25 Fully Funded Medical Scholarships for International Students in Australia (2025)
The numbers might seem daunting at first. Australia currently hosts 18,892 international medical students, and many pursue their education through complete funding packages. These range from the complete Australia Awards Scholarships that cover all costs to merit-based programs like Monash International Scholarship's 10,000 AUD yearly support.
Our research has identified 25 medical scholarship programs with full funding that could help you study medicine in Australia. These scholarships are a great way to get the support you need. They cover everything from tuition fees to living allowances and health insurance benefits, letting you concentrate on your medical studies without financial stress.
Australia Awards Scholarships for Medical Students
The Australia Awards Scholarships program ranks among the most prestigious fully funded medical scholarships for international students in Australia. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade manages these scholarships to equip students with skills and knowledge. These scholars can make meaningful changes and help develop their home countries.
Scholarship Benefits
Students get complete financial support with full tuition fees throughout their program. The support package comes with return economy airfare and a one-time establishment allowance to help with accommodation and study materials. On top of that, scholars receive a fortnightly Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) to cover simple necessities. Students also get an Introductory Academic Program, complete Overseas Student Health Cover, and extra academic support as needed. Research students might qualify for fieldwork allowances.
Eligible Countries
The Australia Awards Scholarships are accessible to citizens from these regions:
- Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
- Pacific: Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and others
- Africa: Including countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe
Application Process
Students need to register through the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS). Check your country's opening and closing dates on the Department's website. The next step is to download and read the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook that outlines eligibility requirements. Your application package should have undergraduate degree certificates, academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, and referee reports. You'll also need English proficiency documentation with an IELTS score of at least 6.5 and no band below 6.0.
Post-Scholarship Obligations
Scholarship recipients must sign a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia and agree to all conditions. The program requires scholars to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their studies. This requirement will give scholars a chance to contribute to their country's development. Scholars who don't meet this obligation will incur a debt equal to their scholarship's total cost.
Monash International Leadership Scholarship
Monash University's International Leadership Scholarship stands out as one of Australia's most sought-after opportunities. Students receive 100% tuition coverage in programs of all types.
Full Tuition Coverage
The scholarship pays for all course fees until you complete the minimum points needed for your degree. Notwithstanding that, students need to budget extra money for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, and living costs. Monash awards up to four of these prestigious scholarships each year. Competition is fierce, but the rewards are great for students who show exceptional academic promise.
Leadership Requirements
Students must excel in two main areas: academic performance and leadership skills. They also need to write a 500-word statement that shows how they can represent Monash University. Scholarship holders must keep their Weighted Average Mark (WAM) at 70 or above each semester. They also take part in at least three marketing or promotional activities during their academic trip.
Medical Program Options
The scholarship offers detailed coverage, but some medical programs have specific limits:
- All but one of these programs include the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine
- The Clayton campus accepts about 80 international students yearly for direct entry medicine
- Graduate entry medicine welcomes around 30 international students each year
- Students can choose similar programs at Monash Malaysia campus
Students interested in fully funded medical scholarships for international students might want to look into other Monash medical scholarship options.
Application Timeline
Undergraduate students get automatic scholarship review after receiving a full Monash course offer. Students can defer the scholarship within the same calendar year. Application deadlines usually match Monash University admission dates. Students should submit their university application first since this opens the door to scholarship opportunities.
University of Sydney Chancellor's Award
The University of Sydney recognizes academic excellence through its Chancellor's Award. This prestigious scholarship gives exceptional students substantial financial support. Students aspiring to study medicine have a great chance to fund their education through this merit-based award.
Scholarship Value
Recipients of the Chancellor's Award get $10,000 AUD per year throughout their undergraduate degree, including combined programs. The yearly amount comes in two equal payments after each semester's census date. Students also get priority access to campus housing, which helps solve one of their biggest concerns. Qualified students can defer this scholarship up to two years.
Medical Program Eligibility
Students looking for fully funded medical scholarships for international students should know that the Chancellor's Award covers undergraduate medical programs. The scholarship lasts through the recipient's entire undergraduate or combined undergraduate degree. The award doesn't cover additional Honours or Masters courses in double degrees. Students won't get funding for postgraduate studies like Doctor of Medicine as part of a double degree.
Selection Criteria
Students must meet these high academic standards to qualify:
- An ATAR of 99.90 or equivalent
- Status as a current school leaver
- Domestic student status (including New Zealand citizens applying through UAC)
- Not being a recipient of the Sydney Scholars Award
Students need to maintain excellent grades with a Distinction Level Semester Average Mark (75) throughout their studies.
Application Process
The Chancellor's Award stands out from other scholarships because it needs no separate application. The university automatically identifies eligible students based on their ATAR results. Students just need to list a University of Sydney course in their UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) application priorities. The university finds and contacts recipients directly after ATAR results come out.
Melbourne Medical School International Scholarships
The Melbourne Medical School, 165 years old, is Australia's oldest medical institution. It provides several international scholarship opportunities to help you with financial support. The school ranks #1 in Australia and #25 globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. This makes it a top choice for students worldwide.
Scholarship Benefits
The Califole Melbourne Medical School Scholarship gives students $15,000 AUD annually throughout the four-year Doctor of Medicine program. Students receive $750 every six months. The MDHS Scholarship Fund also provides bursaries up to $10,000 AUD to cover program costs. These financial aids are a great way to get support for your medical education in Australia.
MD Program Details
The Melbourne MD started in 2011 as Australia's first master's level medical course. This four-year full-time program begins with a year of integrated bioscience and clinical learning. Students then complete two years of core clinical training and finish with a capstone semester. The curriculum focuses on three key areas: applied medical sciences, clinical knowledge, and professional practice. It also includes First Nations Health and research methods.
Application Requirements
Most scholarships have these basic requirements:
- Doctor of Medicine program enrollment
- Student Financial Assessment form completion
- Proof of financial need (especially for international students)
The Califole Scholarship needs students to complete their secondary education in a state or territory government school. International students can ask for help if they face unexpected money problems after starting their studies.
Student Testimonials
Nicole Milanko, who's in her final MD year, says: "Placement is where we learn clinical reasoning, stepping outside the textbook to apply our theoretical knowledge practically". Christie Yung talks about her time at Taipei Veterans General Hospital: "It gave me unique exposure to a medical system outside of Australia". These stories show the real value of fully funded medical scholarships for international students.
University of Queensland International Excellence Scholarships
The University of Queensland ranks among Australia's best educational institutions. It gives international medical students a chance to get the International Excellence Scholarship that helps with their academic costs.
Scholarship Coverage
The UQ International Excellence Scholarship cuts 25% off tuition fees each semester throughout your program. Students can use this discount for up to four years or until they complete shorter programs. The reduction kicks in after enrollment but before semester fees are due. Medical education in Australia costs a lot, so this scholarship gives outstanding international students a great chance to save money.
Medical Program Options
UQ has several medical scholarships, though some programs have limits. The University's Doctor of Medicine program takes in more than 90 international students each year. The Medical Student Financial Aid Scholarships scheme provides $4,500 to $10,000 USD in support. This scheme comes with various options like the Faculty of Medicine Medical Endowment Scholarship. Students should know that the International Excellence Scholarship might not cover some specialized medical programs.
Eligibility Criteria
You need to meet these requirements:
- Hold international student status
- Get an unconditional offer for full-time study at UQ in 2025
- Meet all program entry and English language requirements
- Score at competitive levels set by the university
- Take full-time classes (8 units per semester)
- Not have any other UQ scholarship or tuition discount
The university reviews your eligibility automatically once you meet these criteria - no extra application needed.
Application Deadlines
The university reviews 2025 scholarship applications in rounds before each semester starts. You can apply until April 30, 2025. Your UQ program offer letter will tell you if you got the scholarship. Keep your grades up to hold onto the scholarship throughout your studies.