Entries open for French Polynesia Australia Awards

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The French Polynesia Australia Awards provide 12-month Graduate Diploma or Master’s scholarships for French Polynesian citizens to study in Australia in 2027. Scholarships cover tuition, travel, living expenses, and academic support, focusing on leadership development, sustainable development, and priority fields such as data science, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, and environment management.

Overview

The Australia Awards program, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, equips emerging leaders with the skills, networks, and experience to contribute to sustainable development and international cooperation. The program provides French Polynesian citizens with the opportunity to undertake a Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree by coursework or research at an Australian tertiary institution. Scholarships cover the minimum duration required to complete the program, including any preparatory training and introductory academic programs.

Priority Areas of Study

Eligible fields of study include:

• Data science, telecommunications, information technology, and the digital economy

• Renewable energy transition

• Tourism, including eco-tourism and agro-tourism

• Agriculture and primary resources

• Natural and physical sciences

• Environment and natural resource management

• Social sciences

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients receive comprehensive support including:

• Full tuition fees for the approved program

• Return air travel to and from Australia

• One-off establishment allowance on arrival

• Contribution to living expenses

• Introductory academic program and supplementary academic support

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full scholarship duration

• Fieldwork allowance where compulsory fieldwork is part of the program

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be French nationals

• Have completed the majority of primary or secondary education in one of the three French collectives in French Polynesia

• Not hold or have substantially completed a Master’s degree

• Meet general Australia Awards eligibility requirements and country-specific conditions

• Hold a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

• Demonstrate English proficiency with an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or an equivalent TOEFL/PTE score valid as of 31 January 2027

Application Process

• Applications close on 30 April 2026 at 14:00 AEST; late submissions are not accepted

• All applications must be submitted online via OASIS, using the applicant’s full legal name as shown on their passport

• Supporting documents must be compiled into single PDF files by category, including proof of citizenship, academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, at least two referee reports (one from a current employer), and valid proof of English proficiency

Selection Process

• Applications undergo eligibility screening and shortlisting

• Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews

• Assessment criteria include academic capability, leadership potential, relevant work experience, and expected contribution to development outcomes in French Polynesia

• Successful candidates are notified in late 2026, with travel subject to Australian Government requirements

• Selected scholars must participate in course counselling, pre-departure briefing, the university’s Introductory Academic Program, and any additional preparatory study upon arrival in Australia

FAQs

1. Who can apply? French nationals from French Polynesia who meet the Australia Awards general and country-specific eligibility requirements and have not substantially completed a Master’s degree.
2. What programs are eligible? 12-month Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree by coursework or research at an Australian tertiary institution.
3. What support is provided? Tuition fees, return travel, establishment and living allowances, academic support, health cover, and fieldwork allowances where applicable.
4. Which fields of study are prioritized? Data science, IT, digital economy, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, natural sciences, environment management, and social sciences.
5. What are the English language requirements? IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0, or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores valid as of 31 January 2027.
6. How are applications assessed? Academic competence, leadership potential, professional experience, and expected contribution to development outcomes in French Polynesia.
7. When is the application deadline? 30 April 2026 at 14:00 AEST; late applications are not considered.

Conclusion

The French Polynesia Australia Awards provide an exceptional opportunity for emerging leaders to gain advanced skills, international experience, and professional networks while contributing to sustainable development in their home country. By supporting study in priority fields, the program fosters leadership, innovation, and development impact, equipping recipients to create meaningful change in French Polynesia and the wider Pacific region.

For more information, visit Australian Government.