Have you ever been puzzled by the term endeavor scholarship Australia? You might find two very different programs using that name. I know the confusion; one program ended years ago, while another actively boosts STEM talent. Stick with me as I reveal the full story and the solutions.
The Discontinued Endeavour Scholarships for International Students
What Was the Endeavour Scholarship?
The Endeavour Scholarship was a proud initiative by the australian government from 2003 to 2019. It served global students, researchers, and professionals. Its goal was to strengthen international ties and support study and research in Australia.
This scholarship program was part of the broader australia awards initiative. It helped international recipients gain professional development and complete their postgraduate qualification. The application process was competitive, ensuring only candidates with superior academic excellence and leadership received support. I know you value clear criteria and a straightforward process.
Types of Endeavour Scholarships Offered
The program offered three main types of endeavour scholarships.
It provided postgraduate scholarships for Master’s and PhD degrees that could last up to four years. This award covered tuition fees, travel insurance, and even a monthly stipend.
There were research fellowships for short-term projects lasting 4–6 months. These awards supported postgraduate research students and postdoctoral researchers on focused research duration projects.
In addition, the program launched executive fellowships. These were aimed at professional development opportunities for industry leaders from various fields. They helped boost professional development and improve coursework skills while offering benefits such as travel allowances and establishment allowance for initial expenses.
Who Was Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility was clear and focused. Applicants had to be non-Australian citizens aged 18 or older from eligible regions like Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the middle east. You needed a confirmed letter of admission and a valid university offer.
Applicants were screened by strict eligibility criteria, looking at academic level, leadership qualities, and community impact. They had to show satisfactory academic progress and meet requirements such as a minimum research duration and postgraduate qualification.
The process was merit-based, meaning only the best candidates were invited to apply. Every applicant also had to prove they could manage tuition fees and overseas student health cover.
Benefits and Financial Support
The benefits were generous. PhD students could receive up to AU$272,500, while Master’s candidates might get up to AU$140,500. A monthly stipend of AU$3,000 helped cover living expenses, and a travel allowance of AU$3,000 ensured safe travel. Health insurance was provided to cover basic medical needs, with overseas student health cover included.
Additional support included an establishment allowance of AU$2,000–4,000. Tuition fees were paid directly to the institution, ensuring you did not worry about hidden costs. Benefits also covered travel insurance, accommodation costs, and more, making this an all-encompassing support package for international study.
Why Did the Program End?
In 2019, the australian government decided to discontinue the Endeavour Scholarship. The program became too complex and bureaucratic over the years. Budget changes forced a shift toward other initiatives like the australia awards and even regional study programs. Although past recipients continued receiving funds until 2020, new applications were stopped. The decision, announced as part of the 2019-20 Budget, reflected a desire to streamline funding for higher education and professional development.
Endeavour Program Discontinuation Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Discontinued; No further rounds offered. |
| Last Intake Year | 2019 |
| Official Announcement | As part of the 2019-20 Australian Government Budget (effective April 2019). |
| Official Reason | Budget decision; Funds deemed potentially more effective elsewhere (e.g., regional scholarships). |
| Contributing Factors | Program complexity, bureaucratic nature, diminishing funds, lack of strong political support, prior cuts. |
| Successor Program | Destination Australia (intended for regional study). |
| Successor Status | Destination Australia Program also ceased new funding rounds from 1 July 2024 (announced in 2024-25 Budget). |
Alternatives to the Endeavour Scholarship Today
With the discontinuation of the original program, you now have other avenues. The most popular alternative is the Australia Awards Scholarships. These scholarships cover undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD studies for students from developing countries. Applications typically have deadlines around April 30 each year.
Many universities now offer their own scholarship programs. For instance, Melbourne Graduate Scholarships and UNSW International Awards provide targeted support for international study. There are also private and field-specific opportunities in areas like STEM, business, and vocational training.
The application process for these is clear and managed directly by each institution or by the department of education. They support various research sectors and provide benefits like tuition fee offsets, travel allowance, and even travel insurance. If you are looking for professional development, check the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet the requirements for each application.
For further details, please refer to the following tables:
Overview of Current Major Australian Government Scholarships
| Feature | Australia Awards Scholarships | Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) |
|---|---|---|
| Administering Body | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) | Department of Education (Funding allocated to Universities) |
| Primary Focus | Development needs of partner countries; Building leadership capacity | Supporting high-quality research training; Building research capacity |
| Target Level | Primarily Postgraduate (Masters); some Undergraduate/TAFE | Higher Degree by Research (HDR): Research Masters & PhDs |
| Target Group | Citizens of specific developing countries (mainly Indo-Pacific) | High-achieving domestic and international research students |
| Selection Basis | Academic merit, leadership potential, relevance to development goals | Academic merit, research potential/experience |
| Application Route | Centralised via DFAT’s OASIS portal (country-specific processes) | Decentralised; Apply directly to participating universities |
Australia Awards Scholarships – Indicative Priority Fields of Study for Bangladesh
| Priority Area | Indicative Fields of Study |
|---|---|
| Blue Economy | Fisheries & aquaculture; Marine & maritime studies; Maritime domain awareness; Seaports & shipping |
| Health | Health care management, leadership, economics; Global & public health including nutrition; Indigenous and community health; Occupational health and safety; Geriatric health; Pharmaceutical science |
| Sustainable Development | Agriculture development; Climate change, adaptation & mitigation; Disaster management and risk reduction; Forestry and environmental management; Emergency response management; Water resources management |
| Social Inclusion | Disability inclusion, equity, and rights; Gender justice, diversity, and inclusion; Vocational training and skills development; Indigenous knowledge and land management; Creative arts |
| Inclusive Economic Development | Financial planning; International trade; ICT, innovation & entrepreneurship; Small & Medium enterprise development; Tourism; Supply chain management |
| Public Policy and Governance | International relations and foreign policy; Public policy & administration; Public finance & economics; Human rights |
| Infrastructure, Science, and Engineering | Computer science (including AI & machine learning); Data and network management; Architecture and transport; Robotics |
| Security Studies | Counter-terrorism; Cyber security; Gender peace and security; Transnational crime, including maritime security |
Australia Awards Scholarships – Summary of Benefits
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full payment of academic program fees. |
| Travel | Single return economy airfare (home country to Australia and return). |
| Establishment Allowance | One-off payment for initial expenses (accommodation bonds, books, study materials). |
| Living Allowance (CLE) | Fortnightly tax-free stipend for basic living costs (set by DFAT). |
| Orientation (IAP) | Mandatory introductory academic program before studies commence. |
| Health Cover (OSHC) | Basic medical cover for the duration of the award (excludes pre-existing conditions). |
| English Language (PCE) | Funding for pre-course English training if necessary. |
| Academic Support | Supplementary academic assistance available during studies. |
| Fieldwork (Research) | Funding for one return economy flight for compulsory research fieldwork, if required. |
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) – Support Types
| Support Component | Description |
|---|---|
| RTP Fees Offset | Covers 100% of HDR tuition fees that would otherwise be payable by the student. This is not a cash payment. |
| RTP Stipend | Tax-free living allowance paid fortnightly to assist with general living costs. The rate is indexed annually by the government. |
| RTP Allowances | Provides additional funding for relocation, thesis printing, academic publication, and Overseas Student Health Cover for international students. |
Comparative View from Other Available Options
| Program | Target Group | Funding Level | Duration | Application Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Developing countries, Indo-Pacific | Fully funded (tuition, living, travel) | Undergraduate/Postgraduate | Open; deadlines vary by country |
| RTP Scholarships | Postgraduate research students | Tuition, stipend, allowances | Master’s/PhD | Open; university-specific deadlines |
| University-Specific (e.g., Deakin) | International students, merit-based | Varies (full/partial funding, stipends) | Varies by course | Open; check individual university websites |
The Current Endeavour Scholarship for STEM Education
What Is the STEM Endeavour Scholarship?
The STEM Endeavour Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for Australians. It sends students and educators to Space Camp USA. This scholarship ignites passion in STEM fields like science, technology, engineering, and math. It provides hands-on astronaut training and simulated missions.
The program is designed to inspire international study and professional development. You can explore career opportunities in the united states, united kingdom, and united arab emirates through this initiative.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Students must be secondary schoolers, aged 12 to 18, with a strong passion for STEM. Educators who actively promote STEM in schools are also eligible. Applicants need to show academic excellence, leadership, and a love for research sectors.
A formal letter of admission, strong academic records, and proof of satisfactory academic progress are required. The eligibility criteria ensure only the best candidates gain this opportunity. This program values both international recipients and local talent alike.
How to Apply for the STEM Scholarship
The application process is simple and online. You must submit your application via the official website. In your essays, highlight your STEM achievements and future goals. Secure strong recommendation letters and include a valid letter of admission.
Deadlines, such as June 30, 2025, are crucial, so ensure you adhere to them. An email confirmation will follow your submission. The department of education manages this student service, ensuring you receive further information promptly.
Benefits of the STEM Scholarship
This scholarship offers unique, hands-on experience. You will engage in astronaut training and participate in simulated missions. All expenses—travel, accommodation, and program fees—are fully covered. You receive a monthly stipend plus a travel allowance to ease your journey.
Health insurance and travel insurance protect you during international study. Tuition fees and related costs are fully managed so you can focus on your coursework and professional development. This comprehensive support helps build expertise in fields of study like engineering, robotics, and technology.
Selection Process and Success Stories
The selection process is highly competitive. Over 1,500 applicants vie for just 20–30 spots each year. The selection panel looks for a demonstrated passion for STEM, strong academic performance, and potential for future contributions.
Many winners have shared inspiring success stories. One recipient noted, “This scholarship ignited my aerospace engineering career!” Their achievements affirm that strong preparation and leadership make a lasting impact. The panel also evaluates candidates on research duration, postgraduate scholarship potential, and overall excellence.
How to Support the STEM Endeavour Scholarship
You can support the scholarship in several ways. Consider donating funds to back future scholars through official channels. You can also promote the scholarship by sharing it on social media and within local schools.
Organizations may partner by sponsoring future awards or hosting STEM workshops. Such support boosts professional development opportunities and enhances both international study and higher education outcomes. Every bit of support helps ensure that more brilliant minds can thrive.
Conclusion: Charting Your Scholarship Journey
In summary, this blog post outlines two distinct programs under one name: the discontinued Endeavour Scholarships and the active STEM opportunity. If you are an international recipient, alternatives like the australia awards and university-specific grants await your application. Embrace the simplicity of the application process, secure your letter of admission, and strive for excellence.
Remember, endeavor scholarship australia offers a unique chance for academic and professional growth. Start early, tailor your applications to meet the eligibility criteria, and leverage every resource from tuition fees to travel allowances. Your future in higher education and research sectors begins with making informed choices today.
Scholarship in Australia (FAQs)
Is there a 100% scholarship in Australia?
Many scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. Some awards offer complete funding for travel and academic costs. Eligibility and academic performance determine full funding availability.
Who is eligible for a scholarship in Australia?
Eligibility criteria vary by institution and scholarship type. Applicants need strong academic records and proven research or leadership skills. Both domestic and international students may qualify, subject to program requirements.
What is the most prestigious scholarship in Australia?
Australia Awards Scholarships are widely recognized for excellence. They offer extensive funding and global recognition for academic achievement. University-specific awards also carry high prestige based on academic merit.
How hard is it to get scholarships in Australia?
Scholarships in Australia are highly competitive and selection rates are low. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic records and leadership abilities. Rigorous evaluation processes make funding opportunities challenging to secure.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships to study in Australia?
Yes, you may apply for several scholarships concurrently. Each application must meet its specific eligibility requirements. Multiple submissions can improve your overall funding chances.
What was the maximum study duration for the Endeavour Scholarship Program?
The maximum study period is defined by the maximum category duration for each academic year. Commencement dates are set in November or January in accordance with the elp guidelines.
Who is eligible for the PhD Scholarship Program?
Eligible candidates include postgraduate students at PhD level from any field of study. Canadians, Americans, and students from Bahrain may apply, excluding permanent resident applicants, for this programme.
How can I submit enquiries about the scholarship application?
Applicants can use Endeavour Online to submit enquiries and check detailed application instructions. The portal clarifies specific field of study requirements and application procedures.