to be considered for selection.

Benefits	Tier 1: Full Tuition Fee coverage for the minimum duration of the program. Tier 2: $$$20,000 AUD per annum paid towards tuition fees for the minimum duration of the program.
Eligibility	Must be an international student commencing full-time study in an eligible UNSW Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework program (excluding UNSW Online and UNSW Canberra).
Application Process	Separate application required.
Deadline	Term 1, 2026 Commencement: Late October 2025. Term 2, 2026 Commencement: Late March 2026. Term 3, 2026 Commencement: Mid-July 2026.

2. Australia’s Global University Award

Australia’s Global University Award is a merit-based scholarship designed to support high-calibre international students entering a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree. The scholarship provides a one-off payment of $10,000 AUD towards the student’s tuition fees, typically applied in the second term of the first year of study. Crucially, this award requires no separate application; eligible students are automatically considered for the scholarship based on the high academic merit demonstrated in their application for admission to UNSW, simplifying the process for top candidates.

Benefits	A one-off payment of $10,000 AUD towards tuition fees, typically applied in the second term of the first year of study.
Eligibility	Must be an international student commencing full-time study in an eligible UNSW Undergraduate or Postgraduate coursework program. The award is based purely on high academic merit demonstrated in the admission application.
Application Process	Automatic Consideration
Deadline	Varies

3. International Student Award (ISA)

The International Student Award (ISA) offers a broad and dependable level of financial support, providing a 15% contribution towards the tuition fees for every year of the student’s program, including eligible Diplomas, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate coursework studies. The ISA is available to new international students who are citizens of an eligible country and are commencing full-time study at UNSW. To apply, students must submit a brief personal statement (typically no more than 500 words) outlining their motivation to study their chosen program at UNSW, with confirmation often received shortly after the admission offer.

Benefits	Provides a 15% contribution directly towards tuition fees for the entire minimum duration of the program.
Eligibility	Must be a new international student commencing full-time study in an eligible UNSW Diploma, Undergraduate, or Postgraduate coursework program. Must be a citizen of an eligible country (UNSW provides a list of eligible countries).
Application Process	Requires a brief statement. Applicants submit a personal statement (up to 500 words) outlining their reasons for studying the proposed program at UNSW.
Deadline	Ongoing consideration for students commencing in 2026 or 2027.

4. Research Training Program International (RTPI) Scholarship

The Research Training Program International (RTPI) Scholarship is the Australian Government’s premier award for international students undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), such as a PhD or Research Master’s, at UNSW. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage, including a Full Tuition Fee Offset for the duration of the program, PLUS an annual tax-free living stipend (e.g., approximately $37,684 AUD p.a. in 2024/25) and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This highly competitive award is granted based on demonstrated research potential and academic excellence, and consideration is typically automatic upon applying for admission to an eligible HDR program.

Benefits	Full Tuition Fee Offset for the duration of the program, PLUS an annual tax-free living Stipend (e.g., approx. $$$37,684 AUD p.a. for 2024/25, indexed annually), and coverage of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the student and dependants.
Eligibility	Must be an international student applying for or commencing a full-time Research Doctorate (PhD) or Research Master’s degree.
Application Process	Automatic Consideration
Deadline	Major Annual Rounds: Round 1: Mid-August (for the following year’s commencement). Round 2: Mid-March (for mid-year commencement).

Tips for a Successful University of New South Wales Scholarship Application

Applying for top-tier scholarships like those at UNSW is highly competitive. Here are the most effective tips, specifically tailored for international students targeting major awards like the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship and the Research Training Program (RTPI).

• Exceed Academic Benchmarks: Your grades must significantly surpass the minimum course entry requirements; aim for the highest possible average.
• Demonstrate Leadership Impact: Provide concrete examples of where you initiated action or led a team, focusing on the positive results you achieved.
• Show Extracurricular Breadth: Detail involvement in activities outside of school/work (e.g., community service, sports, or the arts) to prove you’re well-rounded.
• Tailor Your Statement: Directly connect your personal and professional ambitions to the specific resources, faculty, and research excellence at UNSW.
• Secure an Unconditional Offer: For most competitive scholarships (like Scientia), you must have a formal, final offer of admission before the application deadline.
• Contact HDR Supervisors Early: If applying for the RTPI research scholarship, establish communication and secure commitment from a UNSW supervisor well in advance.
• Submit the ISA Statement: Ensure you write and submit the brief personal statement for the International Student Award (ISA) to guarantee the 15% tuition reduction.
• Get Strong References: Choose referees who can directly address the scholarship criteria (e.g., leadership, academic potential) rather than just confirming your attendance.
• Apply by Early Deadlines: Prioritize the Term 1 (e.g., late October) and Term 2 (e.g., late March) scholarship deadlines, as these often have the most funding.
• Proofread Vigorously: Errors in a scholarship application that rewards excellence are unforgivable; ensure all documents and essays are flawless.

Why Study at the University of New South Wales?

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is one of Australia’s most prestigious institutions, known for its high-impact research, strong links to industry, and location in the global city of Sydney.

Here are the top reasons why an international student should consider studying at UNSW:

• UNSW consistently ranks among the Top 20 universities globally (e.g., placing highly in the QS World University Rankings).
• UNSW excels globally in numerous fields, particularly Engineering (e.g., Mineral & Mining, Civil), Law, and Accounting & Finance, with many subjects ranked in the world’s Top 50.
• UNSW graduates are among the most sought-after globally, with the university often ranked 1st in Australia for employment outcomes.
• UNSW graduates consistently report the highest median starting salaries among the Group of Eight universities, reflecting the high value employers place on their degrees.
• The university strongly integrates Work Integrated Learning (WIL), internships, and professional development programs to ensure students gain practical, job-ready skills.
• With a large international student population, UNSW offers a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally diverse learning environment.
• International students have access to extensive support services, including academic guidance, career coaching, mental health services, and accommodation assistance.

Also Read: How to Settle in Australia from India: A Step-by-Step Guide

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