You are hereAustralia Awards Africa. Closed season: 0 of 6 preparation steps done. The 2028 intake opens from 1 February 2027. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
- 1Check you fitYou are hereTell me when it opens
- 2Choose your field and your courseYou can start this now
- 3Ask your referees nowYou can start this now
- 4Get your papers outYou can start this now
- 5Gather your examplesYou can start this now
- 6Write your answers yourselfYou can start this now
- 7Submit on the programme's online applicationCannot start yet: the 2028 intake opens from 1 February 2027
- 8Wait, with your datesCannot start yet: opens after you submit
- 9Your result, then your next stepCannot start yet: opens when the outcome comes
- 10Get your Student visaCannot start yet: opens when you are selected
- 11Travel and arriveCannot start yet: opens when your visa is granted
- 12Your first termCannot start yet: opens when you arrive
I am stuck
I am stuck
The desk explains what a step means and where the official answer lives.
Fully funded
Australia Awards Africa
A funded master's in Australia, applied for on the programme's own site. Twelve steps, from checking you fit to your first term.
The Australian Government offers the Australia Awards to professionals from African countries on its list, Nigeria among them. Rekoja charges nothing for help on a funded scholarship. Read on nigeria.embassy.gov.au and australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Closed for applications, read 8 October 2026. The 2028 intake opens from 1 February 2027.
We tell you when it opens.
The 2027 intake is closed, and the 2028 intake opens from 1 February 2027. Six of the twelve steps can be done now. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Prepare now: 6 steps you can do before it opens
- 1Check you fitYou can start this now
- 2Choose your field and your courseYou can start this now
- 3Ask your referees nowYou can start this now
- 4Get your papers outYou can start this now
- 5Gather your examplesYou can start this now
- 6Write your answers yourselfYou can start this now
- 7Submit on the programme's online applicationCannot start yet: the 2028 intake opens from 1 February 2027
The steps
12 steps, from checking you fit to your first term. Open any step to see what it needs.
- 1Start here
Check you fit
Five questions from the official lines. About two minutes.
See what this step needs
The programme's own lines: a citizen of an African country on its list, living and working in that country or working in another African country (Nigeria was on the 2027 intake's list); "Minimum academic requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent"; "Must not already hold a Masters Degree"; "Mid-level to senior-level professional, must be currently employed in a relevant field"; "Meet relevant post-graduate work experience requirements"; "Demonstrate a clear vision of how the knowledge gained through the scholarship will be used to improve policy, practice, or reform in their home country"; "Satisfactory English proficiency to enable full participation in a training course delivered in English"; and "Satisfy all requirements of the Australian Government for the appropriate student visa (subclass 500)." Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
The work it asks for: "a minimum of five years post-graduate work experience", or at least three years if you have a disability. It must be paid work, not internships (unless you have a disability), in one of the programme's five fields. A Nigerian sends no English test. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
No number comes from your answers on this route: no verified rule set grades it. Your answers set your first move.
"Applications for the Australia Awards Scholarships 2027 Intake are now closed. Applications for the 2028 Intake will open in February 2027." The next round opens from 1 February 2027. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
The 2028 intake's list of countries and fields: we do not know yet. Here is the official page, the programme's Types of Awards page, read 8 October 2026.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, Apply for an Award, read 8 October 2026.
Open the programme's Apply for an Award page
Tell me when it opensThe next window: the 2028 intake opens from 1 February 2027, read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Free. Rekoja charges nothing for this step on a funded scholarship.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
You need a bachelor's degree, no master's, a job now, and five years of paid work since your degree in one of the five fields. If you have all of these, you can carry on.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's Apply for an Award page holds the eight lines; its FAQ holds the five years of work and the countries on the list.
- 2You can start this now
Choose your field and your course
Pick a master's in one of the five fields the programme funds. You need no university offer to apply.
See what this step needs
The five fields for the 2027 intake: climate change; agriculture and food security; mining and energy; foreign policy and international security; and gender equality, disability and social inclusion. "Applications in any other field of study will not be considered." Your five years of work must be in one of them too. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
You may pick any master's course at a qualifying institution, one on DFAT's list of participating institutions, which the programme links. "The Australia Awards Africa program does not support bachelors or PhD studies." Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
A Nigerian sends no English test with the application. The university is another matter: "The English proficiency requirements for entry into Australian universities are a requirement of the Australian universities and applicants are required to provide official IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic test scores depending on their nationality." Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
You need no offer from a university: "Should you be successful in receiving an Australia Awards Scholarship, the program will apply to your university of choice in Australia, on your behalf." Each course has a CRICOS code, which you find on cricos.education.gov.au. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
The countries and the fields "may change from year to year". Read on nigeria.embassy.gov.au, 8 October 2026.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, Types of Awards, read 8 October 2026.
Open the programme's Types of Awards page
Study in Australia, on nigeria.embassy.gov.au
Free. You choose your course yourself; Rekoja never applies for you.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
Choose a master's in one of the 2027 intake's five fields: climate change, farming and food, mining and energy, foreign policy and security, or gender, disability and inclusion. You do not need a university offer first.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's Types of Awards page holds the five fields; its FAQ answers on the university place.
- 3You can start this now
Ask your referees now
Ask two people who know you to write a report for you. Every paper goes in with your application, so ask now.
See what this step needs
"Applicants are also required to submit two referee reports", on the programme's template or your own: "You can use your own template if it is submitted with the official letterhead of the organisation your referee works for, signed by the referee and stamped if a stamp is available." Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
If you graduated long ago and cannot get an academic referee, a reputable person who knows you can write instead, "like a lawyer or a religious leader or any other reputable person within your community". Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, FAQ, read 8 October 2026.
Open the programme's referee report template
Free. Rekoja never writes a reference and never contacts a referee.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
Ask two people who know you to write a report on the programme's template, or on their organisation's letterhead, signed, and stamped if they have a stamp.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's FAQ holds the referee rules, and its Apply for an Award page links the template; your referee answers on the report.
- 4You can start this now
Get your papers out
Every paper you upload goes in with your application. Nothing is taken late.
See what this step needs
"For your application to be considered compliant, you must submit all required documentation at the time of application. No late submission of documents will be considered." A Nigerian is "not required to submit an English test". Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
The full list of papers to upload: we do not know this yet. Here is the official page, the programme's Apply for an Award page, checked 8 October 2026.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, FAQ, read 8 October 2026.
Open the programme's Apply for an Award page
Free. Rekoja charges nothing for this step on a funded scholarship.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
Every paper you upload goes in with your application, at the same time. Nothing is taken late.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's Apply for an Award page says what the form asks for once the 2028 intake opens; its FAQ answers on the papers.
- 5You can start this now
Gather your examples
Write down, in your own words, what you have done and the change your master's would make at home.
See what this step needs
The programme asks you to "Demonstrate a clear vision of how the knowledge gained through the scholarship will be used to improve policy, practice, or reform in their home country". At interview you defend three things: the skills and knowledge you expect to gain, your country's development priorities, and how you would improve policy or practice in your current or future job. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Notes, not answers. Two or three things you did, and what changed, under each.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, Pre-interview Information Sheet No 2, Returning Home, read 8 October 2026.
Open the programme's Masters Pre-interview Information
Free. Rekoja charges nothing for this step on a funded scholarship.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
Write down a few things you have done at work, and how your master's would help you change things at home. These are notes for you, not your answers.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's Masters Pre-interview Information page holds its sheets; the Returning Home sheet names the three areas.
- 6You can start this now
Write your answers yourself
Write each answer in your own words, to the official question and its limit.
See what this step needs
The questions on the online application and their limits: we do not know this yet. Here is the official page, the programme's Apply for an Award page, checked 8 October 2026.
Nobody drafts for you, the desk included. A funded scholarship has no paid finish or review.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, Apply for an Award, read 8 October 2026.
Open the programme's Apply for an Award page
Nobody drafts for you here, the desk included. A funded scholarship has no paid finish or review.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
Write every answer yourself, in your own words. Nobody writes it for you.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's Apply for an Award page leads to the online application, which shows each question once the 2028 intake opens.
- 7Cannot start yet: the 2028 intake opens from 1 February 2027
Submit on the programme's online application
Submit on the programme's own site yourself. Nobody can submit for you.
See what this step needs
You start on the programme's site: click "Apply for an Award", check you fit, and "if applications are open you will be directed to the online platform where you will be able to complete your application". Three steps: choose your country and award type, view the course's criteria, begin the online application. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
The 2028 intake opens from 1 February 2027. The programme's FAQ, a page dated August 2017, says applications open on 1 February and close on 30 April, and prints no year. The 2028 intake's closing date and hour: we do not know this yet. Here is the official page, the programme's Apply for an Award page, checked 8 October 2026.
Every paper goes in with your application: "No late submission of documents will be considered." Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Then tell us the date you submitted, so your plan holds it.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, Apply for an Award, read 8 October 2026.
Open the programme's Apply for an Award page
The programme's Types of Awards page
Nobody can submit for you. Rekoja never creates your account or holds your login.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
When the 2028 intake opens, from 1 February 2027, fill in and send your application on the programme's own site with every paper. Nothing is taken late. Keep the confirmation.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's Apply for an Award page holds the window; its FAQ answers on the papers.
- 8Cannot start yet: opens after you submit
Wait, with your dates
Nothing to do until the shortlist. If you are shortlisted, enter your interview date.
See what this step needs
"Following the application and shortlisting process, online interviews are held for shortlisted candidates." The interview tests your plan for home: "If you are offered an Australia Award, we will build on these commitments and develop a Reintegration Action Plan (RAP)." Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
The months of the shortlist, the interviews and the result: we do not know this yet. Here is the official page, the programme's Masters Pre-interview Information, checked 8 October 2026.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, Masters Pre-interview Information, read 8 October 2026.
Your clock: your online interview, worked out from your interview date, which you enter in your plan once you are shortlisted. Enter it in your plan
Open the programme's Masters Pre-interview Information
Free. Rekoja charges nothing for this step on a funded scholarship.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
Wait for news. If you are shortlisted, you have an online interview about how you will use your master's at home.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's Masters Pre-interview Information page holds the interview sheets.
- 9Cannot start yet: opens when the outcome comes
Your result, then your next step
Selected, or not this time: either way, your next step is ready.
See what this step needs
Selected: "the program will apply to your university of choice in Australia, on your behalf", and the pre-departure briefing is compulsory, "usually held in October of the year before they go to Australia". The programme pays your attendance if it is not held in your home city; your family attends at their own cost. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Not this time: two ways on. A route open now, or the next intake, with your notes kept.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, FAQ, read 8 October 2026.
Open the programme's Pre-departure Support page
Free. Rekoja charges nothing for this step on a funded scholarship.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
If you are chosen, the programme applies to your university for you and you go to a briefing before you leave. If not, you can try a route open now or the next intake.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's FAQ and its Pre-departure Support page hold the official answer; your award letter holds yours.
- 10Cannot start yet: opens when you are selected
Get your Student visa
With your award, apply online for Australia's Student visa (subclass 500) yourself.
See what this step needs
Home Affairs' lines for a scholar on this award: no Confirmation of Enrolment for a course "under a scholarship scheme approved by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade: provide a letter of support"; no English evidence for "a Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored student"; and DFAT's letter of support proves your money. You apply online, from outside Australia, with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for everyone on the application: "If you don't provide your OSHC in your application form, we will refuse your visa application." The visa runs up to 6 years, in line with your enrolment, and you may work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session. Read on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, 8 October 2026.
DFAT-sponsored students are Priority 1: "Priority 1 applications are usually processed faster than Priority 2". Read on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, 8 October 2026.
"If you are a student from overseas on a temporary student visa, it is a condition of your visa to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)", for the length of your visa. Six insurers sell it: ahm OSHC, Allianz Care Australia, BUPA Australia, CBHS International Health, Medibank Private and NIB OSHC. Read on privatehealth.gov.au, 8 October 2026.
Your family: Home Affairs lets a DFAT-sponsored student include a partner and children when lodging (Exemption 2); "your family members must apply at the same time and from the same location as you", and "Your family members cannot apply as a subsequent entrant (at a later time, separate from your application) in any circumstance." The programme's FAQ says family join "usually only possible after scholars arrived in Australia, commenced their course and with the approval of the University", and "The program will explain the entire process during the Pre-departure Briefing." The two official pages differ. Read 8 October 2026.
What Home Affairs asks you to show for family, for 12 months: AUD 10,394 for a partner (about ₦9.7m) and AUD 4,449 for a child (about ₦4.1m), schooling of at least AUD 13,502 a year for each school-age child (about ₦12.6m) (not needed if your child goes to an Australian government school that waives the fees for a Foreign Affairs sponsored student), and AUD 3,000 for travel costs from West Africa (about ₦2.8m). "Australia Awards does not provide additional financial support for scholars' family to travel to or live in Australia." Read 8 October 2026. At ₦931 to the Australian dollar, 20 October 2026 (the CBN's US dollar rate of 20 October 2026 times the Reserve Bank of Australia's of 20 October 2026).
The visa fee, whether the award pays it, and how long the visa takes: we do not know this yet. Here is the official page, Home Affairs' Student visa page, checked 8 October 2026.
Source: Home Affairs, Student visa (subclass 500), read 21 October 2026.
Your clock: the date to travel by, worked out from the course start date on your university's offer, which you enter in your plan. Enter it in your plan
Open Home Affairs' Student visa page
Home Affairs, Student visa processing priorities
Read about Overseas Student Health Cover on privatehealth.gov.au
Not sold here: Rekoja charges nothing for help on a funded scholarship.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
Apply online for your Student visa yourself, with DFAT's letter of support and health cover. If your family is coming, ask the programme how first.
Where the official answer lives: Home Affairs' Student visa page holds the official answer; the programme answers on your letter of support and your family at the pre-departure briefing.
- 11Cannot start yet: opens when your visa is granted
Travel and arrive
Book your flight once the visa is granted, and land in time for the Introductory Academic Program and O-Week, the week before semester.
See what this step needs
Keep your health cover for as long as your visa runs: OSHC runs "for the duration of your visa" (privatehealth.gov.au), and "Condition 8501 requires that the holder must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while the holder is in Australia" (Home Affairs). Read 8 October 2026.
"O-Week is held in the week before the start of the first and second semesters, and attendance is compulsory for faculty-based programs." Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Who pays your flight and your health cover: we do not know this yet. Here is the official page to watch, the Australian Government's Australia Awards Scholarships page.
Source: privatehealth.gov.au, Overseas Student Health Cover, read 8 October 2026.
Your clock: when to arrive, worked out from your course start date, which you enter in your plan. Enter it in your plan
Read about Overseas Student Health Cover
The Australian Government's Australia Awards Scholarships page
The programme's Scholarship experience page
Free. Rekoja charges nothing for this step on a funded scholarship.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
Book your flight once the visa is granted, and land in time for the Introductory Academic Program and O-Week, the week before semester. Keep your health cover for as long as your visa runs.
Where the official answer lives: privatehealth.gov.au holds the health cover rules; your university's arrival pages hold your first days.
- 12Cannot start yet: opens when you arrive
Your first term
Go to the Introductory Academic Program and O-Week, then start your course.
See what this step needs
"The Introductory Academic Program (IAP) is a mandatory program held at all participating institutions across Australia." You are registered for it once you accept your offer. O-Week is the week before semester starts, and "attendance is compulsory for faculty-based programs". Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
What the award pays, how much and how often: we do not know this yet. Here is the official page to watch, the Australian Government's Australia Awards Scholarships page.
After the award you go home: "the requirement that they leave Australia and return to their home country for a minimum period of two years after completing the Scholarship", and your Reintegration Action Plan is "your contracted obligation". Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Source: australiaawardsafrica.org, Scholarship experience, read 8 October 2026.
Open the programme's Scholarship experience page
The Australian Government's Australia Awards Scholarships page
The programme's Pre-departure Support page
Free. Rekoja charges nothing for this step on a funded scholarship.
I am stuck
Explain this step more simply
Go to the Introductory Academic Program and O-Week, then start your course. After it ends you go home for at least two years.
Where the official answer lives: The programme's Scholarship experience page holds your first weeks; your university's student office answers on your course.
See everything about this route
Who offers it. The Australian Government. Palladium International runs the programme for it, as its managing contractor. Read on nigeria.embassy.gov.au and australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
What it pays: we do not know yet. The official page to watch: the Australian Government's Australia Awards Scholarships page. The award gives nothing extra for family. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Who it fits.A citizen of an African country on the 2027 intake's list (Nigeria is on it), living and working there or working in another African country; a bachelor's degree and no master's; in work now, at mid-level to senior level; at least five years of paid work since your degree (three with a disability) in one of the 2027 intake's five fields: climate change; agriculture and food security; mining and energy; foreign policy and international security; and gender equality, disability and social inclusion. A Nigerian sends no English test. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
How long: we do not know yet. The pre-departure briefing is usually in October of the year before you go. Read on australiaawardsafrica.org, 8 October 2026.
Family.The programme's FAQ says your partner and children can apply for dependent visas, usually after you arrive and start your course, with the university's approval. Home Affairs' Student visa page lets a DFAT-sponsored student include family when lodging, and never later. The two pages differ; the programme explains the process at the pre-departure briefing. Read 8 October 2026.
After the award. You leave Australia and return home for at least two years. The programme's Pre-departure Support page, read 8 October 2026. The Australian Government offers the award: Study in Australia, on nigeria.embassy.gov.au, read 8 October 2026.
The official page for this route. Checked 8 October 2026. Naira at the official rate of 20 October 2026. Australian figures are a cross rate through the US dollar.