Everything You Need to Know About Applying for University Scholarships

Further your education without the stress of debt.

This post is presented in partnership with the University of Tasmania.

So, you’re planning on heading to uni. Sounds great! Although, it’s no secret that uni can be a bit on the expensive side.

Well, did you know that you can apply for a scholarship to help you out financially? Most universities have heaps of scholarships and education prizes available to domestic and international students across all areas of study, so you’re sure to find one that suits you.

Together with The University of Tasmania, we’ve unpacked what scholarships are, how they can help you and how to find out if you’re eligible for one.

What is a scholarship?

When it comes to uni fees, you probably think about big bucks and a HECS debt. While those things are often part of tertiary education, you can save a whole bunch of money off the cost of your units with a scholarship.

If you’re not 100 per cent on the details, a scholarship is a payment—sometimes in full, other times in part—made to support a student’s education.

The award for a scholarship can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand and you can use it to cover the cost of course fees, books, accomodation and just all round student life.

It’s usually awarded based on academic achievement, personal achievement, personal circumstances or exceptional work.

Receiving a scholarship is a great way to save some money while you study and they’re available across all areas of study. You don’t have to be the top student in your high school class to apply.

How do I choose the right scholarship for me?

The University of Tasmania is super aware that financial needs remains a barrier for higher education in Tasmania. That’s why they’ve completely overhauled their process for access scholarships.

This means that students no longer need to apply for most scholarships. Instead, you automatically receive all of the support you’re eligible for. This includes scholarships that help with relocation, living costs, and accommodation.

All you have to do is apply for your course as you normally would.

For merit based scholarships, you just need to head to The University of Tasmania's Scholarships and Bursaries webpage to search and filter awards by level of study, college and discipline.

The University of Tasmania has over 400 scholarships available across their university, so there’s a lot to pick from.

So, if you’re a commencing undergraduate nursing student, you just filter your college under Health and Medicine, and your discipline by Nursing.

Once you’ve got some results, read through their details, requirements, eligibility, and award amount to determine if the scholarship is right for you.

For instance, some courses may only be eligible to postgrad students, third-year undergraduate students and/or require a minimum mark result to retain the award.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Now that you’ve found the perfect scholarship for you, it’s time to apply.

Unlike other universities, The University of Tasmania has easy access to scholarships, so you don't need to spend hours searching through their website to find the financial aid you need.

When you apply to study with The University of Tasmania, they'll find the right ones for you. They can provide you with financial support, help moving from home, or recognition for your achievements.

If, however, you're looking to apply for a merit based scholarship or are applying at a different university, there are a few quick things you will want to check off, so here are our suggested steps:

Review terms and conditions and check for any requirements.

It’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions of your scholarship so that you know everything about it, just in case your circumstances change. Also, double check you meet the requirements for your course and contact the university if you have any questions.

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.

Just like checking your course entry requirements, you will want to make sure that you meet scholarship eligibility. Review the award that you are applying for and make sure you meet all the requirements.

Include all necessary forms.

Now that you know your eligibility and you have met all the requirements, you can get together all the forms and paperwork that you will need to apply for both your preferred course and scholarship.

This could include your academic transcript, cover letter, or even financial records.

Submit your application.

Once you have all your documentation, you can apply directly through your university.

This may differ depending on your university, but at UTAS you can submit your application through their website via an online form.

Accept your offer.

The last and most exciting step is accepting your offer and scholarship. Now you can get rid of all that financial stress and get studying!

If a scholarship from The University of Tasmania is on your radar and you’d like to find out more, head to The University of Tasmania’s scholarships, fees and costs webpage and get started.

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