Scholarship Name: Destination Australia Scholarship (DAS)
Country: Australia
Level of Study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate (coursework)
Funded by: Australian Government – Department of Education
Eligible Nationalities: Domestic and international students
Scholarship Value: AUD 15,000 per year
Scholarship Duration: For the duration of the eligible degree
Deadline: Varies by institution (typically between January and April 2026)
Host Institutions: Registered Australian universities and colleges in regional areas
Introduction
Launched in 2020 by the Australian Government, the Destination Australia Scholarship (DAS) is part of the nation’s commitment to regional development and educational equity. It supports both domestic and international students to study at regional campuses across Australia by offering substantial financial aid and incentives to live, study, and contribute to communities outside the major cities.
For the 2026 academic year, the scholarship will continue to fund thousands of students in various disciplines at eligible institutions, focusing on the dual goals of promoting high-quality education and strengthening Australia’s regional economies and communities.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The Destination Australia Program is designed to:
- Attract international students to regional Australia, which traditionally sees fewer enrollments compared to metropolitan areas like Sydney or Melbourne.
- Support regional communities by encouraging population growth and cultural exchange.
- Improve educational access by funding students from diverse backgrounds and locations.
- Contribute to long-term regional sustainability through knowledge exchange, research, and economic participation.
This initiative is part of the broader strategy under the “Planning for Australia’s Future Population” policy, which prioritizes decentralization and the revitalization of regional economies.
Key Benefits
Students who win the Destination Australia Scholarship for 2026 can expect the following advantages:
1. Financial Support
- Up to AUD 15,000 per year, depending on course duration.
- Funding is renewable annually based on satisfactory academic performance.
- Can be used toward tuition fees, living expenses, relocation, books, or materials.
2. Access to Quality Education
- Study at government-accredited institutions offering globally recognized degrees.
- Receive the same quality of education as urban campuses, often with smaller class sizes and personalized teaching.
3. Experience Authentic Australia
- Immerse in a unique cultural and environmental setting, such as coastal towns, agricultural hubs, or heritage-rich communities.
- Engage with local communities and gain insight into Indigenous cultures, environmental sustainability, and regional industries.
4. Post-Study Work Opportunities
- International graduates of regional universities may be eligible for a longer post-study work visa (485), extending up to 4 years.
- Easier transition to permanent residency through regional migration pathways.
Eligibility Criteria
The requirements differ slightly across institutions, but general eligibility for international applicants includes:
Academic
- Must have a high school diploma for undergraduate studies or a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate studies.
- Meet minimum GPA/grades set by the chosen institution.
- Fulfill course-specific prerequisites, such as science or math background, where applicable.
Language
- Demonstrate English language proficiency via:
- IELTS: Typically a minimum of 6.0–6.5 (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 70–90 depending on institution
- PTE Academic: Usually 58+
Regional Commitment
- Must enroll in full-time studies at a regional campus as defined by the Australian Government (all areas outside major cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne).
Visa
- Hold a valid student visa (subclass 500) throughout the duration of study.
List of Regional Campuses and Institutions
More than 35 universities and TAFEs participate in the DAS program. Some prominent examples include:
- University of New England (UNE) – Armidale, NSW
- James Cook University (JCU) – Townsville and Cairns, QLD
- University of Southern Queensland (USQ) – Toowoomba, QLD
- Charles Sturt University (CSU) – Bathurst, Orange, Wagga Wagga, NSW
- La Trobe University – Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, VIC
- Federation University – Ballarat, Gippsland, VIC
- Southern Cross University – Lismore, Coffs Harbour, QLD
- Central Queensland University (CQU) – Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Mackay, QLD
- Deakin University – Warrnambool, VIC
Each of these campuses offers unique research strengths, community engagement, and beautiful surroundings.
Fields of Study
The scholarship is not limited to any specific discipline. Common areas include:
- Agriculture and Environmental Science
- Health and Nursing
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Education and Teaching
- Social Work and Psychology
- Business and Management
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Creative Arts and Design
- Indigenous Studies
Each institution decides which programs are eligible for the Destination Australia Scholarship.
Application Timeline (Estimated for 2026)
| Phase | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Announcement | Late 2025 – January 2026 |
| Application Opens | Varies by university (generally Jan–Mar 2026) |
| Application Deadline | March or April 2026 (university-specific) |
| Offers Made | April–June 2026 |
| Semester Starts | February or July 2026 |
It’s essential to check the exact schedule on your chosen university’s official page.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Choose Your Course and University
Browse the Study Australia Course Search or individual university websites. Ensure the course is offered at a regional campus and is listed under DAS-eligible programs.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Personal Statement
- Passport bio page copy
- References or recommendation letters
Step 3: Submit University Admission Application
Apply for admission to the selected degree program through the university’s admissions portal. Some institutions will automatically consider you for DAS upon receiving your application; others require a separate scholarship application.
Step 4: Apply for the Scholarship
If required, complete a dedicated Destination Australia Scholarship form, which typically includes:
- Motivation letter
- Statement of intent to live in a regional area
- Demonstration of financial need or merit
- Interview (occasionally, depending on institution)
Step 5: Await Outcome
Successful applicants will be notified by email and given instructions to formally accept the offer, apply for a visa, and arrange travel and accommodation.
Why Choose Regional Australia?
1. Affordability
Regional towns often offer a lower cost of living compared to cities, including cheaper rent, food, and transportation.
2. Community Connection
Students enjoy strong support networks and integration into local life, with opportunities to volunteer, intern, or participate in community events.
3. Research & Internship Access
Smaller campuses can provide greater access to hands-on research projects, personalized mentorship, and closer relationships with faculty and industry.
4. Lifestyle and Wellness
Access to natural beauty (beaches, mountains, national parks), reduced stress, and more space contribute to a healthier student lifestyle.
Alumni Stories
Rina Kumari (India) – Bachelor of Nursing, USQ Toowoomba
“The Destination Australia Scholarship gave me the confidence to study in Australia. I was worried about finances, but the scholarship helped cover my rent and textbooks. I now work in a regional hospital and love the peaceful life here.”
Luis Martinez (Colombia) – Master of Environmental Science, JCU Cairns
“Studying in Cairns was life-changing. I did field research in the Great Barrier Reef and worked on sustainability projects. This scholarship helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
Important Tips
- Apply early and meet both academic and scholarship deadlines.
- Clearly express your motivation to live and study in a regional setting.
- Demonstrate your commitment to contributing to the local community.
- Maintain academic performance to renew the scholarship yearly.
- Explore part-time job opportunities in regional areas under your student visa.
Final Thoughts
The Destination Australia Scholarship 2026 offers more than just financial aid – it offers an invitation to experience a different, enriching side of Australia. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle of urban life, explore unique academic fields, or integrate deeply into a local community, this scholarship gives you the chance to do it affordably and meaningfully.
If you are ready to combine academic excellence with adventure and social impact, the Destination Australia Scholarship might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
