The Destination Australia scholarship covers full-time study at selected regional campus locations. This scholarship is available to Australian citizens and international students and is awarded to those studying and residing in regional Australia. The basic sponsorship ranges around AUD $15,000 per year for the entire length of your studies (specific conditions allocated by the provider apply). This financial aid covers local travel, study materials and rent. If your course and campus are suited, this scholarship could let you study outside major Australian cities.
At PickMyUni, we assist you in shortlisting programs and universities offering this scholarship, confirm campus eligibility, and prepare the application in the required format.
What Is the Destination Australia Scholarship?
The Destination Australia scholarship (and its variations in search terms, as in destination australia scholarship or australia destination scholarship), was created to attract students to regional campuses and assist with local development. While the Australian Government will, as of 1 July 2024, no longer be providing new funding rounds, existing recipients will still be supported for the period of 4 years. Universities still advertise the awards in relation to previous funding or approval from the provider, so always check with them whether this will be possible for your intake.
Typical value and duration: Generally providers quote AUD $15,000 per student, per year, usually paid in instalments over the academic year; occasionally providers mention caps for 18-month courses
Destination Australia Scholarship Eligibility & Requirements
Core Eligibility Checklist
(Use this as an initial pass; your university’s rules apply.)
Enrolment status: Accepted or enrolled in an eligible course.
Location: Studying at an eligible regional campus (not metro).
Study load: Full-time, on-campus delivery for the scholarship period.
Academic standing: Meet the provider’s entry and progression rules.
Extra Criteria Universities May Add
Entry scores or prerequisite subjects.
Short statements on why you’ll study and live regionally.
Residency/visa notes: some pages specify domestic categories or international visa status.
Who Should Apply
The program is designed for domestic students and destination australia scholarship for international students who will live in the regional area while studying, keep full-time load, and maintain academic progress. Many providers spell out ongoing rules: stay enrolled internally, remain living in a regional postcode, and keep grades on track.
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Destination Australia Scholarship Funding Breakdown
Tuition vs living: Destination Australia payments are generally flexible living/study support, not full tuition coverage. Students often use funds for:
Rent in regional towns
Study materials and equipment
Local travel for placements or labs
Utilities/food during teaching periods
Provider pages commonly describe it this way; check your award letter for permitted uses.
How to Apply for a Destination Australia Scholarship
Six-Week Action Plan
Week 1: Shortlist eligible regional campuses for your course. (PickMyUni can hand you a filtered list.)
Week 2: Confirm course eligibility and campus status for your intake on the uni page.
Week 3: Gather documents: transcripts, ID, resume, proof you’ll live regionally.
Week 4: Write your personal statement.
Week 5: Submit the scholarship application (or accept the offer if awards are auto-matched).
Week 6: If awarded, finalize acceptance procedures and review the post-award regulations regarding load, residency, and reporting.
Statement Tips That Win Panels
Regional impact: What will you contribute to the local community, campus clubs, or clinics?
Community contribution: Show prior service or clear plans—tutoring, volunteering, industry events.
Academic fit: Link the regional campus strengths (labs, placements, industry links) to your goals.
Universities That Offer Destination Australia Scholarship
(Always confirm campus eligibility for each intake; some pages reflect carryover or pending allocations.)
Charles Darwin University destination australia scholarship
CDU has historically offered these awards to support regional study pathways aligned with local industries. Check current availability on CDU’s scholarship pages for your term.
CQ University destination australia scholarship
CQU outlines ongoing eligibility clearly: maintain grades, live regionally, and stay full-time on campus. Confirm offer rounds and campus/course lists for your year.
Charles Sturt University destination australia scholarship
CSU pages detail who can apply (domestic/international categories vary by round) and campus rules. Verify status for your intake.
La Trobe University destination australia scholarship
La Trobe notes the scheme’s link to skills-shortage areas and the National Skills Priority List on its scholarship page—useful if your course aligns. Check which regional campuses are active.
The University of Queensland destination australia scholarship
UQ has used Destination Australia to support study at regional campuses such as Gatton; rulesets cover engagement and reporting. Always check the latest terms and whether awards run for your intake.
University of Tasmania destination australia scholarship
UTAS has previously participated under select regional locations. Verify which courses and campuses are eligible in the year you plan to start..
PickMyUni’s Shortlisting Method
How we match you to the right regional study option
We map your course interests to eligible regional campuses, then check scholarship status directly on provider pages.
We review load, delivery, and residency rules so you don’t trip a technicality.
We prep your personal statement for clarity and impact, in line with what panels look for.
We’ve tracked real outcomes like reduced living costs, easier placement access, and higher study satisfaction for students who shifted from metro to regional.
Common Mistakes That Kill Scholarship Applications
Forgetting the regional rule: Applying for a metro campus.
Vague community pitch: No clear plan for how you’ll engage locally.
Late or incomplete docs: Missing transcripts or proof of regional residence.
Course not approved: Picking a program or delivery mode that isn’t eligible.
Assuming funding exists: Not checking whether your intake actually has scholarships available, especially after the 2024 pause on new funding rounds.
Final Checklist
10-Point Pre-Submit Review
My campus is regional and eligible this intake
I’m enrolling full-time in on-campus mode
My personal statement shows regional impact
Transcripts/ID uploaded and correct
Referees briefed and ready
I can reside in the regional postcode during study
Course load meets provider rules
I understand ongoing eligibility (grades, residency, reporting)
I’ve checked deadlines and census dates
I’ve saved proof of submission and offer conditions
Need Help?
Check eligibility with PickMyUni
Compare regional campuses on PickMyUni
Quick note on visas
Rules for visas sit with the Australian Government and can change. Scholarship guidance isn’t visa advice; always check official visa pages or your provider for the latest settings.
