Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Bangladesh Australia Awards are fully funded postgraduate scholarships for Bangladeshi professionals to study in Australia and build leadership capacity for national development. The program supports master’s degrees in priority sectors such as health, blue economy, governance, environment, and inclusive economic development, with a strong focus on long-term partnerships and development impact.
Overview
The Bangladesh Australia Awards, administered by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), aim to support a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for Australia, Bangladesh, and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Through postgraduate study at Australian tertiary institutions, the program develops skilled professionals and emerging leaders who can contribute to Bangladesh’s sustainable development while strengthening long-term international cooperation and people-to-people partnerships.
The awards form part of the broader Australia Awards program, which combines education, leadership development, and institutional collaboration.
Program Goals and Strategic Focus
The Bangladesh Australia Awards are designed to:
• Build leadership and technical capacity in priority development sectors
• Support inclusive and sustainable development outcomes in Bangladesh
• Strengthen long-term Australia–Bangladesh partnerships
• Promote equity by encouraging applications from underrepresented groups
Women, people with disability, and individuals from other marginalised communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Priority Fields of Study
The program supports a wide range of development-aligned disciplines that address national and regional priorities.
Key priority areas include:
• Blue economy
• Health and public health systems
• Sustainable development and environment
• Social inclusion
• Creative arts and cultural development
• Inclusive economic development
• Public policy and governance
• Infrastructure development
• Science and engineering
• Security studies
Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed field of study aligns with these priorities and contributes to Bangladesh’s long-term development needs.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Bangladesh Australia Awards provide comprehensive financial and academic support for the approved duration of study.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients receive:
• Return air travel between Bangladesh and Australia
• Establishment allowance upon arrival
• Full tuition fees for the approved program
• Contribution to living expenses
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Introductory academic program
• Supplementary academic support if required
• Fieldwork allowance for courses with compulsory fieldwork
The scholarship covers the minimum period required to complete the approved course, including any preparatory training.
Study Level and Commencement
Eligible Programs
• Master’s degree by coursework
• Master’s degree by research
PhD programs are not supported under this award stream.
Start Year
• 2027 academic year
Course duration may be reduced if Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is approved by the host institution.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is governed by the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook and Bangladesh-specific conditions.
Citizenship and Residency
Applicants must:
• Be a citizen of Bangladesh
• Meet residency requirements as outlined in country-specific guidelines
Employment and Target Groups
Applicants must be employed in one of the defined target sectors, which may include:
• Government and public sector institutions
• Development and non-governmental organisations
• Private sector organisations
• Research institutions and universities
• Media and cultural organisations
Employment must be relevant to the proposed field of study and aligned with development priorities.
Academic and Professional Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
• Relevant academic qualifications for the chosen master’s program
• Consistent and relevant professional experience
• Alignment between work experience and proposed study area
English Language Requirements
Applicants must meet the English language proficiency standards specified in the Policy Handbook and Bangladesh-specific conditions.
Why the Bangladesh Australia Awards Matter
The program goes beyond academic study by focusing on leadership, impact, and long-term development outcomes.
The awards help:
• Strengthen Bangladesh’s institutional and human capacity
• Develop future leaders across critical sectors
• Foster inclusive and equitable access to global education
• Build lasting professional and alumni networks
• Enhance collaboration between Australia and Bangladesh
How the Application and Selection Process Works
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Review eligibility criteria in the Policy Handbook and Bangladesh guidelines
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Identify an eligible master’s program aligned with priority sectors
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Prepare academic, professional, and personal documentation
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Ensure all documents are properly attested as required
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Submit the online application through the OASIS system
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Use personal details exactly as shown on the passport
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Submit within the official application period
Incomplete or late applications are not considered.
Selection Process
Following submission:
• Applications undergo eligibility screening
• Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews
• Final selection is based on merit and development impact
Assessment criteria include:
• Academic competence
• Leadership potential
• Professional experience
• Personal qualities and motivation
• Potential contribution to Bangladesh’s development outcomes
Successful applicants are expected to be notified in late 2026.
Preparatory and Post-Selection Requirements
Selected scholars must complete mandatory preparatory activities, which may include:
• Pre-departure briefings
• Introductory academic programs
• Course counselling
• Required preparatory training
These steps ensure scholars are fully prepared for academic and cultural life in Australia.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying without meeting target group employment criteria
• Submitting unattested or incomplete documents
• Mismatch between work experience and proposed field of study
• Using passport-inaccurate personal details
• Ignoring Recognition of Prior Learning requirements
• Missing the official application window
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the Bangladesh Australia Awards?
They are fully funded postgraduate scholarships that enable Bangladeshi professionals to study master’s programs in Australia and contribute to national development.
2. Which levels of study are supported?
The awards support master’s by coursework and master’s by research programs only.
3. What fields of study are prioritised?
Priority areas include health, blue economy, environment, governance, inclusive economic development, infrastructure, science and engineering, and security studies.
4. What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel, health insurance, establishment allowance, academic support, and approved fieldwork costs.
5. Who is encouraged to apply?
Women, people with disability, and applicants from marginalised groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
6. How are candidates selected?
Selection is based on academic merit, leadership attributes, professional experience, and the applicant’s potential to contribute to Bangladesh’s development.
7. How do applicants submit their applications?
All applications must be submitted online through the OASIS system with complete and properly attested supporting documentation.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh Australia Awards provide a transformative opportunity for Bangladeshi professionals to gain world-class education, strengthen leadership capabilities, and drive meaningful development outcomes. By investing in people and partnerships, the program supports long-term cooperation between Bangladesh and Australia while empowering future leaders to shape sustainable change.
For more information, visit Australian Government.
