Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For students studying at the University of Newcastle there are many scholarships available. Thanks to the generosity of donors, university faculties and degree programs and the Commonwealth Government, a range of scholarships are on offer to provide great opportunities for budding scholars, artists and athletes. To benefit from a scholarship, it is important to understand where and how to apply. Read below some of our most frequently asked questions:
What are the benefits of receiving a scholarship?
The value of scholarships varies and can range from $500 to $15,000 per annum. These funds are intended to help with study related costs including textbooks and equipment. The funds can also cover the costs of living such as accommodation. Along with the financial benefits scholarship recipients receive, there is the prestige associated with being awarded a scholarship which will be recorded on the recipient’s academic transcript. You can also add your scholarship award to your resume and sometimes there are also opportunities to do work experience with your scholarship donor or sponsor.
Who can apply for scholarships?
You are able to apply for any scholarship, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria of that particular scholarship. The eligibility criteria could include such things as being enrolled in a particular faculty, a particular degree or discipline, being in a particular year of a degree (e.g. 1st year) or be enrolled full-time etc. Refer to the specific eligibility criteria in your scholarship/s of interest.
How do I apply for scholarships?
Information and application forms for all scholarships offered by the University of Newcastle are available online at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/scholarships. Applications can be submitted online and any additional documentation required forwarded to the Scholarships Officer or uploaded through https://myhub.newcastle.edu.au/.
What is the closing date for scholarships?
Closing dates for scholarships vary with applications generally closing in the early part of the year (31 March). Check the information on the website for the closing date for specific scholarships.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for as many scholarships as you like. It is advised that you apply for any and all scholarships that you meet the eligibility criteria for. So start applying!
Can I be awarded more than one scholarship?
It depends on the particular scholarships as each scholarship has its own conditions which state whether the student can hold other scholarships or not. This information is outlined in the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
Will I be notified that my application has been received?
Yes. You will be notified by email when your online application has been received.
When will I be notified of the outcome of my application?
Once the scholarship winner has been decided, the Scholarships Officer will notify all applications of the outcome. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email. Successful applicants will receive correspondence in the mail. All applicants will be able to view the status of their application/s online anytime at https://myhub.newcastle.edu.au.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Each scholarship has selection criteria. Scholarship applicants, who meet the eligibility criteria, are assessed and in some cases applicants are interviewed by a selection committee. The best candidate is offered the scholarship.
Selection criteria can include academic merit which includes Grade Point Average (GPA) or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), equity criteria (financial hardship, sole parent/carer, non-English speaking background, medical condition/disability, Indigenous etc), location (rural or isolated), personal attributes, performance at interview or a combination of selection criteria.
What happens when I am successful for a scholarship?
You will receive notification in the mail in the form of an official offer letter along with a set of conditions relating to the scholarship and a scholarship acceptance form. To accept or decline your scholarship you need to login to MyHub at https://myhub.newcastle.edu.au.
When and how do I receive payment for my scholarship?
Payment is made within six weeks after the relevant semester census date* and after enrolment. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is the means of payment, deposited directly into a nominated account.
* Semester One census date is 31 March
* Semester Two census date is 31 August
Can I defer my scholarship offer?
Typically, no. The vast majority of scholarship offers at the University of Newcastle are not deferrable. Please refer to scholarship conditions for further clarification.
Will receiving a scholarship affect my Centrelink benefits and/or taxable income for the year?
It is the student's responsibility to seek advice from the relevant government department or their financial advisor in regards to their own personal circumstances. The Australian Taxation Office has a Scholarship Decision Tool which is designed to assist you in deciding if you non-government scholarship is taxable. This can be found at http://ato.gov.au.
