Scholarships

There’s a myth that uni scholarships are so hard to get there’s no point applying. Don’t fall for it.

Scholarships can take the pressure off you by helping with all kinds of uni costs including fees, accommodation, text books and living expenses. Scholarships are not just for high achievers or those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Find which scholarships you are eligible for and when to apply. Closing dates vary but some close as early as September each year.

• Scholarships offered at partner universities
• Federal Government scholarships
• For Mid Coast and other rural and regional students
• For students disadvantaged in education, finances, health or other
• For Indigenous students
• Employer-sponsored, job-specific and guarantee work
• Find a scholarship on the On-line Education Database website 

Video: Megan, first year UNSW student, talks about her rural scholarship.

Commonwealth Scholarships Program - comprehensive information 

Click on the links below to find out more information.

Scholarships

• Charles Sturt University
  
• University of New England
• University of Newcastle
• University of Sydney
• University of New South Wales

Federal Government scholarships

• Undergraduate scholarships
• Postgraduate scholarships
• Various rural medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy and allied health scholarships support those wanting jobs in rural areas after graduation.

Some examples of scholarships for students from Mid Coast and other rural and regional areas

• North Coast TAFE graduates can apply for Charles Sturt University’s 'TAFE to University' Scholarship or North Coast TAFE/University of Newcastle Pathways scholarship (for study at Uni of Newcastle’s Port Macquarie Campus).
• Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Rural Scholarships for people interested in rural affairs – on-campus or distance study at Uni or TAFE.
• myfuture.edu.au features a searchable nation-wide database of scholarships, rural and regional students included.

Equity scholarships for financially or educationally disadvantaged students

• You apply through the University Admissions Centre for most Institution Equity Scholarships. On-time applications close 30 September each year. Late applications may be accepted up to 30 November.
• You apply directly to our partner institutions for many other scholarships that give preference to, or require that students demonstrate educational or financial disadvantage.

Scholarships for Indigenous students

Click Commonwealth Indigenous Scholarships or ask at any uni to find out about additional scholarships that are specifically for Indigenous students. Use the links here or make enquiries at the uni listed.

• NSW Department of Health offer Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetships for students enrolled in full time allied health degrees
• There are NSW Teacher Education Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – both school leavers and mature aged
• Indigenous students committed to working in rural areas are encouraged to apply for various rural medical, dental, pharmacy and allied health scholarships
• NSW Health offers Aboriginal Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships
• The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme is for Indigenous students in a health-related uni or TAFE course (Cert IV or above).
• Scholarships for Indigenous people are offered by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Law Council of Aust, Aust. Dental Association and Mary MacKillop Foundation. Look these, and many others, up in the scholarships database at myfuture.edu.au
• NSW Aboriginal Land Council Endowment Fund (NSWALC) Scholarship
• Eligible Indigenous students can also apply for Abstudy

Job-specific and employer-sponsored scholarships

Some scholarships, many employer sponsored, are geared to fill specific job and skill shortages, often in rural areas. Payments are provided throughout your degree and you need to commit to work placements, vacation work, and/or an agreed period working for the employer after finishing uni.

Some example scholarships you can apply for prior to starting your degree:

• NSW Teacher Education Scholarships
• Rural medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing and allied health scholarships
• Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme - available for rural or regional students

Royal Agricultural Society

The Royal Agricultural Society offers grants and scholarships for those living in rural areas - check out the details here