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2 September 2025

5 minutes read

Study in Australia for Free: How to Study Abroad in Australia for Free as an Indian and International Student?

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

2 September 2025

5 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • How to study abroad in Australia for free is possible through government-funded scholarships and programs offered by top universities.
  • How to study abroad in Australia for free includes tuition coverage and living support for eligible international students.
  • How to study abroad in Australia for free requires strong applications with GPA, SOP, transcripts, and timely visa preparation.

Australia has become one of the most desired study abroad locations, and many Australian universities attract students through a large number of scholarships. Indian and international students often ponder whether it is feasible to study in Australia without spending a cent.

The full scholarship, australia awards scholarship and research scholarship through the Australian government are the potential solutions. With the strong scholarship programs, qualifying for inexpensive higher education is turning into a reality.

Why Study in Australia for Free as an International Student?

Did you know that Sydney and Melbourne are ranked on the QS best student city list and that Australia provides international scholarships that help students cover tuition and living costs?

how to study abroad in australia for free 1

It is absolutely possible to study in Australia without breaking the bank. 

  • The Australian university system offers many scholarships based on academic-merit or on a needs basis. 
  • With an Australian student visa, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. So, that will take some financial pressure off to be able to work while you study. 
  • The Australia scholarships can be toward living expenses, tuition fees, or opportunities to pursue research for undergrads or postgrads.

How to Find the Best Abroad Education Providers for Australia?

Interesting fact: Australia has a population of kangaroos greater than its human population, but likewise has a higher number of scholarship-programs than you might realize.

Finding the right foreign education consultant is crucial for scholarship applications and guidance.

  • Find providers who provide a free counselling service and can show you are familiar with scholarship applications.
  • Choose abroad education providers who offer the most scholarship options for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
  • Make sure they can give you accurate information about your transcripts, GPA, IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT, ACT, GMAT and documents.
Abroad Education ProviderServices OfferedBenefit to Students
AmbitioFree counselling, scholarship guidance, SOP, LOR helpHelps students apply for scholarships to study without spending
IDPIELTS, scholarship information, student visa assistanceCovers scholarship-programs offered by the Australian government
EdwiseApplication support, resume, personal statement reviewsSupports international-scholarships and research students

How to Study Abroad in Australia for Free Including Living Costs?

Surprising fact: Some australian scholarships not only cover tuition but also offer a stipend to cover living.

Students pursuing a degree in Australia can study for free by carefully applying to fully funded scholarships.

  • Apply for scholarships available for studying undergraduate and postgraduate coursework in top universities.
  • Look for scholarships aimed at students pursuing PhD students or postgraduate scholarship programs.
  • Plan to study through Australia-Awards scholarships or merit-based scholarships offered by the department of education.
Scholarship TypeCoverageWho Can Apply
Australia-Awards ScholarshipsTuition fees and living expensesDomestic and international students undertaking postgraduate and research programs
Merit-based ScholarshipsBased on academic-merit, may cover tuition and partial living-costsUndergraduate and postgraduate students
Need-based ScholarshipsCover living and tuition support for low-income studentsInternational students looking to study

Living Expenses, Tuition Fee and Scholarships in Australia for International Students

Did you know that tuition fees and living expenses in Australia vary widely between cities like Sydney and Melbourne?

International-scholarships and australia scholarships help students manage their budget better.

Expense CategoryApproximate Cost (AUD per year)Scholarships Available
Tuition Fees (UG and PG)20,000 – 45,000Coursework scholarships, merit-based scholarships
Living-Costs (Accommodation, Food, Travel)15,000 – 25,000Scholarships require GPA, transcripts, personal statement
Other Costs (Books, Technical and Further Education fees)1,000 – 5,000Need-based scholarships, australia offers full scholarship

How to Apply for Scholarships That are Fully Funded by the Australian Government

Fun fact: The Australian-government spends millions every year on scholarship aims for international students.

how to study abroad in australia for free 2

Scholarship applications require attention to detail.

  • Prepare documents such as GPA, transcripts, resume, letter of recommendation, and statement of purpose.
  • Apply for a student visa once selected in full scholarship-programs.
  • Research-scholarships offered by the Australian-government carefully before applying.
Scholarship-ProgramStudy LevelCoverage
Australia-Awards ScholarshipsMaster’s, PhD studentsTuition-fees and living-expenses
Research Training Program (RTP)Research studentsCovers stay, study, and research grants
Endeavour Leadership ProgramPG studentsInternational-scholarships based on academic-merit

Is it Difficult to Look for Scholarships and Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in Australia?

It’s intriguing to find that many scholarships are based on academic-merit. However, there are also some scholarships for which you can avail. It can be a bit demanding at first, but you can study in Australia with little to no personal costs. Applicants need to be sure to adhere to specific requirements, personal statements, transcripts and GPA.  

Prepare your scholarship application as early as you can to maximize your chances, and nearly all Australian universities will assist with scholarships in one form or another. Applications can take quite a bit of time and effort. Students are applying for a scholarship to help them study for free, so if you take the time and have patience, it is worth the investment.

What are Some Important Benefits Australia Awards to International Students?

Did you know Australia Awards scholarships aim to strengthen international relations? These awards are offered by the Australian-government to help students manage tuition-fees and living-expenses.

BenefitDescription
Full CoverageCovers study, living costs, and travel expenses
Study Level SupportAvailable for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, master’s, and PhD students
International NetworkingHelps domestic and international students undertaking programs build global connections

Research Training Programs for Free: Study in Germany vs Australia

Here’s a fun fact: Germany is famous for free universities, while Australia offers fully funded research-scholarships.

Research students often compare both destinations.

CountryScholarship TypeCoverageEligibility
AustraliaResearch Training ProgramTuition, stipend, and research grantsPG and PhD students
GermanyDAAD ScholarshipsTuition-free, living costs coveredMaster’s and research students

Cost of Living in Australia vs Popular Study Abroad Destinations

Fun fact: Living in Sydney can sometimes be more expensive than in London. Yet, scholarships available make it affordable.

Country/CityTuition Fees (Average per year)Living-Expenses (Average per year)
Australia (Sydney, Melbourne)AUD 20,000 – 45,000AUD 15,000 – 25,000
USAUSD 25,000 – 55,000USD 15,000 – 25,000
UKGBP 15,000 – 35,000GBP 12,000 – 20,000
GermanyEUR 500 – 5,000EUR 10,000 – 15,000

10 Best Universities in Australia for Indian Students

Fun fact: Many Australian universities consistently rank in the top universities worldwide. Students pursuing a degree in Australia often choose based on academic merit and available scholarships.

Sl No.UniversityExams AcceptedDocuments Required
1University of MelbourneIELTS, TOEFL, GRETranscripts, SOP, Resume
2University of SydneyIELTS, GMAT, SATGPA, Letter of Recommendation
3Australian National UniversityIELTS, TOEFL, ACTSOP, Resume, Transcripts
4University of QueenslandIELTS, TOEFL, GMATSOP, Resume, LOR
5University of New South WalesIELTS, GRE, GMATPersonal Statement, GPA
6Monash UniversityIELTS, TOEFL, SATSOP, Resume, Transcripts
7University of Western AustraliaIELTS, ACT, SATResume, Transcripts, SOP
8University of AdelaideIELTS, TOEFL, GREGPA, SOP, LOR
9Queensland University of TechnologyIELTS, TOEFL, GMATResume, Statement of Purpose
10RMIT UniversityIELTS, TOEFL, SATGPA, Transcripts, SOP

Conclusion

Studying in Australia for free is achievable by way of australian scholarships, international scholarships, and specifically research scholarships for students. Full scholarship opportunities are plentiful, covering everything from tuition fees to living-expenses.

Thankfully, a handful of scholarships can get you from your home country and disrupt the amount of money spent on studying in Australia.

If you want to know how to study in Australia without spending money, speak with Ambitio today and get expert counselling on the degree of your dreams.

FAQs

How to study abroad in Australia for free and is it really possible?

Yes, how to study abroad in Australia for free is possible through fully funded scholarships like Australia Awards and other international programs.

How to study abroad in Australia for free as an Indian student?

Indian students can explore how to study abroad in Australia for free by applying for merit-based, need-based, and postgraduate scholarships.

Do I need an Australian student visa when learning how to study abroad in Australia for free?

Yes, how to study abroad in Australia for free still requires an Australian student visa for entry and legal study at Australian universities.

How to study abroad in Australia for free while also covering living expenses?

Students can achieve how to study abroad in Australia for free by securing scholarships that cover tuition fees as well as living and travel costs.

Which scholarships are useful for those figuring out how to study abroad in Australia for free?

Key scholarships for how to study abroad in Australia for free include Australia Awards, research scholarships, and government-funded postgraduate programs.

How to study abroad in Australia for free at the postgraduate or PhD level?

Postgraduate and PhD students can benefit from how to study abroad in Australia for free through research training programs and international scholarships.

Is IELTS required when planning how to study abroad in Australia for free?

Yes, IELTS and other exams like TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT are often required to qualify when learning how to study abroad in Australia for free.

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