University of Adelaide International Scholarships 2025/2026: Fully Funded & Tuition-Fee Waiver Awards
International student dreaming of studying at a world-class university in Australia and further living through PR is possbile. The University of Adelaide, which is also member of the Group of Eight (Go8), currently offers multiple scholarships and tuition fee waivers to help International students to achieve academic excellence without financial barriers.
Having different options from merit-based scholarships to awards recognizing leadership and alumni engagement, these opportunities (which will be discussed in detail later) are tailored to reward top-performing students from around the globe. Let’s explore the full range of international student scholarships at Adelaide, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
List of International Scholarships at the University of Adelaide
1️⃣ Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship (50% Tuition Waiver)
This prestigious scholarship targets students with exceptional academic records.
Eligibility:
An international student applying for an undergraduate (min. 96 units) or postgraduate degree (min. 72 units).
Undergraduate: Minimum ATAR of 99 (or equivalent).
Undergraduate/Postgraduate: GPA of 6.7 out of 7.0 or equivalent.
Cannot be an Australia Awards or sponsored student.
Must not be applying to excluded programs (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry, etc.).
A separate application form is required. The selection panel will assess based on academic merit.
2️⃣ Adelaide Emerging Leaders Award (25% Tuition Waiver)
This scholarship recognizes future leaders with strong academics and leadership potential.
Eligibility:
International student who also enrolled in a CRICOS-registered Bachelor’s (min. 72 units) or Master’s (min. 48 units).
ATAR of 90–95 (for undergraduates) or GPA of 5.5–6.0+ (for postgraduates).
Must not be applying to excluded programs or be an international sponsored student.
Award Conditions:
Minimum GPA of 5.0 must be maintained.
Full-time enrollment at Adelaide University is required.
Scholarship is applied directly credit to your tuition invoice each study period.
3️⃣ Adelaide Merit Scholarship (15% Tuition Waiver)
Designed for students with consistent credit-level performance.
Eligibility Highlights:
Awarded automatically to eligible students with a credit average GPA (~5.0).
Available to both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
4️⃣ Adelaide Global Alumni Scholarship (10% Tuition Waiver)
For returning students who previously studied at:
The University of Adelaide,
University of South Australia (UniSA), or
University of Adelaide-affiliated institutions.
- Cannot be combined with other merit-based scholarships.
5️⃣ Adelaide Partner Award (10% Tuition Waiver)
Designed for international students from approved partner institutions.
Eligibility: Must be a new undergraduate or postgraduate coursework student from a partner university.
Note: Cannot be combined with the Academic Excellence or Merit Scholarship.
Application Process: How to Apply
Choose an Eligible Degree Program:
Confirm your degree is listed as eligible for scholarships.
Check academic and English entry requirements.
Submit Your Application:
Apply through the official Adelaide University application portal.
For some scholarships (like Academic Excellence), submit a separate scholarship form before deadlines.
Automatic Assessment:
For awards like the Merit Scholarship or Global Alumni Award, you’ll be automatically assessed during your application process.
Get Your Offer & Scholarship Notification:
Your scholarship will be reflected in your Offer of Admission, and applied as a tuition waiver.
About the University of Adelaide: A Premier Institution
Before choosing the university, we need to the background information of the university. Established in the year 1874, the University of Adelaide is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Australia. It is situated in Adelaide, South Australia, it always holds a position among the top 100 universities in the world as per the QS World University Rankings 2025. It is also a proud member of Australia’s elite Group of Eight (Go8), the university is well-known for its state-of-the-art research facilities, innovative teaching experience, and academic excellence. Its alumni include renowned and influential people such as Howard Florey, co-discoverer of penicillin and Nobel Prize winner; Julia Gillard, a Australia’s first female Prime Minister; and J. Robin Warren, Nobel Laureate in Physiology.
The university now has four main campuses — North Terrace (city campus), Waite, Roseworthy, and Melbourne. The North Terrace Campus has been the oldest and most central one in Adelaide city, where the majority of faculties and student services are located. The Waite Campus is well known worldwide in agricultural and plant research, and Roseworthy in animal and veterinary science. The Melbourne Campus provides undergraduate and postgraduate studies in association with partner institutions. The University of Adelaide today has a vibrant and multicultural international student community. According to the latest statistics, there are over 8,500 international students from over 100 countries studying in various disciplines.
The international students are offered an education of international standards, a multicultural environment that is friendly, and access to facilities like academic career guidance, services for the English language, and individualized orientation programs. The city of Adelaide is student-friendly as well, and it is characterized as being affordable, secure, and multicultural—a place ideal for pursuing higher studies overseas. The Rise of Chinese Students in Australia
China remains the largest source of international students in Australia. The University of Adelaide attracts students for its:
STEM excellence
Business and management programs
Post-study work visa pathways
Top Factors Driving Interest:
High-quality research programs
Strong alumni networks
Scholarship opportunities
Safe and affordable living in Adelaide
Benefits of Studying in Australia with These Scholarships
Save up to 50% on tuition fees.
Access to a high-quality education at a Go8 university.
Improved career outcomes and global employability.
Post-graduate work rights and migration pathways for skilled graduates.
Summary Table of Scholarships
| Scholarship | Tuition Discount | Eligibility Criteria | Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | 50% | GPA 6.7+ / ATAR 99 | ✅ |
| Emerging Leaders | 25% | GPA 5.5–6.0 / ATAR 90–95 | ❌ (auto assessed) |
| Merit | 15% | GPA ~5.0 (credit average) | ❌ (auto assessed) |
| Global Alumni | 10% | Past student of Adelaide or UniSA | ❌ (auto assessed) |
| Partner Award | 10% | From partner institution | ❌ (auto assessed) |
Top 3 FAQs
1. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
No. Students will be awarded the highest eligible scholarship; you cannot combine merit-based awards.
2. Are research students eligible?
No. These scholarships are for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees only. However you can search university website where research based scholarships are seperately available.
3. What happens if I lose eligibility during study?
If your GPA drops below the required minimum, the tuition discount will be suspended until you meet the GPA threshold again.
Tips for Applicants
🔸 Tip 1: Apply Early and Prepare Documents
Apply well before the deadline. Early applications have a better chance of receiving top-tier scholarships.
🔸 Tip 2: Showcase Leadership and Extra-Curriculars
Leadership roles, volunteering, and awards can help you qualify for scholarships like the Emerging Leaders Award.
Comparing Scholarships with Other Go8 Universities
Adelaide’s scholarship structure offers transparent merit-based awards — more accessible and conveneint as compared to fully competitive scholarships like those at the University of Sydney or Melbourne. While Sydney may offer full-fee coverage in limited numbers, Adelaide ensures more students benefit via layered tuition waivers.
Final Thoughts
The University of Adelaide provides not just a world-class education but also financial pathways that make studying in Australia more accessible. Whether you are an academic top performer or a leadership-driven changemaker, there’s a scholarship tailored for you.
Take the leap toward your global education. Apply now and let the University of Adelaide be your gateway to excellence.
