Applications are open for the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships, the Mekong-Australia Partnership Scholarships, and Australia Maritime Security Scholarships for Master’s study in Australia commencing in 2027, from 1 February to 30 April 2026 (11:00 am Vietnam time).
The Australian Government’s scholarships are fully funded scholarships providing the opportunity to study at leading Australian universities and gain a worldclass education. Beyond academic excellence, the scholarships represent an investment in Vietnam’s long-term, sustainable development. They equip emerging leaders with advanced skills, knowledge and professional networks that contribute to innovation, economic growth, and social progress.
“Education has always been at the heart of the strong partnership between Australia and Vietnam. For decades, our countries have worked together to build human resource capacity and strengthen people-to-people links,” said HE Ms Gillian Bird PSM, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam. “Australia Awards Scholarships are central to this tradition, fostering collaboration and mutual prosperity. These scholarships are not just an individual opportunity, but an investment in Vietnam’s future.”
The Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) are a cornerstone of Australia’s partnership with Vietnam. Since 1974, the Australian Government has provided more than 7,500 scholarships for Vietnamese nationals to study in Australia. Alumni have made significant contributions to Vietnam’s development, from advancing public health and education, to driving innovation in technology and climate resilience. Many are now influential leaders in government, business, academia and civil society. Alumni describe their experience as transformational, opening doors to new opportunities and enabling them to make a lasting difference in their communities.
Officials from central, provincial and commune-level agencies, staff of non-government organisations and Vietnamese companies, academics and researchers are eligible to apply. People with disabilities and from disadvantaged rural areas, including ethnic minority groups, are strongly encouraged to apply. A support scheme is available to assist equal participation for these applicants.
Applicants can choose to study various areas, including but not limited to: agriculture, digital transformation, education, climate change, governance, gender equality, health and regional stability. The application process is competitive and applicants are assessed on their professional and personal qualities, academic competence, and most importantly, their potential to contribute to development outcomes in Vietnam and promote relationships between Vietnam and Australia.
The Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP) Scholarships are open to applicants from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. Scholarships support Master’s level coursework or research in key regional priorities, including water security, climate action, gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion, combatting transnational crime, economic resilience and subregional integration. The MAP-funded scholarship benefit remains the same as the AAS program, with additional exclusive access to on-award enrichment through the Mekong-Leaders Network.
The Australia Maritime Security Scholarships are available for targeted government organisations in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, for professionals working in maritime security policy (maritime policy and maritime laws). There are some differences to requirements for supporting documents and preparatory training from the general Australia Awards process.
Click to view full details of the scholarships, the full list of priority fields, eligibility criteria, and the online application form.
