Scholarships and income support

How can scholarships help fund your studies?

Scholarships are an excellent way to reduce the financial pressure of tuition fees, living costs, and other study-related expenses.

There is a wide variety of scholarships, grants, and bursaries available to support your education in Australia. These are offered by:

the Australian Government
education institutions like universities and TAFEs
public and private organisations.

Scholarships come in different forms and durations:

Some scholarships cover a portion of your expenses, while others may cover the entire cost of your studies.
Scholarships may be awarded for academic excellence, sporting achievements, cultural or community contributions, or to support students experiencing financial hardship.

Scholarships can help cover:

full or partial tuition fees
living expenses, such as accommodation, transport, or daily costs
specialised educational expenses, like research tools, study materials, or equipment.

With so many options available, scholarships can make studying in Victoria more affordable and also reward and support your unique talents, achievements, and circumstances.

How can I find scholarships?

Use the Study Melbourne Course Finder to search for scholarships by study discipline, location, and level of study.

Select the ‘Scholarships’ tab to view options tailored to your needs.

Tips for your scholarship application

Scholarships can be highly competitive. Follow these tips to help you stand out:

Prepare and plan

Start by creating a checklist of everything you need for the application. Carefully read through the scholarship criteria and make sure you include:

personal documents, such as ID or proof of residency
academic transcripts or records
essays or written responses
proof of financial need (if required).

Once you have your checklist, take note of the application deadline. Work backwards, plan how much time you will need for each part of the process, and set reminders to stay on track. To avoid last-minute stress, aim to submit your application early.

Research the scholarship

Knowing the background of the scholarship can help tailor your application.

If the scholarship comes from a private company, explore their work, mission, and values on their website.
If it’s funded by a university department, learn about their focus areas, research specialities, or community initiatives.

Including relevant details in your application shows you’ve taken the time to understand the scholarship’s purpose and intent.

Highlight your achievements

This is your chance to shine! Showcase your academic, personal, and professional successes to demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate.

Share your academic highlights, such as top grades or project work.
Discuss personal achievements, such as volunteer work or community engagement.
Include a well-written personal statement that outlines your unique experiences, long-term goals, and what makes you stand out.

Be clear, concise, and compelling in your responses to leave a lasting impression.

Pay attention to detail

Make sure your application is complete and addresses all the criteria.

Double-check the scholarship requirements to ensure you’ve included everything requested, such as essays or supporting documents.
Proofread your responses carefully to avoid errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting.

If available, seek help from a teacher, academic advisor, or tutor for feedback on your application. They can offer suggestions, check flow and clarity, and ensure your submissions meet the highest standards.

Lastly, if word or page limits are provided, make sure you follow them exactly. Submitting a well-prepared, comprehensive application can make all the difference.