UNSW Sydney Scholarships for International Students: 20% Tuition Fees to Full Tuition Support

Looking for a scholarship in Australia is not only about finding the biggest amount. It is equally important to understand the award type, whether a separate application is needed, and whether your programme and intake are actually included. UNSW Sydney offers several support pathways for international undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students, from tuition-fee contributions to scholarships worth full tuition.[1]

International Student Award: a scholarship worth 20% of tuition fees

The International Student Award provides a 20% contribution towards tuition fees each term for the duration of a programme for students who meet the conditions.[3] It is available to eligible-country international students starting new full-time study in an eligible UNSW Diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate coursework programme in 2026 or 2027.[3]

The benefit is not automatic for every applicant. You still need an offer of admission, must meet the eligible-country condition, and need to upload a personal statement of no more than 500 words through the UNSW Applicant Portal.[3] Exclusions include AGSM programmes, UNSW Online, UNSW Canberra, UNSW Foundation Programs, Study Abroad, and certain other study formats.[3]

UNSW says this award can be combined with other international scholarships, but not with special offers or tuition-fee arrangements under the Sponsor Partners Program.[3]

International Scientia Coursework Scholarship: two support options

For students with strong academic results, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and a convincing study motivation, the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship is a key option.[1][2] In the Term 1 2027 scheme checked, it may be offered as:

  • a full tuition fee scholarship for the minimum duration of the programme; or
  • AU$20,000 per year, paid directly towards tuition fees for the minimum duration of the programme.[2]

This scholarship requires an application. For the international Term 1 2027 round, the official page says assessment may consider academic merit, leadership at school, work, or in the community, extracurricular activities, and reasons for undertaking studies at UNSW.[2] Prepare supporting evidence early rather than waiting until you receive an offer to organise your achievements and motivation story.

Other awards: filter them by your profile

UNSW also lists Australia’s Global University Award, worth a one-off AU$10,000 for Term 1 2027; eligible students with an offer may be automatically considered based on academic merit in their admission application.[2] There are also awards that are specific to a faculty, pathway, or citizenship profile, including options connected to Law & Justice, the Business School, UNSW College, or students from particular regions.[2]

A more useful approach is to create a shortlist around three factors: your intended programme, intake, and profile. Do not assume every award can be combined or that every pathway is available to every prospective student.

UNSW scholarship application checklist

1. Confirm that your intended programme is an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programme.

2. Start your admission application early so an offer is available where required.

3. Read each scholarship’s conditions individually: some require an application, while others may assess you automatically.

4. Prepare transcripts, leadership/volunteering/activity evidence, and a programme-specific personal statement.

5. Recheck the live portal before submitting, because deadlines, country lists, award values, combinations, and eligibility can change.

RIM Education can help you build a UNSW application strategy, review documents, and prepare a personal statement that fits your intended programme. Contact RIM Education to discuss your plans.

Important: On the Term 1 2027 scholarship page checked, the summary card and schedule narrative show different opening dates, although both point to a 30 October 2026 AEST closing date. Do not rely on a single date in this article; verify the live UNSW scholarship portal before applying.[2] A scholarship does not guarantee admission, a visa, or funding for all living costs in Australia.[1][2][3]

Sources

[1] https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/your-future/international-scholarships — Scholarships for international students — UNSW Sydney

[2] https://scholarships.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/id/1988 — UNSW Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 1, 2027

[3] https://scholarships.unsw.edu.au/international-student-award — International Student Award — UNSW Scholarships