The Peace Scholarship Program
The idea for the Peace Scholarship Program originated at the Australian International Education Conference in 2001 in Sydney in response to the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. The program was designed to help build global peace and understanding and operates on the principle that providing opportunities to students to study abroad promotes the interaction of diverse cultures through, improves cross-cultural understanding, leading to enduring global peace.
Less than two per cent of students enrolled in higher education globally have the chance to benefit from studying abroad. The Peace Scholarship Program aims to provide international educational opportunities to deserving students from selected countries who would not otherwise have the option.
282 students from thirteen countries have been awarded Peace Scholarships to date, commencing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia each semester since July 2004.
| Country | Number of students |
| Afghanistan | 5 |
| Cambodia | 14 |
| Chile | 30 |
| Colombia | 9 |
| Fiji | 3 |
| India | 26 |
| Indonesia | 24 |
| Mexico Papua New Guinea | 156 1 |
| South Africa Sri Lanka Vanuatu | 3 1 1 |
| Vietnam | 9 |
| TOTAL | 282 |
Australian universities are wonderful supporters of the Peace Scholarship Program through the provision of tuition fee-waivers and a wide variety of organisations also support the Peace Scholarship Program through cash and in-kind donations.
In order to continue to provide scholarships to deserving students from around the world, the Peace Scholarship Program continues to seek support and sponsorship from the education sector, corporations, individuals and the community. All donations of money and property to the Peace Scholarship Trust - one of the Trust's that facilitates the Program are tax deductible in Australia. Find out how you can support the Program here.
Australia and Australian education institutions have benefited enormously from international students since the mid 1980s and the Peace Scholarship Program provides the opportunity for individuals and organisations to give something back, which will bring long-term global benefits.
Who benefits from the Peace Scholarship Program?
How can I support the Program?
How can I apply for a scholarship?
