Studying online can significantly cut the costs typically associated with a university degree, since there’s no need to relocate, pay for on-campus accommodation, or cover daily commuting expenses. However, tuition fees remain a real financial burden for many students, whether they study on campus or online.
Fortunately, a growing number of Australian universities now offer scholarships specifically designed for online students, alongside broader university-wide awards that permit online enrolment. Examples include Adelaide University’s dedicated online scholarships and grants and Flinders University’s Online Student Scholarship, both created to support students who study fully online.
It’s worth noting upfront that scholarship opportunities vary considerably depending on citizenship, financial need, academic achievement, geographic location, level of study, and the specific course. This guide walks through the leading scholarships available to online students in Australia in 2026, how they compare, and how to put together a strong application.
Scholarships Specifically for Online Students
Yes, a number of universities now offer grants and scholarships designed exclusively for students studying 100% online. These awards typically target domestic students and often prioritise applicants facing financial hardship or living in regional, rural, or remote areas. Because they’re built specifically with online study modes in mind, eligibility is usually more straightforward for fully online learners compared with general campus-based scholarships.
General University Scholarships
Beyond dedicated online awards, many broader university-wide scholarships are also open to online students, provided the enrolment mode and course meet the scholarship’s conditions. Before applying, always check each award’s specific study-mode requirements and enrolment criteria, since some scholarships are restricted to on-campus or in-person cohorts only.
Government Funding vs Scholarships
It’s important to distinguish scholarships from government loan schemes such as HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP. Scholarships provide direct financial support that generally doesn’t need to be repaid, while HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP are loan schemes that defer eligible tuition costs until a student’s income reaches a repayment threshold. In other words, a loan helps you pay for your degree over time, whereas a scholarship reduces the actual cost or provides direct financial assistance.
Best Scholarships for Online Degrees in Australia
Adelaide University Access Undergraduate Online Scholarship — Best for Domestic Undergraduate Students
This scholarship offers a total value of up to $12,000, paid as $3,000 per year for up to four years of full-time study or its part-time equivalent. It’s designed for commencing online undergraduate students who can demonstrate financial need.
Recipients may also receive a $500 starter-pack grant, and eligible students relocating from areas outside major Australian cities can access an additional one-off relocation grant, along with bursaries to help cover accommodation costs. Eligibility is generally assessed through supporting documentation such as Centrelink benefits or other evidence of financial hardship.
Adelaide University Access Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship — Best for Online Postgraduate Students
Available to eligible commencing postgraduate coursework students, including those studying through Adelaide University Online, this scholarship supports students with a demonstrated financial need. Like the undergraduate version, it uses a similar per-year stipend structure with additional support available for students relocating from regional or remote postcodes, along with a starter-pack grant for recipients.
Because eligibility and exact award structures can be updated between intakes, prospective postgraduate applicants should confirm the current value and terms directly on Adelaide University’s scholarship page before applying.
Adelaide University Online Grant — Best for Immediate Financial Assistance
This is a one-off payment of $1,500, specifically created to support commencing undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students who are studying fully online. It’s aimed at students experiencing financial barriers to accessing further education and/or those living in regional, rural, or remote communities.
To qualify, applicants generally need to be enrolled in an eligible online undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program of at least two years’ duration, be enrolled in a minimum course load in their first study period, and hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency. Financial need and regional status are typically assessed using supporting documentation tied to the student’s home postcode.
Flinders Online Student Scholarship — Best for Regional and Rural Students
Funded through a dedicated South Australian government initiative, this scholarship provides a one-off payment of $1,500 to commencing students enrolled in eligible Flinders Online courses. Eligibility requires a permanent home address in an area of South Australia classified as Inner or Outer Regional, Remote, or Very Remote, along with Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency.
The number of scholarships awarded each year depends on available funding, so students should apply as early as possible once applications open. This award is particularly valuable for South Australian students in regional communities who might otherwise face higher barriers to accessing higher education.
Monash Online Scholarships — Best for a Broad Range of Funding Opportunities
Students studying through Monash Online can access a broader range of university scholarships and funding opportunities, rather than a single dedicated online award. These can include hardship-based scholarships, scholarships supporting Indigenous students, and awards recognising academic achievement.
Eligible domestic students may also be able to use FEE-HELP to defer postgraduate tuition costs. Because scholarship availability, values, and opening periods vary by intake and course, online students at Monash should regularly check the university’s scholarship listings for currently open opportunities relevant to their program.
Deakin Student Support Scholarships — Best for Students Facing Financial Hardship
Deakin offers a range of access and equity scholarships, with the Deakin Student Support Scholarship offering financial assistance ranging from a $1,000 one-off payment up to $10,000 per year, depending on the specific award and circumstances. These scholarships are aimed at students experiencing financial or personal hardship, including those receiving a means-tested Centrelink benefit or facing income below a set threshold.
Eligibility varies depending on the course and enrolment status, and students typically need to be enrolled full-time in a Commonwealth-supported place, though exceptions can apply for individual circumstances. Because Deakin runs multiple hardship and equity awards, online students should review the full scholarship guide to identify every option they may qualify for.
UWA Connect Scholarship — Best for Equity and Disadvantaged Students
This scholarship carries a total value of around $21,500, made up of $5,000 per year for up to three years of undergraduate study, with an additional year available for Honours, plus a $1,500 start-up support payment.
Scholarships for International Students
Australia Awards is a major Australian Government scholarship program for eligible citizens of participating countries. It can provide benefits such as tuition, travel, and living support for approved study in Australia. However, it is generally designed around in-country study, so applicants should confirm whether their intended online program qualifies.
International students should check:
- Citizenship and nationality requirements
- Whether the scholarship requires applicants to be in Australia
- CRICOS and student-visa requirements
- Whether fully online study is permitted
Scholarships for Students With Financial Need
Several scholarships specifically support students experiencing financial hardship, including Adelaide Access scholarships, the Flinders Online Student Scholarship, and Deakin Student Support Scholarships.
Applicants may need to provide:
- Centrelink documentation
- Personal or household income information
- Evidence of financial hardship
- A statement explaining their circumstances
Because these scholarships can be competitive, submit complete documentation and apply before the deadline.
Scholarships for Regional, Rural and Remote Students
Australian universities often provide additional support for students from regional, rural, and remote communities. These scholarships recognise barriers such as limited access to local higher education and relocation costs.
Students should consider:
- Adelaide University’s online scholarships and grants
- Flinders Online Student Scholarship
- Deakin equity scholarships
Eligibility may depend on your official residential address and Australia’s geographic classifications. Use the address recorded in your university documentation when applying.
How to Apply for an Online Degree Scholarship
- Search for scholarships that match your university and course.
- Confirm that online study is eligible.
- Check citizenship and residency requirements.
- Review academic requirements.
- Prepare financial-hardship evidence if required.
- Write a clear personal statement.
- Arrange references or supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Keep copies of your application and documents.
- Apply for multiple suitable scholarships.
How to Write a Strong Scholarship Application
Explain Your Financial Need
Give specific examples of how financial support would help you continue your studies. Explain whether the scholarship would assist with tuition, technology, relocation, or everyday expenses.
Connect Your Degree to Your Career Goals
Clearly explain why you chose the degree and how it supports your intended career. A realistic connection between your studies and future plans can strengthen your application.
Highlight Your Achievements
Where relevant, include:
- Work experience
- Volunteering
- Community involvement
- Academic achievements
- Leadership experience
Other Ways to Reduce the Cost of an Online Degree
Scholarships aren’t the only way to make online study more affordable. Depending on your circumstances, you may also consider:
- FEE-HELP for eligible domestic students
- University bursaries and hardship funds
- Employer tuition assistance
- Part-time study
- Recognition of prior learning
- Free or discounted university learning resources
When comparing programs, consider the total cost of the degree, not just the advertised annual tuition. Course duration, study load, and credit for previous learning can significantly affect the final cost.
FAQs
Can I get a scholarship for a fully online degree?
Yes. Universities such as Adelaide University and Flinders University offer scholarships or grants that can support online students. However, eligibility depends on the specific course and award.
Which university offers the best online scholarships?
It depends on your circumstances. Adelaide University has several online-specific scholarships and grants, while Deakin and UWA provide broader equity and hardship support that may be available to eligible online students.
Are online scholarships available to international students?
Some may be, but many international scholarships require on-campus study. Always check the specific scholarship conditions.
Can I get a scholarship based on financial hardship?
Yes. Adelaide, Flinders, and Deakin are among the universities offering support based on financial circumstances.
Do online students qualify for FEE-HELP?
Eligible domestic students can generally use FEE-HELP for approved online courses, subject to citizenship, course, and provider requirements.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes. Applying for several scholarships for which you meet the eligibility requirements can improve your chances of receiving financial assistance.
Do I need excellent grades?
Not necessarily. Financial-need, equity, and regional scholarships may place greater emphasis on personal circumstances than academic results, while merit scholarships usually have stronger academic requirements.
What documents will I need?
Common requirements include proof of citizenship or residency, academic transcripts, financial-hardship evidence, and a personal statement.
- Best undergraduate online scholarship: Adelaide University Access Undergraduate Online Scholarship
- Best postgraduate option: Adelaide University Access Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship
- Best dedicated online grant: Adelaide University Online Grant
- Best for regional students: Flinders Online Student Scholarship
- Best broader student support: Deakin Student Support Scholarships
- Best equity-focused undergraduate support: UWA Connect Scholarship
The best strategy is to look beyond scholarships specifically labelled “online.” Broader university scholarships may also accept online students. Because eligibility, funding, deadlines, and course requirements change, always verify the latest information with the university before applying.