Abbi Ryan, 2 August, 2022
You might be reading this in the second half of the year, and graduation is just within reach!
We understand that your growing ‘to-do’ list can begin to feel overwhelming, especially when planning your transition to university. Scholarship applications are just one more thing to make it all feel daunting with a capital 'D'.
So we’ve put together our top tips from students to take down those scholarship-scaries!
Find out:
What is a scholarship
Who can apply
What are the benefits
How to apply
'The QUT Excellence Scholarship gave me the financial support and confidence to relocate to Brisbane as a regional student.' Laura, biomedical science student
So, what is a scholarship?
A scholarship is a grant or payment awarded to eligible students to support their journey through their tertiary studies. They can be:
- Awarded by a university, or on behalf of individuals or organisations to support both current and prospective students
- Given in a lump sum, or as installments at the start of each university semester
- Awarded to all kinds of people eligible by study area, access, merit and equity circumstances
- Referred to as bursaries and used to cover study expenses like travel, practical placement or uniform costs.
'The Jamie Jackway QAS Scholarship supported me in creating a stable work-life balance, while assisting me in covering the course cost for uniforms, travel and accommodation required in my degree.' Rhys, paramedic science student.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible for more than you think! There’s a range of different scholarships available for different people and different circumstances.
School leavers and those thinking about applying to university are encouraged to search and apply. Our scholarship portal allows you to explore what financial support QUT offers in the click of a button.
'The QAS Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship has been extremely helpful in creating a safety net of financial stability while managing full-time study and work commitments.' Bryce, psychology student
And you may not realise that current uni students are also eligible, so don't forget to check for scholarships once you start your course. There are scholarships that can help with the cost of a regional placement or even going on an overseas experience. And if your circumstances change there may be help available, so it's worth talking to someone to find out.
'As my degree allows me to go rural to gain new experiences in a different range of pharmacy settings - I plan to apply for travel bursaries to subsidise the costs - without having to worry about the financial burdens associated with it.' Araniya, pharmacy student.
Read more about Araniya's experiences as a pharmacy student.
Scholarship benefits
Scholarships are there to create opportunities for students and alleviate some of the financial pressures that come with university life. Awarded to cover course fees, housing and living costs - they can positively impact your transition to university.
'QUT’s Equity Scholarship allowed me to be able to afford those unplanned medical expenses and replace my broken laptop, enabling greater participation from me in my degree.' Annabelle, public health student.
Scholarships can also afford you the trip of a lifetime and give your qualifications a boost! Programs like the New Colombo Plan Scholarships offered by the Australian Government, can help students study or complete an internship overseas. New Colombo Plan Scholarships include funds for university fees, language training, travel expenses and living expenses.
'It’s always been my goal to work internationally, and through my New Colombo Plan internship I aim to network with biomedical researchers, explore different lab methodologies, and put into practice the theories and frameworks I’ve learnt from majoring in international business.' Imogen Bishop, biomedical science/business student.
How to apply - preparation is key!
- Start broad when using keywords in your scholarship search - you may be surprised by what’s available for you!
- Start planning early - there are applications that open all year round
- Check out QUT's application tips for advice on how to make your application stand out
- Boot out those scholarship eligibility stereotypes - there are a range of scholarships awarded off a range of different requirements.
So finally:
We get it! Upcoming deadlines and information overload can feel like a lot, so;
- If you get stuck, help is never far away - Our student services team, HiQ is there to answer queries and questions you may have about coming to QUT
- Write out due dates for any upcoming deadlines - don't forget to check in regularly!
- Give priority to your mental and physical wellbeing - reach out for help if things start to become overwhelming - this new and exciting journey revolves around you being a part of it!
