Who is eligible to apply for Australian government scholarships?

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I’m researching options for higher education in Australia, specifically interested in financial support through Australian government scholarships. To help narrow down my search and avoid wasting time on unsuitable opportunities, could you clarify the full scope of eligibility criteria? For instance, beyond basic academic merit, what factors like Australian citizenship or permanent residency status are absolutely required? Are there scholarships available specifically for international students, and if so, are eligibility criteria different for them? I’m also curious about whether there are scholarships targeting specific fields of study, levels of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational education), or equity groups like Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, or those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, does eligibility depend on the study location (onshore in Australia, offshore, or online), and are there any minimum or maximum age limits? Finally, are there any specific obligations tied to receiving a scholarship, like a return-of-service agreement, and where would I find the definitive, up-to-date details for each specific scholarship scheme?

Eligibility for Australian government scholarships varies depending on the specific program, but common eligibility criteria include:

Citizenship/Residency:
- Australia Awards: Must be a citizen of an eligible country/territory (typically in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America), NOT hold permanent residency status in Australia, and NOT be married to or be a de facto or same-sex partner of an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident.
- Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships: Open to citizens of participating Asia-Pacific countries, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Australian citizens and permanent residents are also eligible for specific Endeavour categories like the Postgraduate Scholarship, Research Fellowship, or VET (Vocational Education and Training) Leadership Program.
- Other Programs: Specific eligibility rules apply; check the program’s official guidelines.
Academic Requirements:
- Minimum GPA: Often required (e.g., minimum credit average or equivalent).
- Degree Level: Must meet the minimum academic level required for the chosen scholarship and proposed study/research program (e.g., Bachelor degree for Masters; Masters for PhD). Some scholarships (like some Endeavour mobility awards) may support shorter-term study or professional development without requiring a prior degree.
- Prior Qualifications: Must have qualifications equivalent to an Australian qualification to meet university entry requirements for the proposed course.
Admission to an Australian Institution:
- Must be accepted into, or have applied for, an eligible program at an Australian higher education institution (university) or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for VET programs, as specified by the scholarship.
English Language Proficiency:
- Must meet the minimum English language requirements for the proposed course of study, usually demonstrated through tests like IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or OET. Minimum scores vary by scholarship and institution/course.
Work Experience:
- Required: Many scholarships, particularly for professional development (like some MBA programs or Endeavour VET Leadership) or Australia Awards, require significant relevant work experience (e.g., 2-5+ years post-graduation).
- Desirable: Relevant work experience is highly advantageous for many scholarship applications.
Age Limits:
- Some scholarships have age restrictions. For example:
  - Australia Awards: Generally open to applicants 18 years or older at the time of application, but often an upper age limit applies (e.g., 45-50 years depending on the country and specific scholarship type).
  - Endeavour Scholarships: Age varies by category (e.g., Postgraduate Scholarship requires applicant to be aged 18-45, Research Fellowship 18-45, VET Leadership Program 18-50, etc.). Always check specific Endeavour guidelines.
Residency Status:
- Must NOT reside permanently in Australia, be applying for permanent migration, or hold Australian citizenship/permanent residency at the time of application (unless specifically allowed by the program, like Endeavour for Australians). Must be able to obtain a student visa.
Health and Character:
- Must meet health and character requirements as required for the granting of an Australian student visa.
Commitment and Motivation:
- Australia Awards: Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to return to and apply their skills and knowledge in their home country after completing their studies to contribute to development.
- All Scholarships: Strong academic merit, leadership potential, and a clear study/research plan consistent with the scholarship’s objectives are essential. Commitment to the program’s duration is required.
Specific Program Requirements:
- Area of study/research must align with the scholarship’s priorities (e.g., Australia Awards focus on sectors critical to the applicant’s country’s development Endeavour has priorities but is broader).
- Some scholarships target specific groups (e.g., women, people with disability) or research fields.