Victoria University (VU) is proud to support hundreds of international scholarship recipients and sponsored students.

We have a range of externally-funded and university-funded scholarships to support students. Our courses for international students include vocational education and training (VET) through to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework and higher degrees by research.

A scholarship provides financial assistance during your study. Some scholarships provide a stipend that covers tuition fees and living allowances, while others provide only partial funding.

If you already hold a scholarship, or if you are sponsored, remember to note it when you submit your international online application.

All scholarship applicants must meet VU's academic entry requirements, in addition to any eligibility requirements for their scholarship.

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VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International)

The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) supports new international students who plan to commence their higher education diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) studies in 2021.

How to apply: Students will be required to confirm that they wish to be considered for the scholarship at the time they submit their application for admission into an eligible VU qualification. Scholarship eligibility can only be assessed after the applicant has met the course entry requirements.

Value (2021 commencement): 20% off the first two semesters’ tuition fee. Upon successful completion of two semesters, students will be assessed for an extension of the scholarship based on academic performance. This is valued at 10% off the tuition fee per semester for the remainder of their studies.

Eligibility (2021 commencement): All new students commencing a higher education diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) course with VU Melbourne are eligible, including students commencing their studies by digitally-supported (DSR) learning from outside of Australia (please refer to terms and conditions below). VET courses are not eligible for this scholarship.

  • Students must pay the required tuition fee deposit to accept their offer. The remaining balance is due before the course start date.
  • Students who have received a scholarship or sponsorship from another organisation are not eligible for this scholarship.
  • Current VU students changing from one course to another with advanced standing (credits) are not eligible for this scholarship. Students who have completed a bachelor-level qualification at Victoria University and are applying for a postgraduate qualification are eligible.
  • After two semesters of study, students may be eligible for an extension of this scholarship. The extension is valued at 10% of the semester’s tuition fee for the remainder of their studies. Students must maintain a 60 course Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
  • Students with approval to reduce their study load are eligible to receive a reduced scholarship, based on the number of units taken (pro-rata).
  • New students receiving advanced standing for previous studies are not eligible for the extension of the VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International).
  • The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) is not refundable, convertible to cash, or transferable to another individual, commencing study period, or course.
  • The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) is awarded at the discretion of the University.
  • The student will continue to remain eligible to receive the VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) and the extension of the scholarship providing the student pays all tuition and additional fees/costs in full by census date each study period, and meets the conditions of their student visa.
  • Victoria University may make changes to these terms and conditions without notice.
  • The University’s decision concerning the assessment of eligibility for the Scholarship is final, and there is no right of appeal should the student be unsuccessful in securing the scholarship, or has the scholarship withdrawn.

VU COVID-19 International Scholarship

The VU COVID-19 International Scholarship recognises the challenges that COVID-19 is presenting to international students who wish to begin their undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) studies in Semester 2, 2020 or Trimester 3, 2020.

How to apply: No application is required. Students are automatically assessed after submitting their application for an eligible qualification. If successful, the scholarship will be reflected in your final Letter of Offer.

Value (2020 commencement): Up to A$6000 for the first two study periods. Upon the successful completion of two semesters, students will be assessed for an extension of the scholarship based on academic performance. This is valued at $1500 per semester for the remainder of their studies. The total value of the scholarship is up to $15,000 for a four-year undergraduate degree.

Eligibility (2020 commencement): All students commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) course with VU Melbourne in Semester 2, 2020 or Trimester 3, 2020 are eligible (please refer to terms and conditions below). Higher education diploma or VET students are not eligible for this scholarship.

* Disclaimer: VU COVID-19 International Scholarship information is accurate as of July 2020. Victoria University reserves the right to adjust eligibility requirements and conditions at any time. Scholarship eligibility can only be assessed after the applicant has met the course entry requirements. Qualification recognition and ranking is specified by the Australian Government’s Department for Education.

  • Students must pay the required tuition fee deposit to accept their offer. The remaining balance is due before the course start date.
  • Undergraduate students who choose to reduce their study load are not eligible, unless their study plan does not permit them to study 48 credit points in each study period.
  • Postgraduate (coursework) students in Australia who choose to reduce their study load are not eligible, unless their study plan does not permit them to study 48 credit points in each study period.
  • Postgraduate (coursework) students overseas who choose to reduce their study load are eligible to receive a reduced scholarship, based on the number of units taken (pro-rata).
  • Students who have received a scholarship or sponsorship from another organisation are not eligible for this scholarship.
  • VU students changing from one course to another within the same college, are not eligible for this scholarship.
  • After two semesters of study, students may be eligible for an extension of this scholarship. The extension is valued at A$1500 per semester for the remainder of their studies. Students must be enrolled in 48 credit points in each study period and maintain a 60 Weighted Average Mark (WAM).  This is calculated after attempting every 96 credit points to receive the scholarship in subsequent semesters.
  • If you receive advanced standing for previous studies you will not be eligible for the extension of this scholarship.
  • The VU COVID-19 International Scholarship is not refundable, convertible to cash, or transferable to another individual, commencing study period, or course.
  • The VU COVID-19 International Scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the University.
  • The VU COVID-19 International Scholarship remains valid while the student pays all tuition and additional fees/costs in full by census date each study period, and meets the conditions of their student visa.
  • Victoria University may make changes to these terms and conditions without notice.
  • There is no right of appeal should the student be unsuccessful in securing the scholarship, or has the scholarship withdrawn.

VU alumni discount

The VU Alumni Discount recognises the importance of our alumni community as lifelong learning partners and promote lasting relationships between the University and its former scholars. As such, we have introduced a 10% fee discount for VU alumni when they enrol in a new course.

Value: 10% fee discount 

Eligibility applicants must be former students of Victoria University, and have successfully completed an award at AQF level 4 or above apply directly to VU and not via an education agent.

To be eligible for an alumni tuition fee discount, an applicant must:

  • have successfully completed an award at AQF level 4 or above
  • apply directly to VU and not via an education agent.

The discount applies to commencing enrolments in courses where VU has control over the fees, including international fee paying students.

The discount does not apply to:

  • courses that have been offered as a single package of courses to international students
  • international students who have completed standalone ELICOS courses and have applied for an award course.

Other conditions:

  • The discount cannot be applied in conjunction with other discounts/scholarships.
  • Applicant must meet entrance requirements for the course to be offered the discount.

VU Diplomatic Scholarship

VU recognises the benefit of having members of the diplomatic community as its students.  

Value: 10% tuition fee discount

Eligibility: Consular Corps and their immediate families on 995 visas who do not hold a higher qualification than the one applied for, and are not New Zealand citizens.

Study level: Various study levels

How to apply: No application is required, students will be automatically assessed after submitting their application for an eligible qualification.

To be eligible for the VU Diplomatic Scholarship, a student must:

  • apply directly to VU and not via an education agent
  • accept an offer for an award course at VU
  • be the holder of a Visa Class 995, or be an immediate dependent of the holder of a Visa Class 995 at the time of commencing the award course (an immediate dependent is the child of the holder of a Visa Class 995 and is less than 25 years of age)
  • not already hold an award recognised by the Australian Government as the equivalent of, or a higher level than, the award being sought from VU
  • not be a citizen of New Zealand.

Other conditions

  • The student must commence the course in the semester for which the scholarship is sought (deferment of the concession is not available).
  • The student must make satisfactory academic progress. A student who is excluded from their course of study and is subsequently required to re-apply for admission will no longer be eligible for a concession.
  • Diplomats and their dependents who are not eligible for a diplomatic tuition fee concession are required to pay the standard international student tuition fee rates.

The concession will be available for the duration of the course, even if the student ceases to be the holder of a Visa Class 995 (or an immediate dependent of the holder of the Visa Class 995) after commencing the course.

A student who was once the holder of a Visa Class 995 or an immediate dependent of the holder of a Visa Class 995 is not eligible for a tuition fee concession in a different course.

Australian government-funded

Australia Awards fellowships

Australia Awards fellowships are administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). These fellowships provide opportunities for fellows to undertake short-term study and professional development in Australia.

Study level: short-term study and professional development.

Eligibility: Australian organisations who are legal entities with an Australian Business Number (ABN) with links to overseas counterpart organisations in eligible developing countries may apply for an Australia Awards Fellowship.

Value: up to $25,000.

How to apply: refer to Australia Awards fellowships for further information about applications, deadlines and funding.

Australia Awards scholarships

Australia Awards scholarships are long-term development awards, offered by the Australian Government and administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). They aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries.

Study level: all: view the Australia Awards scholarships brochure.

Eligibility: citizen of an participating country.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance, Overseas Student Health Cover and academic support.

How to apply: refer to Australia Awards scholarships for application processes and deadlines.

International government-funded

Kuwait – Ministry of Higher Education scholarships

The Ministry of Higher Education in Kuwait offers a range of scholarships to eligible Kuwaiti nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Kuwaiti Cultural Office in Canberra.

Study level: various.

Eligibility: citizen of Kuwait.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Please refer to the Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education for more information.

How to apply: apply to VU and liaise with the Kuwaiti Cultural Office regarding your application. Accept your offer and provide a Financial Guarantee that includes:

  • name of University (i.e. Victoria University)
  • your name and student number
  • name of course and duration of sponsorship
  • details of scholarships entitlement.

Saudi Arabia – Ministry of Higher Education scholarships

The Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia offers a range of scholarships to eligible Saudi Arabian nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission in Canberra.

Study level: various.

Eligibility: citizen of Saudi Arabia.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Refer to the Ministry of Higher Education for more information.

How to apply: apply to VU, and, upon receiving an offer, apply to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Higher Education. Accept your offer and provide a financial guarantee that includes:

  • name of University (i.e. Victoria University)
  • your name and student number
  • name of course and duration of sponsorship
  • details of scholarships entitlement.

Sultanate of Oman – Ministry of Higher Education scholarships

The Ministry of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman offers a range of scholarships to eligible Omani nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman in Melbourne.

Study level: various.

Eligibility: citizen of the Sultanate of Oman.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Please refer to the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Higher Education for more information.

How to apply: apply to VU and liaise with the Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman regarding your application. Accept your offer and provide a Financial Guarantee that includes:

  • name of University (i.e. Victoria University)
  • your name and student number
  • name of course and duration of sponsorship
  • details of scholarships entitlement.

United Arab Emirates (Defence) – Ministry of Higher Education scholarships

The Ministry of Higher Education in the United Arab Emirates offers a range of scholarships to eligible Emirati nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates Defence Attaché Office, Canberra.

Study level: various.

Eligibility: citizen of the United Arab Emirates.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Please refer to the United Arab Emirates for more information.

How to apply: apply to VU and liaise with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates Defence Attaché Office regarding your application. Accept your offer and provide a Financial Guarantee that includes:

  • name of University (i.e. Victoria University)
  • your name and student number
  • name of course and duration of sponsorship
  • details of scholarships entitlement.

United Arab Emirates – Ministry of Interior scholarships

The Ministry of Higher Education in the United Arab Emirates offers a range of scholarships to eligible Emirati nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates Police Attaché Office, Melbourne.

Study level: various.

Eligibility: citizen of the United Arab Emirates.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Please refer to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior for more information.

How to apply: apply to VU and liaise with the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates Police Attaché Office regarding your application. Accept your offer and provide a Financial Guarantee that includes:

  • name of University (i.e. Victoria University)
  • your name and student number
  • name of course and duration of sponsorship
  • details of scholarships entitlement.

Indonesia – East Kalimantan (Kaltim cemerlang scholarship)

The East-Kalimantan Provincial Government scholarship program offers scholarships to eligible Indonesian nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia. The scholarships are available for Postgraduate studies at VU

Study level: Postgraduate.

Eligibility: citizen of Indonesia.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance and single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

How to apply: apply to VU and East Kalimantan Provincial Government, Department of Education and Culture, the Republic of Indonesia.

Joint programs

China – VU-China Scholarship Council

The VU-China Scholarship Council (CSC) joint scholarship program supports eligible Chinese nationals who wish to complete a research degree at VU.

Applications to VU, including confirmation from supervisors, must be submitted to VU by 31 January. Applicants will be notified of an outcome by VU at the end of February and by CSC in June.

Study level: PhD in a VU research focus area.

Eligibility: citizen of China.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover.

How to apply: apply to VU and apply to CSC.

Indonesia – VU-DGRSTHE

The VU-Directorate General of Resources for Science, Technology and Higher Education (DGRSTHE) joint scholarship program offers scholarships to eligible Indonesian nationals. The Beasiswa Unggulan Dosen Indonesia (BUDI) scholarships are available for research degrees (master or PhD) at VU.

Study level: master by research or PhD.

Eligibility: citizen of Indonesia.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance and single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

How to apply: apply to VU and apply to BUDI.

Indonesia – VU-MORA

The VU-Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) joint scholarship program offers scholarships to eligible Indonesian nationals. The joint scholarships are available for research degrees (master or PhD) at VU.

Study level: master by research or PhD.

Eligibility: citizen of Indonesia.

Value: tuition fees, living allowance and single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

How to apply: apply to VU and apply to MORA.

Contact our international scholarships team

If you have questions or need assistance in applying for a scholarship as an international student please contact us.

Phone: +61 3 9919 1164
Email: [email protected]
Location: City Flinders Campus, 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne