The University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney runs a suite of scholarships designed to ease the cost of studying in Australia for international students. Two of the headline awards are the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship and Australia’s Global University Award, both aimed at students beginning full-time undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs.
For African students, the appeal is straightforward: UNSW is one of Australia’s leading research universities, and these awards put real money toward tuition, which is usually the largest single expense of an overseas degree. The Scientia award can cover the full tuition fee for the minimum duration of your program, while the Global University Award offers a one-year contribution.
The scholarships apply to eligible coursework programs taught at UNSW (excluding UNSW online and UNSW Canberra) and are tied to commencing study in Term 3, 2026. If you are already planning to apply to UNSW, these awards are worth building into your timeline early.
Scholarship benefits
- International Scientia Coursework Scholarship: Full tuition fee, or $20,000 per annum paid directly toward tuition fees, for the minimum duration of the program.
- Australia’s Global University Award: $10,000 for one year.
- Additional scholarships and awards are listed on the official UNSW scholarships website.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You must be an international student.
- ✔ You must be commencing full-time study in a UNSW undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree program in Term 3, 2026.
- ✔ Your program must not be a UNSW online or UNSW Canberra program (these are excluded).
- ✔ You must hold an admission offer that is either an unconditional undergraduate/postgraduate Letter of Offer, or a Conditional English Package Offer (UEEC).
- ✔ If holding a UEEC offer, you must enrol in the UNSW Institute of Languages and successfully complete the program before starting in Term 3, 2026.
Application tips for African students
- Secure your UNSW admission first. The Scientia scholarship requires an admission offer, so prioritise getting your program application in early to receive your Letter of Offer well before the 18 June 2026 deadline.
- Plan your English test early. If you need IELTS or TOEFL, book it months ahead — and if your English falls short, the UEEC pathway through the UNSW Institute of Languages is an option, but it must be completed before Term 3, 2026 begins.
- Get documents certified and translated. Have your transcripts, certificates and any non-English documents officially certified and translated in advance to avoid delays in your admission and scholarship review.
- Lead with academic merit. Australia’s Global University Award is awarded automatically based on the academic merit shown in your admission application, so present your grades and achievements clearly and completely.
- Mind the exact deadline. The Scientia application closes 18 June 2026 at 11:59PM AEST — convert that to your local time so you don’t miss it because of the time difference.
- Prepare your finances and visa documents. Even with a tuition award, you’ll need proof of funds for living costs and a student visa, so gather bank statements and supporting paperwork early.
How to apply
For the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship, you must apply online before 18 June 2026 (AEST 11:59PM). Australia’s Global University Award does not require a separate application — it is offered automatically to eligible students based on the academic merit shown in their UNSW admission application. Visit the official scholarship page to access the application form and full instructions: https://www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/id/1957/7176
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for these scholarships?
International students commencing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate coursework study at UNSW in Term 3, 2026 may be eligible, subject to the specific conditions of each award.
What does the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship cover?
It covers the full tuition fee, or $20,000 per annum paid directly toward tuition fees, for the minimum duration of your program.
Do I need to apply separately for Australia’s Global University Award?
No. This award does not require an application. It is offered automatically to eligible students based on the academic merit shown in their UNSW admission application.
Are online and UNSW Canberra programs eligible?
No. The International Scientia Coursework Scholarship excludes UNSW online and UNSW Canberra programs.
What is the deadline?
The International Scientia Coursework Scholarship must be applied for online before 18 June 2026, AEST 11:59PM.
What if my English doesn’t yet meet the requirement?
You may qualify with a Conditional English Package Offer (UEEC), provided you enrol in the UNSW Institute of Languages and successfully complete the program before commencing study in Term 3, 2026.