Thinking about doing your Master’s in Australia or New Zealand? Excellent choice! These two countries don’t just have world-class universities, they also offer some pretty generous scholarships for international students. And guess what — many of them are fully funded and open to a broad range of nationalities.
If you’re dreaming of studying in Sydney, Melbourne, Wellington, or Auckland without breaking the bank, this is the guide for you.
🌏 Why Study in Australia or New Zealand for Your Master’s?
- Top-ranked universities with globally recognized degrees
- Safe, welcoming, and multicultural environments
- Post-study work opportunities in both countries
- Generous scholarships for high-achieving international students
🏆 Top Masters Scholarships in Australia for 2025
🎓 1️⃣ Australia Awards Scholarships
- Fully funded by the Australian Government
- Covers tuition, return flights, living stipend, establishment allowance, and health cover
- Available for students from eligible countries in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and the Middle East
- Application deadline: typically April–May
🎓 2️⃣ University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
- Fully funded tuition + living stipend + relocation grant + health insurance
- Open to international students undertaking Master’s by Research and PhD
- No separate application — you’re considered automatically when applying for an eligible program
🎓 3️⃣ Monash University Graduate Scholarships
- Scholarships for both coursework and research Master’s
- Up to AUD $30,000+ living allowance + tuition fee coverage for select students
- Application deadlines vary
🎓 4️⃣ University of Sydney International Scholarships (USydIS)
- Covers full tuition and a living allowance
- Primarily for postgraduate research students
- Competitive — top academic achievers only
🇳🇿 Top Masters Scholarships in New Zealand for 2025
🎓 1️⃣ New Zealand Government Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
- Fully funded: tuition, travel, insurance, living allowance
- Available for students from eligible developing countries
- Application deadline: February–March
🎓 2️⃣ University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
- Up to NZD $10,000 towards tuition
- Open to new international Master’s and postgraduate diploma students
- Application rounds twice a year
🎓 3️⃣ Victoria University of Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship
- Full tuition and NZD $15,000 stipend
- Available for students undertaking a research Master’s
- Deadlines vary
📊 Masters Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Country | Coverage | Level | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Australia | Full tuition, stipend, travel, health | Master’s, PhD | April–May |
| University of Melbourne Graduate Scholarships | Australia | Full tuition, stipend, relocation | Master’s by Research, PhD | Ongoing |
| Monash University Graduate Scholarships | Australia | Tuition fee + up to AUD $30,000 living | Coursework & Research Master’s | Varies |
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | New Zealand | Full tuition, stipend, travel, health | Master’s | Feb–March |
| University of Auckland Excellence Scholarship | New Zealand | Up to NZD $10,000 tuition | Master’s | March / Sept |
📌 General Eligibility Requirements
You’ll generally need:
- A strong academic record (usually a GPA of 70–80% or higher)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL)
- Personal statement or research proposal (for research-based Master’s)
- Letters of recommendation
- Some government-funded scholarships require applicants to be from eligible countries
✳️ Pro Tips for a Winning Scholarship Application
- 📑 Start early — some scholarships open up to a year in advance
- ✍️ Tailor each personal statement to the scholarship’s focus (leadership, community impact, academic merit, etc.)
- 📞 Reach out to potential supervisors if applying for a research program
- 🗓️ Track deadlines carefully — missing one is a total dealbreaker
- 📚 Highlight volunteer, extracurricular, and leadership roles
📅 Scholarship Application Timeline (2025 Intake)
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| Dec 2024 – Feb 2025 | Research scholarships & universities |
| Feb – April | Apply for New Zealand scholarships |
| Mar – May | Apply for Australia Awards & others |
| June – Sept | Prepare & submit university applications |
| Oct – Dec | Visa and travel prep |
📖 Final Thoughts
If you’re aiming for a Master’s scholarship in Australia or New Zealand in 2025, now’s the perfect time to start shortlisting programs and prepping your applications. Both countries offer generous, competitive opportunities for talented international students — so don’t hold back.
🙋 Got Questions?
Want help writing your personal statement or figuring out which universities match your goals? I can totally help with that. Or — if you’d like — I could whip up a sample scholarship essay template for you. Just say the word. 👌
