Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Palau Australia Awards 2027, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), provide fully funded scholarships for Palauan citizens to study in priority fields at Australian universities. The program supports undergraduate, graduate certificate/diploma, and selected master’s studies, with applications closing on 30 April 2026 via the OASIS system.
The Palau Australia Awards are part of Australia’s international development assistance, designed to promote a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future through education, skills development, and leadership training.
These scholarships support Palauan citizens to gain internationally recognised qualifications at Australian tertiary institutions, enabling them to contribute directly to Palau’s national development priorities upon return.
Program Overview
The Australia Awards program builds long-term human and institutional capacity by investing in education and leadership.
Key goals of the Palau Australia Awards include:
• Developing skilled professionals in priority sectors
• Strengthening governance and service delivery
• Supporting economic growth and workforce readiness
• Building enduring people-to-people links between Palau and Australia
The program emphasises return, reintegration, and application of skills in Palau.
Priority Areas of Study
Applicants must choose courses aligned with Palau’s development needs.
Priority fields include:
• Health
• Information and communications technology (computer science)
• Infrastructure development and management
• Fisheries management
• Electrical engineering
• Surveying, mapping, and geodetic engineering
• Agriculture
• Education
• Law
• Tourism
• Aviation management
• Maritime and marine transportation studies
Courses outside these areas are generally not supported.
Types of Scholarships Available
Undergraduate and Graduate-Level Awards
Australia Awards are available for the following qualifications commencing in 2027:
• Bachelor’s Degrees
• Graduate Certificates
• Graduate Diplomas
These awards are offered at accredited Australian tertiary institutions.
Aviation Management Awards at Griffith University
Specialised Aviation Management awards are offered exclusively at Griffith University.
Available awards include:
• Bachelor of Aviation Management (2 awards)
• Graduate Certificate in Aviation Management (2 awards)
These awards are designed to strengthen Palau’s aviation and transport sector capacity.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Palau Australia Awards provide a comprehensive, fully funded package for the approved duration of study.
Scholarship benefits include:
• Return international air travel
• One-off establishment allowance
• Full tuition fees
• Contribution to living expenses
• Introductory Academic Program
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Supplementary academic support where required
• Fieldwork allowances for eligible programs with compulsory fieldwork
Awards are provided for the minimum period required to complete the approved academic program.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility varies by level of study and must be met in full.
General Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:
• Be a citizen of Palau
• Meet Australian university admission requirements
• Meet English language proficiency standards
• Commence study in the award year (deferrals are not permitted except for travel restrictions)
• Meet all Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook requirements
English Language Requirements
Applicants must provide valid test results as at 1 January 2027.
Minimum requirements include:
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 84 with at least 21 in each subtest
• Or equivalent IELTS or PTE Academic scores
Level-Specific Eligibility Criteria
Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants must:
• Have completed Palau Year 12 or an equivalent qualification
• Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5
• Not hold or have substantially completed an equivalent or higher qualification
Master’s Degree Applicants
Applicants must:
• Hold a relevant first (undergraduate) degree
• Have at least two years of relevant work experience
• Not have completed a master’s degree
Aviation Management Entry Pathways
Undergraduate Aviation Management
Applicants must meet one of the following:
• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent
• Approved professional pathways recognising:
– Relevant degrees
– Significant aviation industry experience
– Recognised aviation qualifications
Postgraduate Aviation Management
Applicants must:
• Hold a relevant undergraduate degree
• Meet work experience requirements
• Not have completed a master’s degree
Additional Country-Specific Conditions
Applicants must also meet Palau-specific conditions, including:
• Currently residing in Palau, with limited exceptions
• Completion of at least two cumulative years of work in Palau if previously awarded a scholarship
• Compliance with conditions relating to prior scholarships
• No disqualifying military service obligations
• No relevant criminal history
Why the Palau Australia Awards Matter
The Palau Australia Awards play a critical role in national development.
They matter because they:
• Address skills gaps in priority sectors
• Strengthen leadership and governance capacity
• Support sustainable economic development
• Build aviation, infrastructure, and ICT expertise
• Promote inclusion and equal opportunity
Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups are strongly encouraged.
Selection Criteria and Process
The selection process is competitive and merit-based.
Applicants are assessed on:
• Academic competence
• Professional and personal qualities
• Leadership potential
• Capacity to contribute to Palau’s development outcomes
Selection Stages
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Eligibility screening
-
Shortlisting
-
Interviews
Successful candidates are notified in late 2026.
Pre-Departure and On-Award Requirements
Selected scholars must participate in:
• Pre-departure briefings
• Introductory Academic Program on arrival in Australia
• Any required preparatory or bridging training
These activities are mandatory components of the award.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
All applications must be submitted online.
Application Process
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Create or log in to an account on the OASIS system
-
Complete the application using your full passport name
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Select eligible courses aligned with priority areas
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Upload all required supporting documents
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Submit the application before the deadline
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must provide:
• Proof of Palauan citizenship
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Valid English language test results
• Referee reports
• Police clearance
• Employment records (where applicable)
Graduate applicants must also submit sealed academic and employment referee reports.
Application Deadline
• Closing date: 30 April 2026
• Study commencement: 2027
Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Selecting courses outside priority study areas
• Using names that do not match passport details
• Submitting expired English language test results
• Uploading incomplete or uncertified documents
• Missing referee or police clearance requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
• Clearly link your study plan to Palau’s development needs
• Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and community impact
• Highlight relevant work experience and future plans
• Ensure all documents are accurate and up to date
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who funds the Palau Australia Awards?
The scholarships are funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Can I defer my scholarship if selected?
No. Scholarships cannot be deferred except in cases of Australian Government travel restrictions.
Are master’s degrees available in all fields?
No. Master’s awards are limited, with Aviation Management offered at Griffith University.
Do I need work experience to apply?
Work experience is required for master’s level study and some professional pathways.
Where do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted online through the OASIS system.
When will applicants be notified?
Successful candidates are notified in late 2026.
Conclusion
The Palau Australia Awards 2027 offer a fully funded opportunity for Palauan citizens to gain high-quality education in priority development fields. By investing in skills, leadership, and professional expertise, the program supports Palau’s long-term development while strengthening ties with Australia.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to prepare early and submit a complete application through OASIS by 30 April 2026 to be considered for this prestigious scholarship.
For more information, visit Australian Government.
