Scholarships 101
Are you thinking about how you’ll afford university? Between books, transport, rent and everyday living costs, we know it can add up fast.
The good news is, scholarships of $5000 or more are here to help, and no, they’re not just for straight-A students.
Whether you’re topping the class, juggling challenges, giving things your best shot, or just trying to get through the HSC, there’s probably a scholarship out there with your name on it.
Let’s break it down.
In short: it’s money to support your studies.
You don’t pay it back. It’s not a loan. It’s financial support designed to help make university more affordable.
A scholarship can help cover things like rent, textbooks, accommodation, transport or general living expenses, taking some of the pressure off while you study.
At the University of Newcastle, we award more than $4 million in scholarships each year to support students from all kinds of backgrounds.
Chances are, yes!
Scholarships aren’t just for academic superstars (though there are some for high achievers too).
There are scholarships for students who:
- Live in a regional or remote area
- Experience financial challenges
- Have a disability or long-term medical condition
- Identify as LGBTQIA+
- Are from an Indigenous background
- Play sport at a high level
- Have leadership, volunteering or community involvement experience
- Are studying specific degrees like teaching, nursing or engineering
- Need accommodation support
- Are women entering underrepresented industries
If you said yes to any of the above, you should definitely apply.
Here’s a quick snapshot
- Equity scholarships – for students who’ve experienced personal or financial challenges
- Academic merit scholarships – for high-achieving students
- Degree-based scholarships – linked to what you’re planning to study
- Accommodation scholarships – for on-campus living costs
- Indigenous scholarships – culturally supportive scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Most scholarship applications open around August and close in early February the following year.
Some scholarships close earlier though, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Set yourself a reminder now. Future you will thank you.
No.
The application is completed online and usually takes around 15 minutes. You only need to create one scholarship account and upload your documents once to be considered for multiple scholarships.
You’ll typically need:
- Basic personal information
- A 500–700 word personal statement about you, your goals, and how the scholarship would support your studies
- Your Centrelink reference number (if relevant)
- Supporting documents, depending on your circumstances
That’s it. No massive essays or complicated paperwork.
Absolutely, and you should.
Once you’ve created your account, you can apply for every scholarship you’re eligible for.
The more scholarships you apply for, the more opportunities you have to receive support.
We hear this all the time, and the answer is yes.
Scholarships are for students from all kinds of backgrounds. You don’t need perfect grades or an extraordinary story to apply.
If university is something you’re considering and financial support would help, you should absolutely give it a go.
Best case? You receive support that makes university life easier and more affordable.
Worst case? You don’t get one this time and apply again next year.
Either way, it’s worth trying.
Explore available scholarships here:
University of Newcastle Scholarships.
You can search and filter scholarships to find options that match your circumstances, study area or interests.
If you have questions, you can contact the scholarships team at scholarships@newcastle.edu.au or chat with AskUON.
Don’t rule yourself out
If you’re thinking about university, think about scholarships too.
They’re one of the best ways to make study more affordable, and they exist to support students just like you.
So take the chance and apply. Future you is going to be so glad you did.
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.