The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers a range of scholarships designed to help students reduce tuition costs and support undergraduate, postgraduate, and research studies. For international students, UWA scholarships can provide significant tuition-fee reductions, while research scholarships may include tuition support and living allowances.
If you are planning to study in Perth and are searching for UWA scholarships, knowing which awards you may qualify for, their value, eligibility requirements, and application process can help you plan your education budget.
What Are UWA Scholarships?
UWA scholarships are financial awards offered by the University of Western Australia and, in some cases, external organisations. They cover different levels of study and may be based on academic achievement, nationality, degree type, research potential, sporting performance, or other criteria.
UWA currently offers several scholarships for international students, including the Global Excellence Scholarship, International Student Award, ASEAN Scholarship, and Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships.
Some awards are automatically assessed when students apply for an eligible UWA course, meaning a separate scholarship application may not be required.
UWA Global Excellence Scholarship
The UWA Global Excellence Scholarship is one of the major scholarship options for international students. It is available to eligible high-achieving students beginning undergraduate or postgraduate coursework study.
For students commencing in 2027, the scholarship can provide up to 20% off tuition fees for the normal full-time duration of an eligible course. The amount depends on the student’s academic results.
For undergraduate applicants, eligibility is assessed using an equivalent Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). For postgraduate applicants, UWA uses the equivalent Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
Current UWA information states that postgraduate students may qualify for a 10% tuition reduction with a minimum equivalent WAM of 65, while a WAM of 75 or higher can qualify for 20%.
One useful feature is that eligible students generally do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. UWA assesses eligibility after receiving the required academic transcripts.
UWA International Student Award
The UWA International Student Award provides a tuition-fee reduction for students from selected countries.
For students starting in 2027, the award provides 10% off tuition fees for the duration of an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate course. Applicants must be international students studying on an Australian student visa and must meet the course and enrolment requirements.
Eligible nationalities currently include countries such as India, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and several countries across Latin America. The exact eligible-country list can change, so applicants should check UWA’s current scholarship conditions before applying.
UWA ASEAN Scholarship
Students from selected Southeast Asian countries can also consider the UWA ASEAN Scholarship.
The scholarship is available to eligible international students from countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam and Timor-Leste. Current UWA information lists it for eligible postgraduate study.
This type of scholarship can reduce the overall cost of an international degree and may be particularly useful for students comparing Australian universities based on tuition expenses.
UWA Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
Students with outstanding academic results may also be eligible for UWA Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships.
Depending on the scholarship and applicant’s country, these awards can provide 50% or 100% of UWA tuition fees. Current programs include opportunities for eligible international students from China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, along with an International WACE Scholarship.
For the listed international Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship categories, applicants generally need an equivalent ATAR of at least 98 and must meet the relevant course and scholarship conditions. A written personal statement is also part of the application process.
UWA Research Scholarships
Students interested in a master’s by research or PhD can consider UWA’s higher-degree research scholarships.
UWA participates in the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP), which supports eligible domestic and international students undertaking research master’s and doctoral degrees. Research scholarship packages can involve tuition-fee support and living allowances, depending on the scholarship.
Research applicants should carefully check the relevant application round, academic requirements, research proposal requirements, and supervisor requirements before submitting an application.
How to Apply for UWA Scholarships
The application process depends on the scholarship.
For some international coursework scholarships, the first step is to apply for an eligible UWA degree. UWA states that international applicants are automatically considered for the Global Excellence Scholarship when they submit an application and provide the required final academic records.
Other scholarships require a separate application and supporting documents. These may include:
- Academic transcripts
- English-language test results
- Passport or identification documents
- Personal statement
- Evidence of academic achievements
- Research proposal for research degrees
- Evidence of extracurricular, community, or sporting achievements where required
Students should also review tuition fees and living expenses before accepting an offer. UWA notes that international applicants should consider both university fees and the cost of living in Perth.
Final Thoughts on UWA Scholarships
UWA scholarships can reduce the financial cost of studying at one of Australia’s established universities. Options range from tuition discounts for international coursework students to substantial awards for high-achieving applicants and funding opportunities for postgraduate research.
The right scholarship depends on your nationality, academic results, degree level, course, and intended intake. Scholarship conditions and available awards can change between intakes, so applicants should always verify the current requirements directly with UWA before making financial or study decisions.
If you are preparing for UWA admission, comparing tuition fees, scholarships, Australian student visa costs, living expenses, and available funding options can help you estimate the total cost of your education before applying.