Pursuing a degree in Travel, Tourism, or Culinary Arts in Australia can open doors to a thriving international career. Australia is not only known for its vibrant hospitality industry and multicultural gastronomy but also for its high-quality education and abundant scholarship opportunities. Whether you’re a local or an international student, you’ll find a variety of scholarships for travel and culinary arts programs in Australia to help fund your academic journey.
This comprehensive 2025 guide covers top institutions, scholarship programs, eligibility criteria, application timelines, and how to land fully funded culinary scholarships and high-paying travel studies grants in Australia.
Why Study Travel and Culinary Arts in Australia?
Australia is a global hub for tourism, hospitality, and food innovation. Here’s why it’s an ideal destination:
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Home to world-class schools like Le Cordon Bleu, William Angliss Institute, and TAFE colleges
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Offers internship opportunities with top hotels, resorts, airlines, and restaurants
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Provides Post-Study Work Visas for international students
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Strong demand for skilled professionals in hospitality and tourism
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Multicultural environment ideal for aspiring chefs and travel professionals
Types of Scholarships Available for Culinary and Travel Students in Australia
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Merit-Based Scholarships – Awarded based on academic excellence, talent, or leadership.
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Need-Based Scholarships – For students from low-income backgrounds.
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Industry-Sponsored Grants – Funded by hospitality or culinary organizations.
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Government Scholarships – Sponsored by the Australian government or regional governments.
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Institution-Specific Awards – Offered directly by universities or colleges.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Culinary and Travel Students in Australia (2025)
1. Destination Australia Scholarships
Funded by the Australian Government, these are designed to attract both domestic and international students to study in regional Australia.
Benefits:
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Up to AUD $15,000 per year
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Open to students enrolling in eligible programs, including hospitality and tourism
Eligibility:
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Must study in regional Australia
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Proof of academic merit or financial need
Website: Study Australia
2. Le Cordon Bleu Australia Scholarships
Le Cordon Bleu is one of the most prestigious culinary arts institutions in the world. It offers partial and fully funded scholarships annually.
Courses Covered:
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Diplomas in Culinary Arts
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Bachelor of Business (Culinary Management, Tourism, Hospitality)
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Master’s programs in Gastronomic Tourism and Hospitality Leadership
Scholarship Value:
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Up to AUD $20,000
Eligibility:
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Portfolio submission
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Academic achievement
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Creative presentation
Website: Le Cordon Bleu Australia
3. TAFE NSW International Scholarships
TAFE NSW offers practical diploma and certificate programs in cookery, patisserie, event management, and travel.
Funding:
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Up to AUD $2,000 tuition waiver
Eligibility:
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Must be an international student
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Strong academic performance
Website: TAFE NSW Scholarships
4. William Angliss Institute Scholarships
This Melbourne-based institution specializes in food, tourism, and hospitality. It offers over AUD $200,000 annually in scholarships.
Scholarship Types:
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International Student Scholarships
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Equity and Access Scholarships
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Pathway to Industry Scholarships
Award Value: AUD $2,500 – $5,000
Website: William Angliss Institute
5. The Culinary Arts Scholarship by ICMS
International College of Management Sydney offers this competitive scholarship for culinary students.
Coverage:
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Up to AUD $25,000 in tuition fees
Requirements:
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Academic transcripts
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Motivation letter
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Interview or cooking challenge
Top Institutions in Australia Offering Culinary and Travel Studies Scholarships
| Institution | Program Specialties | Scholarship Options |
|---|---|---|
| Le Cordon Bleu | Culinary Arts, Hospitality | LCB International Scholarships |
| William Angliss | Cookery, Tourism, Events | Multiple funding categories |
| TAFE Colleges | Commercial Cookery, Travel Services | Regional/state scholarships |
| Torrens University | Hospitality & Tourism | International Excellence Scholarships |
| Blue Mountains Hotel School | Hotel and Resort Management | Merit-based grants |
Government and External Scholarships for Culinary & Tourism Students
1. Australia Awards Scholarships
These prestigious government-funded scholarships are available to students from developing countries, including Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya.
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Living allowance (approx. AUD $30,000/year)
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Travel, insurance, and academic support
Eligibility:
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Undergraduate or postgraduate studies in eligible fields, including tourism management
Website: Australia Awards
2. Endeavour Leadership Program (Expected Relaunch)
Aimed at high-achieving international students pursuing vocational or postgraduate education.
Benefits:
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Up to AUD $272,500
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Monthly stipend
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Tuition and travel funding
3. Tourism Australia Industry Grants
Though not scholarships in the traditional sense, Tourism Australia offers grants and industry-led competitions for students and emerging talents in hospitality and culinary arts.
How to Qualify for Scholarships in Culinary and Travel Fields
Basic Requirements:
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Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
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English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+)
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Portfolio (for culinary programs)
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Statement of purpose or video essay
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Letter of recommendation
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Financial documents (for need-based grants)
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Scholarships for Nigerian and African Students in Culinary Arts (2025)
Many Australian universities and institutions offer targeted scholarships for Nigerian students, especially through:
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Australia Awards Africa
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Le Cordon Bleu African Talent Scholarships
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University of Queensland – Destination Australia
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Western Sydney University – Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence
These funding opportunities prioritize students with a passion for gastronomy, event planning, and tourism development in emerging markets.
Post-Scholarship Career Opportunities in Australia
Graduates in culinary and travel-related fields can explore a wide range of high-paying careers in Australia:
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Executive Chef
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Food and Beverage Manager
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Travel Consultant
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Hotel and Resort Manager
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Event and Tourism Coordinator
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Airline Operations Specialist
Average starting salaries range from AUD $55,000 to AUD $85,000 per year.
Visa Options After Studying Culinary and Tourism Programs
Students completing a diploma or degree may be eligible for:
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Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) – 2 to 4 years of work permit
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Skilled Occupation Visas – For chefs, hospitality managers, etc.
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Employer Sponsored Visas – Through partner hotels and restaurants
Tips to Win Scholarships for Culinary and Travel Programs
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Start Early: Begin searching and applying at least 8–12 months before your program starts.
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Tailor Your SOP: Highlight your passion for hospitality or culinary arts.
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Show Impact: Emphasize how your career goals contribute to global food or tourism development.
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Build a Portfolio: Include photos of culinary work or service experiences.
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Prepare for Interviews: Practice speaking about your goals, values, and cultural understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can international students get fully funded scholarships for culinary programs in Australia?
Yes. Programs like Le Cordon Bleu and Australia Awards offer full or partial scholarships for international students.
Q2: Is IELTS required to apply for these scholarships?
Most institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent for international applicants.
Q3: Can I work while studying culinary or tourism in Australia?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (as of 2025).
Q4: What is the average tuition for culinary arts programs in Australia?
Between AUD $14,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on the institution and program type.
Q5: Are online travel and culinary courses eligible for scholarships?
Most scholarships focus on on-campus programs, but some hybrid options may qualify.
Conclusion: Turn Your Culinary or Travel Passion Into a Global Career in Australia
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a renowned chef, hotel manager, or travel consultant, Australia offers the perfect platform. With numerous scholarships for travel and culinary arts programs, you don’t have to let finances stop your dreams.
From fully funded government awards to institution-specific grants and industry partnerships, the funding options for 2025 are vast, competitive, and rewarding. Now’s the time to explore your passion and build a career that’s as adventurous and flavorful as the journeys you’ll help create.