The ANU College of Engineering Computer Science International Postgraduate Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based tuition award for high-achieving international students enrolling in postgraduate computer science programs at the Australian National University. It is not fully funded. It reduces tuition fees but does not cover living costs, visas, or health insurance. Selection is competitive and based mainly on academic performance.
| Program Name | Annual Deadline | Stipend Amount | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANU College of Engineering Computer Science International Postgraduate Excellence Scholarship | Varies by intake | Tuition fee reduction only | Canberra, Australia | Up to program duration |
What is the ANU College of Engineering Computer Science International Postgraduate Excellence Scholarship?
This scholarship is a merit award offered by the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science. It’s designed to attract strong international students into postgraduate coursework programs related to computer science, software engineering, data science, and closely aligned fields.
Here’s what matters. It is not a government scholarship and not a general ANU-wide award. It is college-specific. That means selection is closely tied to how competitive you are within computer science, not just ANU overall. The goal is simple: reward academic excellence and strengthen the university’s postgraduate cohort in high-demand tech disciplines.
Is this scholarship fully funded or only partial?
It is a partial scholarship.
The award reduces tuition fees. It does not pay a monthly stipend. It does not cover accommodation, food, flights, visa fees, or Overseas Student Health Cover. If you’re searching for a “100% scholarship in Australia,” this is not that.
This distinction matters because many students underestimate the cost of living in Canberra. Even with tuition relief, you still need a clear financial plan for daily expenses.
Bottom line: this scholarship helps, but it does not replace personal or family funding.
Who can apply for this ANU postgraduate computer science scholarship?
Eligibility is straightforward but strict.
You must be an international student. You must apply for or hold an offer into an eligible postgraduate coursework program within the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science. Undergraduate and PhD applicants are not the target group here.
The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit. That means your previous degree results matter far more than extracurriculars or generic motivation statements. ANU is looking for consistency, not potential alone.
What GPA is usually needed to be competitive?
ANU does not publish a fixed GPA cutoff, and that’s intentional.
In practice, competitive applicants usually fall in the upper range of their class. For many international systems, that translates to a strong distinction or first-class equivalent. If your GPA is average, this scholarship becomes unlikely, even if you meet admission requirements.
Grades are assessed in context. ANU considers the reputation of your previous institution, grading scale differences, and program rigor. A slightly lower GPA from a highly ranked university may still compete with higher scores from less demanding programs.
Does ANU offer 100% scholarships for international students?
Very rarely, and not through this program.
ANU’s funding model for international students focuses on partial tuition support rather than full rides. Fully funded scholarships in Australia are mostly reserved for PhD candidates under research training schemes, not for coursework master’s students.
If your goal is full funding including living costs, you should adjust expectations or broaden your country options. Australia is prestigious, but it is not the easiest place to study for free.
How competitive is ANU for international postgraduate students?
ANU is one of Australia’s most selective universities.
International students make up a significant portion of the postgraduate population, but funded places are far more competitive than admission alone. Getting an offer to study does not mean you’ll receive a scholarship.
For computer science in particular, demand is high. Applicants often come from strong STEM backgrounds across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The scholarship is awarded to those who clearly stand out academically.
How does the scholarship application work?
In most cases, the scholarship is considered automatically when you apply for admission.
There is usually no separate scholarship application form. ANU reviews eligible international applicants and makes awards based on academic ranking. This means your admission application must be complete, accurate, and strong from the start.
Late or incomplete applications reduce your chances significantly. Timing matters.
What documents actually influence the decision?
Academic transcripts carry the most weight. Clear grading, official documents, and strong results in relevant subjects matter more than polished language.
Your statement of purpose still matters, but only when it aligns directly with your academic history and program choice. Generic statements about “passion for technology” rarely help.
If required, references should be academic and specific. ANU values evidence over enthusiasm.
Can this scholarship be combined with other funding?
Sometimes, but with limits.
ANU may restrict stacking multiple tuition awards that exceed a certain percentage of fees. External funding from your home country or employer is usually acceptable, but internal ANU combinations are assessed case by case.
Never assume you can combine awards freely. Always plan finances assuming this scholarship alone is your only institutional support.
Is Australia the easiest country to get a scholarship?
No.
Australia offers quality education, strong post-study work options, and respected degrees. What it does not offer is abundant full funding for international coursework students. Countries like Germany, some Nordic states, and certain Asian government programs often provide more comprehensive funding.
If “ease” is your priority, Australia is competitive, not forgiving.
What other funding options should you consider alongside this scholarship?
If this scholarship is not enough, look at faculty-specific awards within ANU, external sponsorships, and education loans. Some students also combine part-time work with partial tuition support, though this requires careful budgeting.
For research-oriented students, transitioning into a funded PhD later can be a more sustainable long-term strategy.
Is this scholarship worth applying for?
Yes, if you are realistic.
This scholarship makes ANU more affordable for high-achieving students who already have a funding plan. It is not a miracle solution. It does not remove financial pressure entirely. But it does reduce tuition and adds academic recognition to your profile.
If you need full funding to study abroad, this may not be the right fit. If you can manage living costs and want a top-tier Australian degree in computer science, it’s absolutely worth applying.
The real decision comes down to honesty with yourself. Can you afford the rest? Are your grades strong enough to compete? If the answer to both is yes, then this scholarship is a solid opportunity, not an illusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ANU 100% scholarship?
No. ANU rarely offers 100% scholarships for international coursework students. Most ANU awards, including computer science excellence scholarships, provide partial tuition fee reductions only. Living costs, visas, and health insurance are not covered, so students must plan separate funding.
Does ANU offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. ANU offers several merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students across different colleges. Most are partial tuition awards rather than fully funded packages, especially for postgraduate coursework programs like computer science.
Can I get a 100% scholarship in Australia?
Yes, but it is uncommon for coursework degrees. Fully funded scholarships in Australia are mostly limited to PhD and research programs. Master’s and postgraduate coursework students usually receive partial tuition support instead of full funding.
How can I get a 100% scholarship to study abroad?
You usually need top academic results, strong research alignment, and target countries that fund international students fully. Government-funded PhD programs and national scholarships in Europe and Asia offer better chances than coursework programs in Australia.
What GPA is needed for a full scholarship?
There is no fixed GPA, but full scholarships typically require top academic standing. Competitive applicants are usually in the highest grade band of their class. Strong grades from a well-ranked university improve your chances significantly.
What is the easiest country to get a scholarship?
No country offers easy scholarships. However, countries with public-funded universities, such as Germany and some Nordic nations, offer more accessible funding structures than Australia, especially for research-based degrees rather than coursework programs.
What is the $5000 student grant in Australia?
It is not a universal scholarship. Some Australian states and institutions offer limited one-time grants or bursaries around AUD 5,000, usually tied to specific programs or circumstances. Availability varies and should not be assumed for all students.
What is the easiest fully funded scholarship for international students?
There is no truly easy fully funded scholarship. Government-funded PhD programs are generally more accessible than coursework funding. Selection is still competitive and based on academic merit, research fit, and institutional priorities.
What is the easiest scholarship to get?
Partial tuition scholarships with automatic consideration are easier than fully funded awards. These usually depend on academic scores and admission ranking. They reduce fees but do not remove the need for personal funding.
Which university in Australia has a 100% acceptance rate?
None. All Australian universities, including lower-ranked institutions, apply academic and English language requirements. Claims of 100% acceptance rates are misleading and should be treated with caution.
What percentage of ANU students are international?
International students make up a significant portion of ANU’s postgraduate population. The exact percentage changes yearly, but ANU is highly international, especially at the master’s and research levels.
How do I get a full ride scholarship as an international student?
You usually need exceptional academics, strong recommendations, and a clear research or academic profile. Full ride scholarships are more common for PhD programs and government-funded schemes than for postgraduate coursework degrees.
How can I get a 100% scholarship?
Focus on countries and programs that explicitly offer full funding, maintain top grades, and align your background with the scholarship’s goals. Coursework programs in Australia rarely offer complete funding packages.
What is the $1000 Super College scholarship?
It is typically a small private or promotional scholarship offered by specific organizations or platforms. It is not an official ANU scholarship and should be viewed as supplementary support, not a primary funding source.
What is the ANU acceptance rate?
ANU is selective, especially for competitive programs like computer science. While admission rates vary by course and year, scholarship selection is significantly more competitive than admission alone for international students.
Andrew Wiles, Higher education expert with 15+ years guiding students in PhD, postgraduate, and research scholarships. Andrew simplifies visas, interviews, and application planning.