Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards Scholarships are the Australian government's flagship long-term development scholarships, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They cover a full Master's degree at an Australian university for mid-career professionals from eligible countries — Sri Lanka is on the list. The 2027 intake explicitly prioritises applicants from Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern districts, alongside six priority fields tied to Sri Lanka's development needs.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Government-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Fully Funded
Duration
Master's (1-2 years) + pre-course English
Travel
Return Airfare + Establishment Allowance
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's Degree
Tertiary qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor's degree, with academic or professional background relevant to your proposed course of study.
3+ Years Work Experience
Public-sector applicants need at least 3 years' post-qualification experience (including 2 years in a field relevant to the proposed study) and must be confirmed in their current position. Private-sector and civil-society applicants also need 3+ years' relevant experience.
Sri Lankan Citizen, Currently Employed
Sri Lankan citizen, resident in Sri Lanka, employed at the time of application. The 2027 intake gives priority to candidates from Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern districts.
Return for 2 Years
Awardees must sign a contract committing to return to Sri Lanka for at least 2 years after completing their studies, in line with the DFAT 2-year rule.
account_tree Application Process
Apply via OASIS by 30 April 2026
Submit your complete application online through the OASIS portal (oasis.dfat.gov.au). Late or incomplete submissions — including missing supporting documents — are not considered.
Choose a priority field
- Climate change and disaster risk reduction
- Economic development
- Education
- Gender equality and social inclusion (including disability)
- Governance
- Inclusive growth and stability
English-language proficiency
IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result valid as at 1 January 2027. The Awards programme funds pre-course English in Sri Lanka or Australia if your score is below the university's direct-entry threshold.
Shortlist & interview
Shortlisted applicants attend interviews at the Australian High Commission in Colombo (typically July-September 2026). Successful candidates start studies in early 2027.
Why Australia Awards?
Run for decades by DFAT, Australia Awards has a strong Sri Lankan alumni community across the public sector, NGOs, and academia. Award includes pre-departure briefing, on-arrival orientation, and OSHC health insurance — one of the most comprehensive packages on offer to Sri Lankan postgraduates.
AUD 90k+
Avg. Total Value
~15-25
Sri Lankan Awards / Year
Since 1950s
Programme Running (Colombo Plan roots)
Similar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Melbourne International Scholarships (Graduate Research)
University of Melbourne
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
Australian Government
Monash International Leadership Scholarship
Monash University