The Australia Awards Africa Programme is inviting applications for the 2027 intake. For South African applicants, this is a fully-funded Master’s scholarship offered by the Australian Government, with applications submitted online through the OASIS platform.
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Australian Government (Australia Awards Africa Programme)
- Opportunity type: International scholarship (Master’s degree in Australia – 2027 intake)
- Who it’s for: Eligible South African citizens applying from South Africa (see eligibility highlights)
- How to apply: Online via OASIS
- Closing date: 30 April 2026 (14:00 AEST / 06:00 SAST)
- Last verified: 24 February 2026
Important notes (high-value details)
- Time zone matters: the deadline is listed as 14:00 AEST — this is 06:00 SAST on the same day. Don’t wait until the evening of 30 April in South Africa.
- Work experience requirement: South African applicants must have at least 5 years of post-graduate work experience in a field relevant to the proposed study, and be employed at the time of application (as stated).
- Age requirement: be 25 years or older by 1 February 2027 (as stated).
- Eligibility rules: you must meet the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook requirements — if there’s any mismatch, the sponsor’s rules apply.
Fields of study (priority areas)
- Agriculture and food security
- Climate change
- Mining and energy
- Foreign policy and international security
- Gender, disability, and social inclusion
What it covers
The DHET international scholarships listing states the scholarship offers return air travel, a once-off establishment allowance, full tuition fees, a contribution to living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover, and additional academic support (including potential fieldwork allowance where applicable), among other items.
Eligibility highlights (South Africa)
- Be a South African citizen, residing and applying from South Africa (with limited exceptions stated).
- Be 25 years or older by 1 February 2027.
- Have at least 5 years post-graduate work experience relevant to your study.
- Be employed at the time of application.
- Hold an undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree).
- Meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.
- Not already hold or be undertaking a Master’s degree or equivalent (as stated).
Documents to prepare
- Passport (proof of citizenship)
- Undergraduate degree certificate and academic transcript
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Employer referee report
- Academic referee report
- Proof of English language proficiency
Closing date
30 April 2026 (14:00 AEST / 06:00 SAST). Applications and supporting documents submitted after the deadline are not considered.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the deadline because you assumed it was end-of-day in South Africa (it’s 06:00 SAST).
- Applying without meeting the 5-year work experience and employment requirements.
- Submitting without complete referee reports or English proficiency evidence (where required).
- Choosing a programme that does not align with the published priority areas for your country.
How this bursary was verified
This opportunity was verified using the DHET International Scholarships platform listing for “Australia Awards Scholarships in Africa 2027”, which provides the deadline, eligibility highlights, benefits, and the official OASIS submission channel.
How to apply
- Read the eligibility requirements on the DHET listing and the Australia Awards policy handbook.
- Prepare your documents (especially referee reports and proof of English proficiency).
- Submit your application online via the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS).
- Keep copies of your uploaded documents and confirmation details.