External Scholarships

Here you will find links to some great scholarships offered outside the university. These are not administered by the University of Newcastle so follow the links to get all the information you need.

Available scholarships

International

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are long-term awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They aim to contribute to the development needs of Australia's partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements.

They provide opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions.

The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards Scholarships develop the skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to development in their own countries.

Please review the Australia Awards Scholarships website for more information on participating countries and application open and close dates.

Research and Postgraduate

The Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Research & Postgraduate Scholarships

Postgraduate Research Award (PGRA) - consists of a A$9,000 per annum stipend given to students studying their PhD at an AINSE Member University. The Award also provides travel and accommodation support for students to present at conferences, undertake field work or travel to ANSTO facilities.

Early Career Researcher Grant (ECRG) - consists of a A$10,000 payment given to persons in the first five years (full-time equivalent) of their postdoctoral research career. The grant can be spent on fieldwork and conference travel costs, publication fees and printing costs, and laboratory consumables (all relating to the recipient’s approved ANSTO proposal), in addition to carer requirements, including costs relating to childcare, respite, and support of dependents, subject to AINSE’s discretion.

AINSE Supported Facilities (ASF) travel scholarship - travel funding for researchers and students undertaking research at a facility outside of ANSTO that is supported by AINSE. The ASF provides a contribution for travel expenses to the supported facility.

Overseas Conference Scholarships - Students who are enrolled at an AINSE Member University and presenting AINSE-supported research at an international meeting being conducted outside of Australia are invited to apply for AINSE International Conference Travel Scholarships. Successful applicants will be awarded up to A$1,000 towards the cost their attendance registration fees (online or in-person) at an overseas conference, or direct flights to and from an overseas conference.

Pathway Scholarship - a A$5,000 payment given to students undertaking an Honours project OR a Masters project (either Coursework Masters or Research Masters) involving the use of ANSTO facilities or prior AINSE-sponsored research data.

SAAFE Research Internship Program - The SAAFE program supports Early Career Researchers at PhD and postdoctoral levels to travel from Australia or New Zealand to France – and from France to Australia – to initiate sustainable research networks and linkages.

Fulbright Australia

The Fulbright Program is the flagship foreign exchange scholarship program of the United States of America, aimed at increasing binational research collaboration, cultural understanding, and the exchange of ideas. Australian students, academics, and professionals have the chance to study, research, or lecture in the USA, unlocking new pathways to academic and career success.

Please check the information for Australian Applicants for details of available scholarships, application rounds, and closing dates each year.

Gary Sansom Scholarship

Scholarship established to support the AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program industry priorities. The successful recipient will an honours, masters or PhD student who wants to make a difference to the chicken meat industry by conducting research.

The prestigious Gary Sansom Scholarship will seek to identify high-quality students, foster a career pathway in the chicken meat industry and support industry-relevant research. Worth up to $30,000, the Scholarship is broken down per level of study as follows.

For more information and key application dates, please visit the AgriFutures website.

General Sir John Monash Foundation - John Monash Scholarship

The General Sir John Monash Foundation provides postgraduate scholarships to support outstanding Australians to undertake studies anywhere in the world.

The Scholarship’s purpose is to foster Australian leadership, expertise and international networks for the long-term benefit of the country. The John Monash Scholarship is emblematic of our country's academic talent, diversity and leadership excellence.

Successful Scholarship applicants demonstrate excellence in their field, leadership aptitude, and are motivated to contribute to a better future for Australia.

Why apply?

Choose from any overseas university to best support your proposed study program.
Join the network of John Monash Scholarships Alumni, a collaborative and actively connected global community.
Gain admission into the John Monash Foundation Leadership Academy, an alumni group that provides lifelong career support, professional development and networking opportunities.
Successful applicants are supported by the Foundation to navigate international relocation and the Foundation supports the wellbeing of students through our international Scholar networks.
Receive a contribution of $100,000 AUD towards tuition, living expenses and related costs, per year of study (maximum of $300,000 AUD for 3 years of study) plus travel support.

Check application and key dates annually on the How to Apply page.

QUAD FELLOWSHIP by IIE

The Quad Fellowship is an initiative of the governments of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. This first-of-its-kind scholarship program is designed to build ties among the next generation of scientists and technologists and builds on the renewed commitment to regional cooperation that emerged from the revitalisation of the Quad dialogue in November 2017. This revival marked a strategic shift toward strengthening security, economic, and technological collaboration among the four nations, laying the foundation for initiatives like the Quad Fellowship. The Quad Fellowship is operated in consultation with a non-governmental task force composed of academic, foreign policy, and private sector leaders from each Quad country. The Institute of International Education (IIE), a global not-for-profit organisation that manages many of the world’s most prestigious scholarship and fellowship programs, administers the fellowship.

For more information and key application dates, please visit the Quad Fellowship Apply page.

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded, full time, postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship, with the purpose of developing public-spirited leaders, and to promote international understanding and peace through an international community of Scholars.

Rhodes Scholars come to the UK for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses offered by Oxford University.

For more information and key application dates, please review the Rhodes Scholarship website.

State Super ESG for Impact Scholarship

State Super has launched a scholarship program to support Honours/Masters (with a research component) or PhD students pursuing research in fields related to environment, social and governance (ESG) issues, responsible investment, or public sector employees and their retirement, pensions or superannuation.

There are four $16,000 scholarships available for Masters/Honours students, and one $36,000 scholarship for a PhD student. Applications are open until 5 December 2025. For more information please review the State Super website.

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

APS Bendi Lango Bursary

The APS Bursary of Financial Assistance for People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent (Bendi Lango bursary) was established by the Australian Psychological Society to support postgraduate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychology students.

Each bursary of financial assistance is valued at $15,000 per annum for up to two years of full-time study, or $7,500 per annum for up to four years of part-time study. For more information please review the Bendi Lango Bursary web page.

Aurora First Nations Cancer Scholarship

Aurora Education Foundation’s First Nations Cancer Scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to undertake full-time postgraduate study (graduate certificate, masters or a PhD) or research in a cancer-related field.

Scholarships are valued at up to $120,000 AUD per year, for up to three years. Recipients will also have access to up to $5,000 AUD per year in tailored academic and wellbeing support. In addition, Aurora will facilitate community and network-building opportunities for individuals and the scholarship cohort. Please see the Aurora website for more information.

Aurora Internship Program

Aurora Education Foundation's Internship Program offers full time internships for 4-6 weeks or part-time equivalents at organisations working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Aurora supports Indigenous and selected non-Indigenous interns to develop practical skills, gain real-world career experience and build professional networks. Please see the Aurora website for more information.

The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme

A scholarship scheme managed by Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) designed to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying in health to succeed in their undergraduate studies.

The scholarship provides access to financial, cultural, mentoring, and other supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying in health, including access to up to $15,000 per annum (full-time) for the normal duration of the course. Please see the IAHA website for more information on closing dates, eligible programs and other requirements.

Teacher Education Scholarship - Aboriginal

The Teacher Education Scholarship - Aboriginal is an identified scholarship available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples commencing or continuing an initial teacher education degree to become a primary or secondary school teacher in a NSW public school.

The scholarship provides financial support of up to $7,500 per year whilst studying full-time, a $6,000 appointment allowance, and a permanent teaching position with the NSW Department of Education following successful completion of studies. For information see the Teach NSW website.

Rural and Regional

Future of Work Program

The Future of Work Program is your chance to undertake an eligible course from the Regional Education and Skills Program (RESP) or an advanced apprenticeship and upskill, reskill, or learn new skills.

This program is designed to prepare people to become the regional workforce of the future. It will create 1,000 skills development opportunities by funding students undertaking an eligible course from the Regional Education and Skills Program or an advanced apprenticeship in target regional areas. The Upper Hunter Region in NSW is one of the target regions for the program.

Please check the Future of Work Program website regularly for key application dates and more information.

JB Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism and Communications

The JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications is a prestigious national award that encourages and supports a young student who is passionate about pursuing a career in rural and regional journalism/communications upon graduation. The Award was established through a private donation from Mr John B Fairfax, AO.

The Award includes a $12,500 scholarship along with the following suite of internships providing practical work experience with:

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Media Team at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
Australian Community Media at The Land Newspaper
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in their Brisbane newsroom

The application process involves submitting an article, blog post, video or audio report of up to 600 words on a topic of your choice. Your piece may have been broadcast or published before.

For more information and key application dates, please visit the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW website.

RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships

The Royal Agricultural Society Foundation has established Rural Scholarships which are available to support individuals in NSW and the ACT, who demonstrate a passion for rural communities and commitment for any career that will ensure the future success of rural and regional NSW.

Scholarships of up to $7,000 are available for full-time students and up to $3,500 for part-time students. The scholarships are paid in three instalments throughout the year, with the first instalment paid in April of each year. For more information and key application dates, please visit the RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships page on the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW website.

Tertiary Access Payment (TAP)

The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a one off payment of up to $5,000. It’s to help eligible students with the cost of moving to study. This is for study (such as University or Vocational Educational and Training) after you’ve finished year 12 or equivalent.

To get the payment you must move from a regional or remote area for tertiary study.

Regional areas are places that aren’t in or near a major city. You can check if your family home is in a regional or remote area using the Student Regional Area Search.

Visit the Tertiary Access Payment page on the Services Australia website for information on how to access this payment.

Health

Australian College of Nursing

Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is dedicated to helping you be the best you can be by providing access to scholarships, grants and awards. ACN administers a range of Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students in aged care, nursing, and midwifery courses as well as scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying entry-level health courses.

ACN also offers grants and awards to support nurses to complete continuing professional development as well as postgraduate study and research.

Be sure to register your interest to be notified when upcoming scholarship opportunities become available and review the information available on the ACN Scholarships page regularly!

Health Education and Training (HETI)

HETI provides scholarships and grants to provide equal access to education in areas of need including:

Nursing and Midwifery scholarships and grants
Rural Allied Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate scholarships and grants
Postgraduate Scholarships in Applied Mental Health Studies and Psychiatric Medicine

Check HETI's Placements, Scholarships and Grants page for opportunities to support thousands of NSW Health staff and students to develop their careers.

NSW Government - Health

NSW Health offers a range of support to students including:

Nursing and midwifery scholarships and financial assistance of up to $15,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Tertiary Health Study Subsidies of up to $12,000 for nursing, medical, midwifery, paramedical, or allied health students (or graduates) who commit to working with NSW Health

Please check the Scholarships and training programs page on the NSW Health website for current opportunities.

Arts

The Brian White Scholarship

If you're a recent graduate or final-year student in Communications or Journalism, this is your chance to make that dream a reality!

Named after the trailblazing radio broadcaster Brian White, who made history as Australian commercial radio’s inaugural cadet journalist in 1953, the Brian White Scholarship stands as an annual beacon of industry excellence. Awarded by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), this prestigious radio news cadetship seeks out the finalist who best exemplifies a passion for and talent in radio news and current affairs reporting.

If you’re ready to dive into the heart of radio journalism here’s your chance to work side by side with industry leaders in radio news. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the best and shape the future of broadcasting.

Please see the Brian White Scholarship page on the CRA website for more information and to keep an eye on application dates!

The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships

The Marten Bequest Scholarships offer talented young artists the chance to explore, study and develop their artistic gifts through travelling either interstate and/or overseas.

Scholarships are each worth $50,000, payable in quarterly instalments over two years.

For more information and key application dates, please visit the Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships page. Please use the search the Creative Australia website to see what other scholarships might be available.

Vida Lahey Memorial Travelling Scholarship

The Vida Lahey Memorial Travelling Scholarship gives young or emerging Australian artists or young Australian art history students or graduates an extraordinary opportunity to develop their practice or research through an itinerary of international or national travel that will contribute to an understanding of Australian art.

The $40,000 Scholarship is offered every two years . More information is available on the QAGOMA Foundation website.

Construction Management and Surveying

Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) Donald Napier Scholarships

Through the generosity of the late Donald Napier, AIQS is able to support the future leaders of the profession with a $5000 scholarship as they begin their university degree.

AIQS offers scholarships each year for Year 12 students and early school leavers who qualify for entry into a construction management degree that is AIQS accredited in Australia.

Please regularly review the information and key application dates listed on the AIQS Scholarships page.

Science and Engineering

The Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Winter School

The annual AINSE Winter School offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for senior undergraduate students to discover the potential for further research in nuclear science and related technologies. In the online week of the event (July), students can meet and engage with future research collaborators, gain deep insight into ANSTO’s landmark research facilities, and network with other like-minded students from all across Australia and New Zealand.

More information is available on the AINSE Winter School page.

Australian Sugar Industry Scholarship

The Australian Sugar Industry Scholarship is awarded to undergraduates (in their penultimate year of study) studying engineering (chemical, mechanical, process, or electrical), science, or technical disciplines at an Australian university or tertiary institution. The Australian Sugar Industry Scholarship aims to encourage the participation of high calibre students in the Australian sugar processing industry.

In addition to financial and work placement support, the Australian Sugar Industry Scholarship program helps recipients to make the most of their university experience through extra development opportunities by building their leadership skills and professional networks.

For more information please see the Australian Sugar Industry Scholarship page.

Propel Australian Submarine Scholarship Program

Propel will award 3,000 scholarships to undergraduate STEM students providing access to education and career opportunities associated with AUKUS.

The scholarships will provide up to $5,000 over the 2-year duration (paid as $3,000 in 2026 and $2,000 in 2027). In addition to this, Propel will provide connections and engagement with students, the Australian Submarine Agency, and the Nuclear Powered Submarine enterprise, and an awareness of ASA and Defence entry-level workforce programs.

To be considered, applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be enrolled as a domestic student at an Australian university.
Be studying one or more STEM bachelor (undergraduate) degrees, as listed in the application guidelines.
Have at least 2 years of full-time or equivalent study remaining in their degree.

Applications for the 2026 Propel program are currently open and will close at 11:59am (AEDT) Monday 10 November 2025. You can sign up to Propel’s mailing list to hear more about the program and future application rounds. For more information please visit the Propel Scholarship Program page on the ATSE website.

Teaching

NSW Teachers Federation

Students enrolled in NESA-accredited initial teacher education programs in NSW are encouraged to apply for Federation’s Future Teacher Scholarships. Awardees can use their $4,000 scholarship to help with educational expenses directly related to their teacher training, such as a laptop, textbooks, computer software and stationery.

Federation student members (student membership of the union is free) who are studying full or part time can apply and Federation will award up to 15 scholarships to successful applicants.

Check the Future Teacher Scholarships page for more information and key application dates.

Teach NSW

Get paid to study! Teach NSW for the NSW Department of Education offers a range of scholarships, internships and cadetships.

Teacher Education Scholarship - you may be eligible if your future plans include completing an initial teacher education degree or you are currently studying to become a secondary mathematics, science, technological, or applied studies (TAS), English teacher, or an inclusive/special education teacher (K - 12). Provides up to $7,500 per year (for full-time study), a $6,000 appointment allowance, and a permanent teaching position with the NSW Department of Education following successful completion of studies.

teach.Rural Scholarship - provides up to $7,500 per year whilst studying full-time (pro-rata for part-time study), equivalent course contribution fees of up to $50,000*, a $6,000 appointment allowance, and a permanent position in a rural or remote NSW public school following successful completion of studies. Scholars may also be eligible for a $500 per week rural practicum allowance.

Transition to Teaching Scholarship Program - supports individuals looking to change their career pathway and become a teacher in a NSW public school. Program participants who have completed a relevant recognised undergraduate degree will be supported to study a flexible NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) accredited Master of Teaching (Secondary) degree and become a teacher in an identified subject area of need.

Participants receive up to $10,000 per year whilst studying full time, $1,000 per week professional experience allowance (up to $12,000), support to apply for Conditional accreditation and commence teaching on a casual or temporary basis after completing the first 6-months of their flexible master's degree, and a permanent teaching position with the NSW Department of Education following successful completion of studies. Experienced career changers will also be supported to access enhanced Salary Determination Procedures, recognising their years of industry experience in their commencing salary with the department.

Be sure to regularly check Teach NSW's Get paid to study page so you don't miss any new opportunities.

Local Area and Conservation

Cessnock City Council Mayoral Scholarships

If you reside in the Cessnock LGA, and are currently undertaking study at university or TAFE, you may be eligible for a $2,500 scholarship to assist you. The money can be used to help offset costs such as course fees, textbooks, study supplies, laptops and more.

Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit, community involvement and achievement, and their Mayoral Scholarship Program application. Applications are welcomed from residents living within the LGA, of any age, to achieve their educational goals at university or TAFE.

Check the Mayoral Scholarship Program for more information and key application dates.

NSW Government Local Land Services - Hunter

Check the Incentives, Funding and Scholarships page for opportunities in local conservation and land management initiatives, including Scholarships. Please check the website regularly for updates, new opportunities and key application dates each year.

Port Stephens Council Mayoral Academic Scholarships

Every year, the Mayoral Academic Scholarship Program offers scholarships generously sponsored by local business to students embarking on their first year of tertiary study.

Now in its sixteenth year, the fund has supported more than 180 students on their way to further education.

Along with financial assistance, the program also allows students to build relationships and create connections with industry leaders from across Port Stephens.

Applications open 22 July to 3 December 2025. Please check the Mayoral Academic Scholarship page for more information.

Travel and Mobility

Fulbright Australia

Please check the information for Australian Applicants for details of available scholarships, application rounds, and closing dates each year.

General Sir John Monash Foundation - John Monash Scholarship

The General Sir John Monash Foundation provides postgraduate scholarships to support outstanding Australians to undertake studies anywhere in the world.

Successful Scholarship applicants demonstrate excellence in their field, leadership aptitude, and are motivated to contribute to a better future for Australia.

Why apply?

Choose from any overseas university to best support your proposed study program.
Join the network of John Monash Scholarships Alumni, a collaborative and actively connected global community.
Gain admission into the John Monash Foundation Leadership Academy, an alumni group that provides lifelong career support, professional development and networking opportunities.
Successful applicants are supported by the Foundation to navigate international relocation and the Foundation supports the wellbeing of students through our international Scholar networks.
Receive a contribution of $100,000 AUD towards tuition, living expenses and related costs, per year of study (maximum of $300,000 AUD for 3 years of study) plus travel support.

Check application and key dates annually on the How to Apply page.

Rhodes Scholarship

Rhodes Scholars come to the UK for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses offered by Oxford University.

For more information and key application dates, please review the Rhodes Scholarship website.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and up to 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.

Vida Lahey Memorial Travelling Scholarship

The $40,000 Scholarship is offered every two years . More information is available on the QAGOMA Foundation website.

Women

The Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Wise School

Annual all-expenses-covered 4-day school to inspire future female leaders in science and entrepreneurship. Hosted at ANSTO for first and second year female-identifying students in undergraduate degrees. For more information visit the AINSE WISE School web page.

Graduate Women NSW

Please check the Scholarships and Awards page for opportunities for graduate women advertised throughout the year. These awards are a great way to encourage women to continue their study and provide some financial support.

General

A Start in Life Scholarships and Tertiary Program

A Start in Life assists students without most of life’s necessities to seek a brighter future through education.

For students who are committed to advancing and broadening their educational and future horizons, A Start in Life 's Tertiary Program offers up to $3,600 per year to help cover textbooks, rent, transport, internet, utilities, equipment, and more. The program also offers a $1,400 laptop voucher, an academic bonus of $500 each year for achieving strong results, and work placement grants of $500 to $1,500 per year to cover travel, uniforms, and lost income while on placement.

In addition to this, the program also provides regular check-ins, where students can reflect on their progress, talk through challenges and celebrate achievements with A Start in Life's support team. These check-ins create a sense of continuity and encouragement—especially when things get tough.

The Tertiary Program offers up to four years of ongoing support to help you thrive at uni or TAFE. Everything is delivered online, making it simple to stay connected. You’ll receive regular financial assistance and check-ins to keep you motivated, supported, and ready to make the most of your studies. For more information please see A Start in Life's Tertiary Program page.

Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT)

AVCAT provide scholarships valued between $4,000 - $6,000 to assist children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans with the costs of studying. For more information please view the AVCAT Scholarships page.

Bendigo Bank Scholarships

Bendigo Bank offers a range of scholarships for University and TAFE students including regional, rural, indigenous, agricultural, and Community Bank programs.

In 2026, Bendigo Bank funded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to more than 448 students!

Opportunities and key dates are listed on the Bendigo Bank Scholarships page. Check regularly and apply!

The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarships

The Pinnacle Foundation provides educational scholarships, mentoring and opportunities for young LGBTQIA+ Australians to realise their full potential. Scholarships are awarded for full-time study at public higher education institutions in Australia, for the purpose of gaining an educational or vocational qualification in any profession, trade or the arts.

Scholarships awarded to students in their first year as a Pinnacle scholar are valued at $8,400, whereas scholarships awarded to returning scholars are valued at $6,300. Please check the Pinnacle Foundation website regularly for key application dates.

Real Futures Grant

Real Insurance are committed to protecting the quality of people's lives. As part of this commitment, they are helping to encourage the best people into the healthcare, business and finance industries by providing the Real Futures Grant. This is a $5,000 grant offered every year for Tertiary Students in Business, Finance, Medicine, Healthcare, and specialist healthcare.

Please see the Real Insurance Grants page for more information.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.