At some point throughout any student’s school life, this is a question that is likely to emerge.
Should I apply for a scholarship? Am I qualified enough to warrant one? If I do apply, which ones should I apply for?
The internet is a treasure trove of information at the best of times, but often the information shown is so vast that it can get a little overwhelming to keep track of.
Often students are doubtful of their qualifications and don’t apply for scholarships.
To highlight this fact, here is a crazy fact:
Macquarie University sets aside $2 million for scholarships each year. However, only $1.2 million, or 60%, is actually being used up.
What this shows is that the sheer reluctance of students to apply for scholarships is resulting in missed opportunities.
In this article, all the different types of scholarships from a range of universities will be identified and explained to you so that you can make an informed decision at your own convenience.
So, let’s jump in!
Academic Merit Scholarships
Leadership Scholarships
Financial Scholarships
Accommodation/Rural Relocation Scholarships
Indigenous Scholarships
Sporting Scholarships
Academic Merit Scholarships
As the title suggests, these scholarships are offered to students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability in their HSC.
Participation in extra-curricular activities such as social or charity work may also be heavily considered. Here are a few examples of this type of scholarship from a variety of universities:
1. Macquarie Business School Dean’s Merit Scholarship
The Macquarie Business School is offering merit-based scholarships for high achieving Year 12 domestic students enrolling in a Macquarie Business School degree program for 2019 as part of their Dean’s Merit Scholarship Scheme.
The award value is from $5,000 to $10,000 per year for up to 4 years. You must fulfil the criteria as a Year 12 domestic student with an ATAR of 98.00 or above who has enrolled in an eligible degree.
2. Macquarie University Vinva Scholar Award
The aim of the Vinva Scholar Award is to fund scholars based on excellence and who have the potential to make a positive impact in the future.
The scholarships will be targeted at new domestic students studying Science, Engineering, IT and Business degrees.
The scholarship is valued at $15,000 per year. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, subject to meeting ongoing eligibility criteria.
3. Western Sydney University Academic Excellence Scholarship
The Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded to reward gifted students at the value of $5000 for a maximum of 4 years.
There is no additional application process, offers are handed out to students with the highest ATARs considering the number of places.
Students must study an undergraduate course at the university and must have resided or completed their HSC in western Sydney.
4. UNSW Co-op Program
The UNSW Co-op Program incorporates industry experience, leadership and professional development, networking, mentoring and financial support of $19,600 a year for a maximum of 4 years.
Entry is unbelievably competitive and there are a number of factors involved. In addition to outstanding academic merit, you must display tremendous communication, motivation and leadership skills.
Scholarships are offered in the Business School, and Faculties of Engineering and Science.
5. Sydney Scholar Awards
The Sydney Scholar Awards has a value that ranges from $6000-$10,000 per year for a maximum of 5 years.
It has a minimum ATAR requirement of 95, however if you achieve an ATAR of 99.90 or 99.95, you’re eligible to be automatically awarded a scholarship of $10,000 per year for the duration of your course.
Other factors such as financial disadvantage and disability are also considered.
6. UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
The UTS Outstanding Achievement Scholarship awards $12,500 per year for the duration of the student’s degree.
It has a minimum ATAR requirement of 95, however offers are handed out after the ATARs of students are ranked in order and a specific number of scholarships are awarded that caters to the number of places available.
7. Sydney University Chancellor’s Award
The Sydney University Chancellor’s Award is a prestigious scholarship awarded to students who achieve an ATAR of 99.95.
These scholarships are awarded automatically following the release of ATAR results, provided the students are current school leavers and have a University of Sydney course on their UAC application preferences.
This scholarship is worth $10,000 per annum for the duration of an undergraduate degree (including combined undergraduate degrees). This scholarship can be deferred for up to two years.
All recipients of this scholarship are expected to maintain an excellent academic record, with a Distinction Level Semester Average Mark (75).
Leadership Scholarships
These are scholarships awarded to students who display great leadership and communication skills.
So, if you’re in a leadership position at school (prefect, senior prefect, student representative council, school captain, vice captain), it’s in your best interest to try and apply for a leadership scholarship.
Other factors such as extensive community and/or social work, involvement in charity, and volunteering play a massive part in your application.
They highlight your ability to go above and beyond as well as your willingness to devote yourself to your community for the greater good.
Leadership is displayed extensively if you partake in any of the above activities.
Here are a few examples of leadership scholarships:
1. Macquarie University Global Leadership Entry Program
The Global Leadership Entry Program recognises students who play an active role in their community and display sustained leadership. The value is $5000 for the first year of study.
2. Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Scholarship
The Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Scholarship is valued at $10,000 per year. 15 scholarships are available in 2020.
The scholarship recipients will be selected via a competitive process from successful applicants for the Macquarie Leaders and Achievers entry scheme.
3. Western Sydney University Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship
The Western Sydney Vice Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship requires a combination of academic merit and proven track record of leadership.
A minimum ATAR of 90 is required and students must have resided or studied in western Sydney. The value is an impressive $10,000 per year for a maximum of 5 years.
4. Sydney University Leadership Scholarship
The aim of the Leadership Scholarship is to shape a student into a future leader by fostering their passion and motivation, as well as providing them with the hands-on experience and technical skills highly valued by industry, community and society.
It is available to undergraduate Engineering students who demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, leadership qualities, creativity, innovation, and self‑motivation in your application and have a high ATAR of 98+.
5. Charlie Bell scholarship for Future Leaders
The Charlie Bell scholarship for Future Leaders is one of the most interesting scholarships available. To be eligible, you have to be an employee of McDonald’s, apply to study at an Australian university and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This is a great opportunity for Maccas’ workers!
The value is a total of up to $15,000 contributed towards undergraduate or postgraduate study. Have to display extensive leadership credentials and involvement in community and charity work.
Financial Scholarships
These scholarships are designed to provide financial support to students.
The value of these scholarships vary greatly and each has its’ own unique criteria for entry.
Successful candidates have to be able to prove that they’ve been financially disadvantaged.
Examples of financial scholarships are:
1. Macquarie University Education Costs Scholarship
The Macquarie Uni Education Costs scholarship is awarded to students who can prove that they’ve been financially disadvantaged during study.
The value of this scholarship is $5,456 per year for a maximum of 4 years.
Consideration is also given to applicants who, in addition to financial hardship, demonstrate any of the following: capacity to triumph over hardship, Indigenous background, carer responsibilities, geographic disadvantage, long term medical conditions and more
2. UNSW Equity Scholarship
The UNSW Equity scholarship is intended for students who have faced hardship due to their socioeconomic status, with financial hardship being a major aspect.
The value of this scholarship is $2,500 per year for a maximum of 1 year.
3. Sydney University Equity Scholarships
The University of Sydney has 13 equity scholarships which can be awarded based on financial disadvantage. You can find out more about those here!
4. UTS Vice Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship
The UTS Vice Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship aims to attract top achieving financially disadvantaged high school students to UTS undergraduate degrees.
The value is $12,500 over the standard duration of a UTS course.
5. UTS Peter & Sharon Ivany Access Scholarship
The UTS Peter and Sharon Ivany Access Scholarship has been established to support a student commencing or continuing in the UTS Bachelor of Management (C10342) undergraduate degree with a Sports Business major (MAJ08976), who demonstrates financial need and\or other educational disadvantage(s).
The value is $5000 paid over 1 year.
6. Macquarie Education Costs Scholarship (MECS)
The Macquarie Education Costs Scholarship is an undergraduate equity scholarship awarded on the basis of need. The award value is $5,456 pa (indexed annually) for up to 4 years.
It is designed to support recipients whose opportunities to study at university may have been hampered by situations out of their control.
All successful applicants will be able to demonstrate financial hardship.
Accommodation/Rural Relocation Scholarships
Both accommodation and financial scholarships fall under a specific category called an “equity” scholarship. Hence the two types of scholarships are closely related.
As can be figured out from the title, accommodation scholarships are ones that cover the cost of living on or near a university campus while studying. In most cases, relocation is from rural or regional areas.
Just like financial scholarships, you have to be able to prove that you were disadvantaged financially.
A few examples are:
1. Macquarie Accommodation Scholarship (MAS)
The Macquarie Accommodation Scholarship is an undergraduate equity scholarship awarded on the basis of need to eligible students who have relocated to study at Macquarie University from a regional or rural area.
The award value is $10,912 pa (indexed annually) for up to 4 years.
It is designed to support regional or rural recipients whose opportunities to study at university may have been hampered by situations out of their control.
All successful applicants will be able to demonstrate financial hardship.
2. Macquarie University Iglu Scholarship
Macquarie University and Iglu are offering scholarships for students to live at Iglu in Chatswood.
The scholarship will provide half of the advertised MQU accommodation rate at Iglu Chatswood in shared accommodation.
The successful applicants for this scholarship will be able to demonstrate sufficient academic progression, that they are an undergraduate or postgraduate domestic student at Macquarie University, commitment to study and a positive contribution to their community through leadership, volunteering or other means
3. Macquarie University Dunmore Lang College Regional and Rural Scholarship
The Macquarie University Dunmore Lang College Regional and Rural scholarship was created in recognition of the initial and ongoing costs of relocating from regional and rural Australia to study at Macquarie University.
The award value is a fully funded standard room at DLC for up to 4 years.
4. Macquarie University Robert Menzies College Accommodation Costs Scholarship
The Macquarie University Robert Menzies College Accommodation Costs scholarship assists students in financial need with accommodation costs support while living in RMC.
The award value is $3,000 reduction of accommodation fees (one year).
5. Macquarie Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships Program (RRESP)
The Macquarie Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships Program funded by the Department of Education and Training, the Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships Program (RRESP) has been introduced to improve access to and completion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) tertiary education courses for students from regional and remote areas in Australia.
The award value is up to $18,000 and a further $500 for internship.
6. Sydney University Accommodation scholarship
This scholarship is for a maximum of 1 year only, and has a value of $7728 paid directly to the student’s rent. The student will reside in University owned accommodation.
7. UNSW John Holden Family Foundation scholarship
The John Holden Family Foundation scholarship provides financial support to students relocating from a rural or remote area.
The value is $12,000 per year for a maximum of 2 years.
8. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank scholarship
The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank scholarship provides financial assistance to students from rural or remote areas that have experienced financial disadvantage.
The value is $5000 per year for 1 year, but can be extended to 2 years based on academic performance.
Indigenous Scholarships
These scholarships tend to the needs of students from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. There are several scholarships in this category that can prove to be greatly beneficial to a number of students. Examples include:
1. Macquarie University ISSP Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship
The ISSP Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship is funded by the Commonwealth Government. The award value is $5,355 pa (indexed annually) for up to 4 years
It assists Indigenous students relocating from regional or rural areas with demonstrated financial hardship to meet the costs associated with accessing higher education.
2. Macquarie University ISSP Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship
The ISSP Indigenous Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship assists Indigenous students with demonstrated financial hardship with the costs associated with higher education.
The award value is $2,727 pa (indexed annually) for up to 4 years
3. Macquarie University Robert Menzies College Indigenous Accommodation Scholarship
The Robert Menzies College Indigenous Accommodation Scholarship assists Indigenous students in financial need with accommodation costs support while living in RMC.
One scholarship is available valued at $8000 per year ($4000 per half year) and renewable for up to 4 years subject to ongoing eligibility.
The scholarship will be paid as a rebate on accommodation fees.
4. Western Sydney University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Scholarship
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Scholarship is available to Indigenous students who will be applying to study a degree at the university with an ATAR cutoff of at least 65.
Current students must maintain a GPA of at least 4. The value is $5000 per year for a maximum of 5 years and students must prove financial disadvantage.
5. UNSW Nura Gili Scholarship
The UNSW Nura Gili Scholarship has a value of $5000 for a maximum of 1 year. It aims to provide financial help to Indigenous students.
6. UTS Australian Indigenous Education Foundation Scholarship
The UTS Australian Indigenous Education Foundation Scholarship affords ATSI students the opportunity to reside in a UTS Housing property for the duration of their degree. The living allowance is $5000 per year for the duration of the degree.
7. Sydney University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Scholarships
The Sydney University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Scholarships are available to ATSI students who have received an ATAR of at least 85. The value is $10,000 for a maximum of 1 year.
Sporting Scholarships
Sporting scholarships are available in most universities and rewards students who demonstrate an outstanding ability in sport.
Elite sporting activity generally means competing at a state and/or national level and hence sporting scholarships are generally very competitive.
1. Macquarie University Sport scholarship
The value and length of this scholarship is not specified and will vary depending on the candidate.
It is offered for a variety of different sports, including Ice Hockey, Martial arts and Wakeboarding. There are also scholarships offered for “traditional” sports. Examples include soccer, cricket and volleyball.
2. UNSW Elite Athlete Scholarship
The UNSW Elite Athlete Scholarship is for future and current UNSW students with an outstanding ability in sport.
Applicants will primarily be assessed on their elite sporting achievements, however consideration will also be given to an applicant’s demonstrated leadership qualities, community involvement and their ability to contribute to wider University life.
The scholarship offers $2000 for a maximum of 1 year.
3. UTS Elite Athlete Program
The UTS Elite Athlete Program provides support to high achievers in a wide range of sporting pursuits.
You may be eligible for this scholarship if you are an enrolled UTS student and compete in a sport at a representative, State or National level
4. Sydney University David Clarke Memorial Scholarship
The David Clarke Memorial Scholarship supports students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential, and who intend to become Sydney University rugby players with ambitions for higher achievements in the sport of rugby.
It has a value of $15,000 for one year.
Need more information?
Below are the scholarship offices to 5 of Sydney’s prominent universities:
- University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales
- University of Technology Sydney
- Macquarie University
- Western Sydney University
So there you have it!
Hopefully by reading this article you now have plenty of information regarding the types and examples of scholarships.
As you just read, there are PLENTY of scholarships available for you to apply for and trust me, I didn’t even cover 10% of all the scholarships available for students.
If you’re in a position to, definitely try and apply for a scholarship. You have absolutely nothing to lose and the potential benefits are enormous.
So get out there and go for it!
Looking for some extra help with your HSC studies?
We pride ourselves on our inspirational HSC coaches and mentors!
We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at our state of the art campus in Hornsby!
To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today!
Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on Facebook!
Aditya Krishnaswamy sometimes found writing in the HSC tiresome, but is very fond of it nonetheless. Completing the HSC in 2015, he found that his experiences studying HSC Advanced Maths and English, Physics, Chemistry and Ancient History were begging to be shared with keen school-goers with the hunger for success. About to study Advanced Engineering at the University of Sydney, Adi hopes his time tutoring in two organisations as well as his time studying in 3 different countries across 2 continents in his 19 years of life can help you get through the pressurised odyssey that is the HSC. A lifelong follower of numerous sports (namely cricket, American football and rugby league), he might even be able to educate the sporty side of you!
