Australia, Scholarships

🎓 Griffith University Scholarships 2026 — Complete Guide for International Students

Gradualin

May 17, 2026
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Griffith University in Australia is offering international students over 600 scholarships — covering everything from 20% tuition reductions all the way to fully funded PhD packages worth over AUD $35,000 per year in living stipends, plus free tuition and health insurance. And here is the best part: some of these scholarships require absolutely no separate application — you are automatically considered just by applying for your degree.

Whether you are aiming for an undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, or research degree, Griffith has a scholarship designed for you. This complete Gradualin guide breaks down every major scholarship available, what you can receive, and exactly how to apply before the upcoming deadlines.

📋 Quick Info Box

Detail	Information
University	Griffith University
Country	Australia 🇦🇺
Campuses	Gold Coast, Nathan (Brisbane), South Bank, Logan, Mt Gravatt
Degree Levels	Undergraduate, Postgraduate Coursework, PhD / Research
Funding Range	20% tuition waiver → Fully funded PhD + stipend
PhD Annual Stipend (2026)	AUD $35,656/year (tax-exempt, indexed annually)
Upcoming Deadline	11 April 2026 (Trimester 2, 2026 entry)
Open To	Citizens of any country other than Australia or New Zealand
Official Website	griffith.edu.au/scholarships

🎓 About Griffith University

Griffith University is a public research university located across South East Queensland, Australia, with campuses spanning the Gold Coast, Brisbane’s Nathan and South Bank precincts, Logan, and Mt Gravatt. Established officially in 1971, Griffith made history in 1975 by launching Australia’s first-ever degree programs in Asian studies and environmental science — fields that now sit at the heart of global academic priorities.

Today, Griffith is ranked among the world’s top 2% of universities and is consistently recognized for its research impact, graduate employability, and commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The university’s alignment with the UN’s SDGs — from climate action to reduced inequality — shapes not only its academic culture but also its approach to scholarships. Griffith actively works to remove financial barriers so that talented students from any background and any country can access a world-class Australian education.

With more than 600 scholarships available across academic achievement, research excellence, equity, accommodation support, and athletics, Griffith offers one of the most comprehensive and accessible scholarship ecosystems of any Australian university.

🎓 Scholarships Available — Full Breakdown

Griffith University’s international scholarships fall into two main categories: coursework scholarships (for undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees) and research scholarships (for PhD and Master’s by Research candidates). Here is everything you need to know about each.

COURSEWORK SCHOLARSHIPS

1. Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship — 50% Tuition Waiver

This is Griffith’s most prestigious scholarship for international coursework students — and one of the most generous tuition reduction scholarships at any Australian university.

What you receive:

50% off your total tuition fees for the entire duration of your degree program
Applied each trimester before the census date, provided you maintain eligibility

Eligibility:

Citizen of any country other than Australia or New Zealand
New, commencing student with a Letter of Offer from Griffith by the scholarship closing date
Minimum GPA of 6.0 out of 7.0 in previous studies (or equivalent)
Must satisfy all academic and English language entry requirements
Must be a full-time student commencing in 2025 or 2026

To maintain the scholarship:

Remain enrolled full-time
Meet student visa requirements
Pass all courses each trimester and progress to the next period
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.5 out of 7.0, reviewed annually

Upcoming deadlines for 2026:

Trimester 3 (2026): 15 August 2026

Application: A separate scholarship application is required, along with academic transcripts and a personal statement.

2. Griffith Remarkable Scholarship — 50% Tuition Waiver

Similar in value to the Vice Chancellor’s scholarship, the Griffith Remarkable Scholarship also covers 50% of tuition fees for exceptional undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.

What you receive:

50% of tuition fees deducted for the full program duration

Key notes:

Targeted at students with exceptional academic records
Check Griffith’s official scholarship page for specific GPA thresholds and trimester deadlines (verify on the official website)

3. International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship — 25% Tuition Waiver

Here is what makes this scholarship special: you do not need to submit a separate application. Griffith automatically assesses your eligibility when you apply for admission, and if you qualify, the scholarship details are included directly in your Letter of Offer.

What you receive:

25% of tuition fees deducted for the full duration of your program

Eligibility:

Outstanding academic performance assessed from your admission application
The 2027 intake deadline will be announced separately — verify on the official website
Full-time undergraduate or postgraduate coursework student
Citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand

Excluded programs:

Bachelor of Medical Science
Bachelor of Dental Health Science
Doctor of Medicine
Master of Dentistry
Master of Pharmacy
Master of Speech Pathology
MBA
Graduate Diploma of Flight Management
(Check terms and conditions for the complete exclusion list)

Important rule: If you receive a higher-value Griffith international scholarship (worth more than 25% of tuition), that higher scholarship applies instead.

4. International Student Academic Merit Scholarship — 20% Tuition Waiver

For high-achieving students who may not meet the threshold for the Excellence award, the Merit Scholarship offers meaningful financial support.

What you receive:

20% of tuition fees deducted for the full program duration

Key notes:

Awarded to high-achieving international undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students
Assessed automatically based on academic results at admission (verify current application process on the official website)

5. Griffith English Language Institute (GELI) Direct Entry Scholarship

For students entering Griffith through the English Language Institute’s Direct Entry Program, a dedicated scholarship is available.

What you receive:

A scholarship valued at AUD $1,000
Targeted at outstanding GELI Direct Entry students

6. Griffith International Scholarship for Griffith College Diploma to Degree

For students who have completed a Griffith College diploma and are progressing to a full degree at Griffith University.

What you receive:

AUD $3,000 scholarship to support the transition to degree study
Available to exceptional Griffith College diploma graduates

RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS (PhD & Master’s by Research)

The research scholarship package at Griffith University is among the most comprehensive in Australia, particularly for international students. Multiple scholarships can be awarded together to provide a complete funding package covering both tuition and living costs.

7. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship

The RTP Stipend is funded by the Australian Government and administered competitively by Griffith University. It is open to both domestic and international Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates.

What you receive:

AUD $35,656 per year (2026 rate, indexed annually, tax-exempt)
Paid fortnightly directly into your bank account
Generous leave provisions: recreation leave, sick leave, parental leave, cultural leave, and partner leave

Duration:

PhD: up to 3.5 years full-time
Master of Philosophy: up to 2 years full-time

Eligibility:

Commencing or enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program at Griffith
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours (or equivalent research qualification)
Must not be receiving income from another source covering more than 75% of the stipend rate for general living costs

Note: The RTP Stipend covers living costs only — it does not cover tuition fees. International students need a separate tuition fee scholarship (see GUIPRS below).

8. Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUIPRS)

This is the companion scholarship to the RTP Stipend for international PhD candidates — it covers the full tuition fees for the entire research program.

What you receive:

100% tuition fee offset for the duration of your HDR program
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for up to 57 months — fully covered
Student Services and Amenities Fee — covered for the scholarship tenure

When combined with the RTP Stipend, international PhD students receive a complete funding package: no tuition fees, AUD $35,656/year living stipend, and free health insurance. This is equivalent to a fully funded PhD.

9. Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUPRS)

The GUPRS is the domestic equivalent of the RTP Stipend, also carrying an annual stipend of AUD $35,656 (2026 rate). International candidates awarded a GUPRS may have their scholarship converted to an RTP scholarship if one becomes available and eligibility criteria are met.

10. Australian Government RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship

An additional tuition fee offset scholarship for international research candidates, administered through the Australian Government’s RTP program at Griffith.

11. Australia Awards Scholarships

The prestigious Australia Awards, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), are available to next-generation leaders from developing countries who want to study in Australia — including at Griffith University.

What you receive:

Full tuition fees covered
Fortnightly living allowance based on government rates
Health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Return airfare (in most cases)
Pre-course English language training (if required)

Open to: Citizens of partner countries, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Selection is done through Australian Embassies and High Commissions in your home country — not directly through Griffith.

(Check the Australia Awards website for country-specific eligibility and 2027 intake deadlines.)

🎓 Eligibility Summary

For all international coursework scholarships:

✅ Citizen of any country except Australia or New Zealand
✅ Applying for or enrolled in an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program
✅ Meeting academic GPA requirements (6.0/7.0 for the Vice Chancellor’s scholarship; assessed from transcripts for others)
✅ Full-time enrollment required
✅ Must satisfy Griffith’s English language entry requirements
❌ Certain programs excluded (medicine, MBA, pharmacy — check full list)

For research (PhD) scholarships:

✅ Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours or equivalent research experience
✅ Must find a supervisor and be admitted to an HDR program at Griffith
✅ Strong research track record (publications, research experience)
✅ Good alignment between your research proposal and Griffith’s research priorities

Regarding English / IELTS:

Griffith’s English language entry requirements apply to all international students
Typical requirements include IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent) for most programs
No IELTS is required if your previous degree was taught entirely in English — verify your specific program’s requirements on the Griffith admissions page

🎓 Who Should Apply (And Who Should Not)

✅ Apply if you:

Have a strong academic record and want a significant reduction in tuition costs for a full degree
Are a high-achieving international student aiming for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Australia
Want a fully funded PhD in Australia with a generous tax-exempt living stipend
Come from a developing country and meet the Australia Awards eligibility criteria
Are transitioning from a Griffith College diploma to a full degree

❌ Don’t apply if you:

Are an Australian or New Zealand citizen (international scholarships are specifically for non-citizens)
Are applying for excluded programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or MBA (for coursework scholarships)
Plan to study part-time — full-time enrollment is required for most scholarships
Want to defer your start date — deferral of the scholarship is not permitted
Already hold a scholarship covering more than 75% of living costs (for RTP research stipends)

🎓 Available Fields of Study

Griffith’s scholarships are available across a remarkably broad range of disciplines, making this one of the most inclusive scholarship ecosystems in Australian higher education.

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences:

Criminology and Criminal Justice, Education, International Relations, Languages, Psychology, Social Work

Business & Law:

Accounting, Business, Commerce, Finance, Law, Marketing

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM):

Engineering, Environmental Science, ICT and Computing, Information Technology, Mathematics

Health:

Dentistry (excluded from some scholarships), Exercise Science, Health Science, Music Therapy, Nursing, Pharmacy (excluded from some scholarships)

Environment & Sustainability:

Griffith’s longstanding strength — home to Australia’s first environmental science degree

Arts & Music:

Fine Arts, Music, Screen Production

Note: The Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship and GUIPRS are available across most programs with specific exclusions. Always verify your chosen program’s eligibility on the official Griffith website.

🎓 Required Documents

For coursework scholarships (Vice Chancellor’s and Remarkable Scholarship):

Application for admission to an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program
Letter of Offer from Griffith University (must be received before the scholarship deadline)
Academic transcripts — certified true copies from all previous institutions
Personal statement — explaining your academic goals and motivations
Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent)
Evidence of GPA meeting the 6.0/7.0 minimum threshold

For research scholarships (PhD/HDR):

Confirmed supervisor — you must secure this before applying (contact Griffith’s relevant school or research centre)
Research proposal — outlining your intended PhD topic and methodology
Academic transcripts showing First Class Honours or equivalent research achievement
Research outputs — publications, conference papers, or thesis chapters if available
Evidence of English language proficiency
Two academic references
Completed HDR application form through Griffith’s Graduate Research School

🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process

For Coursework Scholarships:

Choose your program. Browse Griffith’s degree programs and confirm your chosen course is eligible for international scholarships.
Apply for admission at griffith.edu.au/apply. Make sure you apply before the scholarship closing date for your intended trimester.
Receive your Letter of Offer. This is required before you can apply for competitive scholarships like the Vice Chancellor’s.
For automatic scholarships (Excellence/Merit): No extra steps needed — your eligibility is assessed from your admission application. Check your Letter of Offer for scholarship details.
For the Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship: Submit a scholarship application by the relevant closing date through Griffith’s scholarship system, including transcripts and personal statement. A university panel reviews eligible applications.
Accept your offer. If successful, accept both your program offer and scholarship offer by the specified deadline. Missing this deadline means the scholarship is withdrawn.
Maintain eligibility. Stay enrolled full-time, pass all courses, and maintain the required cumulative GPA each year.

For Research (PhD) Scholarships:

Find a supervisor first. Browse Griffith’s academic staff profiles or contact the relevant school. Having a confirmed supervisor significantly strengthens your application.
Prepare your research proposal. This is a critical part of your HDR application — make it specific, well-referenced, and aligned with your supervisor’s research interests.
Submit your HDR application through the Griffith Graduate Research School portal. The scholarship application is integrated into this process.
Applications are ranked by an HDR Scholarship Committee on a University-wide Order of Merit, considering academic merit, research experience, publications, and supervisor-applicant fit.
Scholarships are awarded to the highest-ranked applicants. International candidates may receive both the GUIPRS (tuition) and RTP Stipend (living allowance) as a combined package.

🎓 Important Dates & Deadlines

Scholarship	Intake	Deadline
Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship	Trimester 3, 2026	15 August 2026
Scholarship application round (general)	Annual	Opens 1 July each year
General scholarship applications remain current until	—	30 June each year
RTP / GUIPRS (HDR Research)	Multiple rounds	Check griffith.edu.au/research-study/scholarships
Australia Awards	2027 intake	Check Australian Embassy in your country

📌 Important: Scholarship numbers are limited and awarded competitively. Once all available scholarships are accepted, applications close — even before the stated deadline. Apply as early as possible.

🎓 Why Apply — Why Griffith University and Australia?

Australia consistently ranks among the world’s best destinations for international students — and Griffith sits in the heart of South East Queensland, one of the most livable and fastest-growing regions on the continent. The Gold Coast and Brisbane campuses offer access to world-class beaches, subtropical weather, a booming innovation economy, and direct links to Asia-Pacific job markets.

What makes this different from many universities is Griffith’s single application system — rather than applying for each scholarship individually, one submission automatically checks your eligibility across all scholarships you qualify for. This is one of the most student-friendly scholarship systems in Australia.

Griffith graduates go on to careers at leading organizations across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. The university’s focus on sustainability, justice, and innovation means your degree carries real-world weight in areas employers and employers increasingly prioritize.

For research students especially, the fully funded PhD package — AUD $35,656 per year, zero tuition, and free health insurance — is one of the most competitive research funding packages available in Australia in 2026.

🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to apply separately for each Griffith scholarship? A: Not always. The International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship (25% tuition) and Merit Scholarship (20% tuition) require no separate application — your eligibility is assessed automatically when you apply for admission, and the result is included in your Letter of Offer. For the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship (50% tuition), a separate scholarship application is required after receiving your Letter of Offer. For the general domestic scholarship round, one application is submitted annually and checked against all eligible scholarships.

Q: Can I apply without IELTS? A: Griffith’s English language requirements apply for admission, but if you completed your previous degree entirely in English, you may be exempt from submitting an IELTS score. Check the specific requirements for your program on the Griffith admissions page, as exemptions vary by program and nationality.

Q: What GPA do I need for the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship? A: A minimum GPA of 6.0 out of 7.0 (or equivalent) in your previous studies is required. To maintain the scholarship throughout your degree, you must keep a cumulative GPA of at least 5.5 out of 7.0, reviewed annually.

Q: Can I get both the RTP Stipend and the GUIPRS as an international PhD student? A: Yes — and this is the ideal outcome. When awarded together, the RTP Stipend (AUD $35,656/year living allowance) and the GUIPRS (full tuition fee offset + health insurance) create a comprehensive, fully funded PhD package. This combination is competitive and awarded based on the University-wide Order of Merit.

Q: Can I defer my Griffith scholarship if I cannot start on time? A: No. Deferral of the scholarship is not permitted. If you defer your program commencement, you lose the scholarship. Make sure you can genuinely start in the trimester for which you are applying.

Q: How many scholarships does Griffith offer? A: Griffith has more than 600 scholarships covering academic achievement, equity, accommodation, sports, and research. The single scholarship application form checks your eligibility across all of them — so submitting one form gives you the best possible chance of receiving support.

🎓 Official Sources & Contact

Resource	Link
Main Scholarships Page	griffith.edu.au/scholarships
International Scholarships & Finance	griffith.edu.au/international/scholarships-finance
Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship	griffith.edu.au/…/vice-chancellors-international-scholarship
Academic Excellence Scholarship	griffith.edu.au/…/academic-excellence
RTP Stipend Scholarship	griffith.edu.au/research-study/scholarships/au-gov-research-training-program
GUIPRS (International PhD Tuition)	griffith.edu.au/research-study/scholarships/guiprs
HDR / Research Scholarships Hub	griffith.edu.au/research-study/scholarships
Griffith Graduate Research School	Contact via Griffith’s GGRS for HDR admission and scholarship enquiries

🎓 Complete Summary Table

Scholarship	Value	Level	Application	Upcoming Deadline
Griffith Remarkable	50% tuition	UG & PG	Required	Check official site
Academic Excellence	25% tuition	UG & PG	Automatic	Applied at admission
Academic Merit	20% tuition	UG & PG	Automatic	Applied at admission
GELI Direct Entry	AUD $1,000	Pathway	Check with GELI	Check official site
Diploma to Degree	AUD $3,000	Pathway	Check with Griffith	Check official site
RTP Stipend	AUD $35,656/year	PhD / MPhil	Via HDR application	Multiple rounds
GUIPRS	Full tuition + OSHC	PhD / MPhil	Via HDR application	Multiple rounds
Australia Awards	Fully funded	UG / PG	Via Embassy	2027 intake open