Apply for scholarships

Discover Scholarships at the University of Newcastle!

Each year, more than $4 million in scholarships is awarded to students who align with our values of excellence, equity, sustainability, and engagement.

Our scholarships cater to a variety of needs and aspirations, including:

  • Academic achievement
  • Financial support for students facing challenges
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
  • Partnerships with industry
  • Leadership development
  • Sustainability and innovation
  • Travel, sports, global experiences, and more!

Please use the information below to help with your application and answer common questions.

Am I Eligible?

Scholarships have unique eligibility criteria, so take the time to review each one. Apply for as many as you qualify for!

How to Apply

  1. Before You Start:
    • Scholarships open from July 1, with listings available from August for the next academic year.
    • Create a profile in the application portal. This will remain active for the duration of your studies with us, so it is easy to reapply each year.
    • Shortlist scholarships that fit you and register interest for updates.
    • Many of our scholarships are educational disadvantage such as financial challenge, disability, long term medical conditions, living in regional/remote areas (which is anywhere outside of major Australian cities!) and carer and sole parent responsibilities. Research our equity scholarship categories and types of supporting documentation required here.
  2. Application Steps:
    • Sign in or create an account.
    • Complete your profile and personal circumstances.
    • Select scholarships using filters.
    • Upload supporting documents (e.g., a Personal Statement).
    • Ensure applications are marked “submitted.”
    • Wait 6–8 weeks after closing for results via email.
  3. Apply Early: Most scholarships close in Semester 1 (Week 2–3) but documentation can take a while to prepare and assess, so starting early is recommended.

Need Help?

  • General Scholarship Enquiries:
    • Email: scholarships@newcastle.edu.au
    • Phone: 1300 275 866 (local) or +61 2 4921 5000 (international)
  • Application Support:
    • Contact UAC for technical assistance: (+61 2) 9752 0200 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Sydney time).
    • You can email using UAC’s enquiry form.

For more details and to start your application, visit our scholarships page today!

Supporting Documentation: Practical Tips for Success

Getting Started

  • Review Requirements: Carefully check the specific documentation required for each scholarship in the description and within the Your Documents section of your application portal. This will be tailored to both your responses to the Personal Circumstances questions, and the specific scholarships you have chosen.
  • Equity scholarship categories and supporting documents: We use the model developed and assessed by UAC for our equity scholarships. You can find the definitions and get an idea of what supporting documentation will be required here.
  • For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: You may like to apply for scholarships and other university supports that are specific to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. To do this, please follow the university’s guidelines to establish your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity and heritage here.
  • Organise Early: Allow enough time to prepare your written statement and gather any necessary documents before the deadline.

Key Points for Submission

  1. Personal Statement:
    • A mandatory, one-page (A4) statement is required for most scholarships.
    • Highlight:
      • Academic achievements
      • Career aspirations
      • How the scholarship will assist you
    • Tailor your statement for specific scholarships where relevant, but ensure it reflects your authentic self and your unique circumstances.
    • You can address the statement to the Scholarships Selection Panel.
    • Make sure your name and/or student number is included in the document.
  2. Commonly Required Documents:
    • Check individual scholarships for extra requirements (e.g., references, awards, or certifications). These will be listed in the Your Documents tab of your application or may appear as a short answer or Y/N response question when submitting for the scholarship.
    • Medical impact statement: This is a statement about how the medical condition/disability you have claimed will have an effect on your studies. If required, a blank medical impact statement is provided in the Your Documents tab. It must be completed by a registered health professional who is treating your medical condition/disability.
    • Educational impact statement: This is a statement about the impact your medical condition/disability has, or will have, on your studies. If required, a blank statement is provided in the Your Documents tab.
    • Some forms – such as the Educational impact statement – will need to be signed by a Responsible Person. This may be a higher education educator, doctor, specialist medical professional, lawyer, accountant, social worker, counsellor, religious or community leader. They must be familiar with your circumstances and able to comment and provide information about their effect on your ability to study.
    • You can get an idea of what’s required from the sample forms here:
  3. Format and Uploading:
    • For now, all documents must be uploaded as PDFs.
    • Hard copies or emailed documents are not accepted.
    • If there is anything we can do to make this more accessible, please contact scholarships@newcastle.edu.au.

Personal Statement Tips

Your personal statement is your chance to make a compelling case to the selection panel. Use these strategies:

  • Start Strong: Open with a brief introduction about your field of study, ambitions, and what drives you.
  • Be Specific: Clearly connect your academic and personal goals to the scholarship’s purpose.
  • Show Impact: Explain how the scholarship will help overcome challenges, advance your education, or contribute to your long-term goals.
  • Keep It Clear: Avoid jargon or unnecessary detail and maintain a positive, genuine tone. Proofread for clarity and correctness.

Tailoring for Scholarship Types

Equity Scholarships:
When addressing personal or educational disadvantages (e.g., financial hardship, health challenges, or geographic barriers):

  • Focus on how you have navigated these challenges and your resilience in pursuing higher education.
  • Share only what feels comfortable—there is no need to include distressing details. Our goal is to make the scholarship application process a positive and empowering experience.
  • Ensure you’ve included all necessary documentation for your equity assessment, such as your Centrelink CRN or forms completed by health professionals, where applicable.

Excellence Scholarships:
Highlight achievements like academic awards, leadership roles, volunteer work, or participation in special programs (e.g., internships, research, community service). You can often add up to 3 additional supporting documents to evidence these achievements.

Community Leadership Scholarships:
Provide proof of community involvement, leadership positions, or relevant projects (e.g., references or membership in clubs). If relevant, research how the donor supporting the scholarship has contributed to community and discuss how this aligns with your own values and goals.

Scholarship Interviews

There are a few scholarships that require an interview. If shortlisted, you will be contacted via email.

Here's how to prepare:

  • Research: Learn about the scholarship donor or organisation.
  • Review: Be ready to discuss how the scholarship aligns with your goals and circumstances.
  • Availability: Scholarship interviews sometimes need to be arranged on short notice. Try to be available at the time offered.
  • Be Professional: Semi-formal attire is fine—present yourself confidently but authentically.
  • Plan Ahead: Arrive early, whether online or in person.

Writing a Thank You Letter

If you are awarded a donor scholarship, please complete the online survey form to express your gratitude. Your message plays an important role in strengthening our relationships with our philanthropic community and letting sharing the impact of our scholarships.

When writing your message:

  • Address Properly: Use the donor’s name if provided. If unsure, include “and/or Representatives” or confirm with the scholarships team.
  • Be Personal: Share how the scholarship is supporting you and express your genuine appreciation.
  • Stay Professional: Maintain a formal yet warm tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

At the University of Newcastle, we’re proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, thanks to the generosity of our donors, industry partners, university Colleges and Schools, and the Commonwealth Government. These scholarships are designed to open doors, support your ambitions, and celebrate your achievements.

To make the most of these opportunities, it’s important to know where to look and how to apply. Explore the answers to our most frequently asked questions below to get started on your scholarship journey.

Applying

Can I apply?

You may be surprised to learn our scholarships are more accessible than you think! In recent times, around 1 in 5 applicants has been successful in a scholarship offer.

We have scholarships available for full and part-time, domestic and international students at enabling, undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study – just spend some time finding the ones that fit your situation.

When will scholarships be advertised / applications open?

Scholarships can open at any time during the year, but the key period to watch is from September year prior, with most closing by March.

Here’s how you can stay ahead:

  • Apply: Submit your application for scholarships that are currently open.
  • Register Interest: Sign up for notifications about scholarships that haven’t opened yet.
  • Update Your Applications: Return anytime to add new applications or update existing ones.

Additionally, a few mid-year scholarships may be available, typically advertised in July. These often have a short application window, so be sure to act quickly.

Visit the website regularly to make the most of these opportunities!

Note: PhD and Research students should refer to the Graduate Research Scholarships page instead.

Should I apply for scholarships now  if I am planning to defer my offer to study?

Most scholarship offers are to be taken up for the year they are awarded and can not be deferred/

If you are planning to defer your offer to study and have a gap year, you should apply for scholarships advertised for the year you intend to enrol.

Note: The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence in Year 12 canbe reserved for up to one year for students taking a gap year.

When do scholarships close?

Scholarship closing dates can vary, but most applications close by week 2 or 3 of Semester 1.

All scholarships close at midnight on the advertised closing date. We advise you to complete your application well in advance of the closing date, however.

Check the information on the website for the closing date for specific scholarships.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

You can apply for more than one scholarship, in fact, once you put together your documentation, it's very easy to apply for all scholarships that you're eligible for.

Can I be awarded more than one scholarship?

In general, you cannot hold two scholarships at the same time. However, there are exceptions. If you’re unsure or receive more than one offer, please contact us at scholarships@newcastle.edu.au, and we’ll help you accept the scholarship that offers the most value to you.

I’ve already received a scholarship. Can I still apply for or accept other scholarships?

In some cases, yes!

If you receive an early offer but later qualify for a higher-value or more suitable scholarship, we can often help you transfer to the option that benefits you most.

However, if you’re receiving a long-term scholarship that supports you through multiple years of your degree, we ask that you remain on this scholarship to honour your relationship with the donor.

Has my application been submitted correctly?

Your application is ready for processing if:

  • All responses are complete.
  • Relevant supporting documents (e.g., personal statement, proof of status) are uploaded correctly.
  • The status shows ‘Submitted’ on the Your Applications page.

Note: Not all applicants need to provide all documents—check the specific requirements for your scholarship.

How can I track the status of my application?

Visit the Your Applications page in the portal to:

  • View scholarships you’ve registered interest in or started as drafts.
  • Confirm submitted or withdrawn applications.
  • See your application outcomes and whether you were successful.

Stay informed and check regularly!

Are there accessible options for applying for scholarships?

We understand that the current application system may not meet everyone’s needs, as it only supports PDF document uploads. If you require a more accessible option, please reach out to us at scholarships@newcastle.edu.au.

Let us know how we can assist and which alternative methods—such as video uploads—might work better for you. We’re committed to finding the most supportive way to help you with your application.

Who can I contact regarding PhD scholarships and opportunities?

PhD and Research students should refer to the Graduate Research Scholarships page or contact:

Graduate Research
graduate-research@newcastle.edu.au
+61 2 4921 6537

I am an international student with a fee scholarship. Where can I see my scholarship applied?

As an international student with a fee scholarship, your scholarship benefit is applied as a tuition fee reduction for each term of your eligible program. This reduction is based on the number of units you’re enrolled in as of the Census date, as outlined in the University’s Program Handbook.

You’ll initially be billed the standard tuition fee for your enrolled units. After Census date, the scholarship benefit will be applied as a fee waiver to your student account, reducing your tuition fee liability for that term—provided all scholarship conditions are met.

You will be able to see this in your student account after the census date, and allowing time for the reductions to be applied.

For further details, contact international-enquiries@newcastle.edu.au.

Documentation

I can’t upload documents to my scholarship application
  • My uploaded documents aren’t appearing
    In the Scholarships Document section of your application form, check under Uploaded files to ensure your files are listed. If it says “Mandatory” or “Optional”, no file has been uploaded. Click Choose file, select your document, and then click Upload.
  • I can’t click the Upload button
    First, click the Save button to capture your responses. Once you see a confirmation in the bottom left corner, the Upload button will become clickable.
  • I’ve reached the upload limit
    Each document type allows up to three PDF files, each under 5 MB. If your file exceeds this size, reduce its resolution or compress it before uploading.

If you’ve followed these steps and still can’t upload your document, please use the enquiry form for technical assistance.

How do I delete a document that I have uploaded incorrectly?

For Personal Circumstances Documents/ Equity Assessment
For forms such as GD01 and MD01 and supporting documents, these documents can be viewed but not edited or deleted. There are no limits on how many personal circumstances documents you can upload and equity assessors will always review each one and update assessment accordingly. These are treated in confidence and stay within your application. They are not sent to any selection panels for review.

For Personal Statements and Scholarship-specific documents

You can overwrite these files by adding a new document. The most recent upload will download for the selection panel. For mandatory documents, at least one document must always remain uploaded.

Your personal statement will stay active for the duration of your studies with the University, though we recommend you review and update it each year for relevance.

I received an email saying I haven’t met eligibility for <Disadvantage> and requesting more documents. What should I provide?

The required eligibility criteria and supporting documents are outlined in the document package for each personal circumstance you’ve claimed. You can download your document package from the Your Documents section in the application portal.

For an overview of the equity scholarship categories and the types of supporting documents required, please visit the UAC website here.

Note: If you can only provide documents in your parent/guardian's name, upload a copy of your birth certificate or other document(s) that verify your relationship.

If you’re still unsure, you can seek application assistance from the team at UAC via:

Phone: (+61 2) 9752 0200 from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (Sydney time).
Enquire online: You can email using UAC's enquiry form.

We’re here to help you clarify and meet the requirements!

Can I see an example of the forms required for equity assessment, such as Medical, Geographic, and exceptional Financial Hardship?

Yes! Please review sample forms here:

Can I add documents to my application after the closing date?

No. You cannot add scholarship-specific documents to the application portal after the closing date. If compelling circumstances prevented you from completing your application on time, contact scholarships@newcastle.edu.au to discuss a late submission.

Please note that if more than two business days have passed since the closing date, your application may already be with the selection panel, and additional documents might not be considered.

Selection and Outcomes

When will I be notified of the outcome of my application?

Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.

Selection can take up to 8 weeks as there are a large number of scholarships closing around the same time.

Can I defer my scholarship?

Generally, no. Most scholarship offers are to be taken up for the year they are awarded.

If you have exceptional circumstances preventing you from starting study, you may apply for special consideration to reserve your scholarship via email to scholarships@newcastle.edu.au. This should be accompanied by supporting evidence.

If you are planning to defer your offer to study and have a gap year, you should apply for scholarships for the year you intend to enrol.

Note: The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence in Year 12 canbe reserved for up to one year for students taking a gap year.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

You’ll receive an email with your scholarship offer and its conditions. To accept or decline, log in to MyHub at https://myhub.newcastle.edu.au. Successful applicants may be invited to events like Scholars Week, and the scholarship will be noted on your academic transcript.

What happens when I am successful for a scholarship?

You will receive an email with the offer of the scholarship and the conditions relating to the scholarship. To accept or decline your scholarship you need to login to MyHub at https://myhub.newcastle.edu.au.

Successful scholars may be asked to attend a Scholars Week event or other events acknowledging your achievements and the philanthropic giving of our Donors. You will also have the details of your scholarship noted on your academic transcript.

What happens when I am unsuccessful for a scholarship?

If you’re unsuccessful, it could be due to high competition or unmet criteria. This is no way  reflects your worth or needs and we encourage you to reapply in the next round or the following year.

Payments

When and how do I receive payment for my scholarship?

Payments are typically made within 21 days of the relevant census date, via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into your nominated account. This is the same account you provide when accepting your scholarship in MyHub. Scholarships for tuition fees are credited directly to your tuition account around each census date. If you haven’t received your payment within the expected time, please contact Scholarships.

Scholarships paid toward tuition fees will be applied directly to your tuition account.  You will be billed normal tuition fee rates based on enrolment load leading into Census date. The tuition fee waiver may not be reflected on the tuition fee account until census has passed. After Census date, a fee waiver will be applied to the recipient’s student account.

If you have allowed sufficient time and still are concerned about your payment, please contact scholarships@newcastle.edu.au.

Is my scholarship taxable?

A scholarship may be taxable in some cases, especially if you are studying part-time. Please use the ATO’s Is my Scholarship Taxable? tool for more details.

Do I need to declare my scholarship to Centrelink?

Yes, you should declare all scholarships to Centrelink. Please also check the ATO tax tool to see if your scholarship is taxable.

Scholarship Conditions

What if I am not meeting the ongoing requirements of my scholarship?

Some scholarships require you to maintain full-time enrolment or meet certain academic standards. If you fail to meet these conditions, your scholarship may be withdrawn, and you’ll be notified via email. If you’re facing challenges with your enrolment or academic progress, contact the Scholarships team to discuss options, including special consideration for extenuating circumstances.

Can I reserve my ongoing scholarship?

Some scholarships allow you to apply for leave in special circumstances. Check the conditions in your offer letter for more details.

Can I change my program of study?

This will depend on the scholarship conditions.

Many scholarships are awarded for any undergraduate study, so a change of program may not impact your scholarship.

If your scholarship is for a specific program (e.g., B Music and Performing Arts), changing your program may affect your eligibility.

If you’re unsure, please review your scholarship conditions document and/or contact scholarships@newcastle.edu.au

Can I repay my scholarship if I am no longer entitled to it?

es, if you can no longer meet the conditions of your scholarship and wish to return it, Scholarships staff can help arrange a repayment. Contact us at scholarships@newcastle.edu.au.

Is anything expected of me as a scholarship recipient?

You are expected to continue meeting the criteria outlined in your scholarship conditions and to contact us if you are unable to do this. Some scholarships may also require additional tasks, such as submitting an essay. Additionally, if your scholarship is donor-funded, we may ask you to write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend events like Scholars Week to acknowledge your achievements and the generosity of donors.