Who Can Apply?
Lao citizens from all walks of life are invited to apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship. The application process is open and competitive.
Australia Awards Scholarships typically have varying eligibility requirements. Information about programme-specific eligibility requirements can be found below.
Eligibility Criteria
Australia Awards applicants must meet all eligibility requirements detailed in the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook and Australia Awards Laos Brochure.
For previous Australian Government scholarship recipients, to be eligible to receive an Australia Awards Scholarship, applicants must not have previously received a long-term Australia Award in the previous four years. For example, if you completed a Master’s degree in Australia from January 2019 to December 2020, you are eligible to apply for another Australia Award from February 2025 onwards.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) applicants
• Must have completed upper secondary school, or
• Will complete upper secondary school by 30 September 2025, or
• Currently studying at tertiary level, or
• Who already have a diploma or a Bachelor’s degree, must have a minimum of two years’ work experience and be seeking qualifications to fill a skills shortfall or to change career direction.
Masters Applicants
• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and
• Must have a minimum of two years’ work experience.
Note: Those who already have a Master’s degree from overseas are eligible to apply; but may be given lower priority and must be seeking qualifications in a different field of study
Doctorate degree (PhD) applicants
• Must hold a Master’s degree;
• Must have a minimum of three years’ work experience and
• Must submit an IELTS Certificate of overall score of at least 6.5 with no individual band less than 6.0 obtained after 30 March 2024.
Note: IELTS test fee reimbursement will be paid to PhD applicants who meet all eligibility criteria.
Country-Specific Conditions
In addition to the eligibility requirements, candidates from Laos must also meet the following conditions:
- be a citizen of Laos (only)
- be aged between 18 and 50 years old as of 31 December 2025
- have been residing in the Lao PDR for a minimum of one year as of 30 April 2025 (exceptions may be considered for Government Officials who have had diplomatic postings overseas)
- declare all previous studies undertaken irrespective of whether it is complete or incomplete
- declare all previous and current international scholarships awarded
- provide all of the required supporting documents listed under “supporting documents” and
- must be ready to commence full-time Pre-departure Academic Preparation (either English Academic Preparation in October or Academic Readiness Course in November 2025).