Australia is offering scholarships for Indian students: here’s how to apply
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made some important announcements in the bilateral education relations between Australia and India. These include the Australia-India Education Qualification Recognition Mechanism, the Maitri Scholarship and an international branch campus of Australia’s Deakin University at GIFT City in Gujarat.
“There is an important development in our bilateral education relationship. I am pleased to inform you that we have completed the recognition mechanism for educational qualifications between Australia and India,” he said. Here is a closer look at the Maitri scholarship scheme, which is likely to benefit several Indian students who intend to apply to Australian universities.
What is a Maitri scholarship and who can apply?
The Australian Government has introduced a new scholarship, the Maitri Scholarship, which allows Indian students to study in Australia for up to four years.
This scheme is intended for 45 students, who receive a benefit to cover all educational costs and an allowance for living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Only Indian nationals who would like to pursue a graduate or postgraduate degree in Australian universities can apply
- Applicant must be in possession of a 12th standard pass certificate to apply for the undergraduate programs
- Applicant must be in possession of a diploma completion certificate to apply for a postgraduate degree
Documents required
- Indian passport
- 12th or graduation certificate and transcript
- 10th standard pass certificate and marking sheet
- Passport size photo
- Scanned signatures
- Mobile number
- Working email ID
The scholarship is part of the wider Maitri Programme, which aims to strengthen cultural, educational and community ties between Australia and India.
Education qualifications recognition mechanism between Australia and India
The Australian Prime Minister also announced that the recognition mechanism for educational qualifications between Australia and India had been finalized between the two. It allows Indian degrees obtained by students who studied in Australia to be recognized when they return home, and vice versa.
“The new mechanism means that if you are an Indian student who is studying or have studied in Australia, your hard-earned degree will be recognized when you return home. Or if you are a member of Australia’s very large Indian diaspora – 500,000 and growing – you will feel more confident that your Indian qualification will be recognized in Australia,” he said.
Deakin University campus in GIFT City
At the event, Albanese announced the establishment of the Deakin University Campus in GIFT City and expressed hope that the new campus in GIFT City would attract students not only from India but also from Australia.
The establishment of the international campus of Deakin University in India is a great honor for both the university and Australia. The University of Wollongong also plans to set up a campus in GIFT City, further strengthening educational ties between the two countries.
(With input from agencies)