How These Two Students Transformed Their Lives With the Ultimate Uni Scholarship

Swap regional living for the big city life 🏙️

This article is presented in partnership with Australian National University. 

Ever wondered how a uni scholarship can transform your life?

If you live outside a metro city or regionally, a uni scholarship is a game-changer when it comes to your future at uni.

But there’s also things to worry about like being away from your family, the costs, accommodation, and of course, where you want to study.

A great way to take some of those worries off your plate is to apply for a uni scholarship.

Australian National University (ANU) students Ulrika Wild and Bo Zeng took the leap of faith and are now thriving in uni life after applying for the Tuckwell Scholarship Program.

If you’re keen to spread your wings post Year 12, find out how a uni scholarship transformed their lives.

A chance to study somewhere new.

Ulrika grew up in Beechworth in north-eastern Victoria and never thought she’d end up in Canberra.

Now studying a Bachelor of Medical Science, she loves the opportunities her scholarship has provided her.

“Most of my friends at school were applying to smaller universities or ones in Melbourne,” she said.

“I was also exploring other options but never thought I’d end up in Canberra.

“But I was doing a Google deep dive one day and came across ANU. I loved that it had so many great facilities, a wide range of courses, including Advanced German courses, and that the pathways to careers are flexible.”

Have some of your finances covered.

A huge factor for students when choosing a uni scholarship is choosing one with enough financial backing. Especially with the rate of cozzie livs at the moment.

Ulrika said it was a huge part of what made her consider applying for the ANU Tuckwell Scholarship.

“Coming from a regional area and moving to a big city uni does have its challenges,” Ulrika said about the support she needs.

“ANU has made the transition so much easier.

“Financially, the scholarship helps me with a lot of my living expenses which eases some of the stress.”

Tuckwell scholars receive $26,000 per annum for the length of their undergrad degree (full-time study) to cover on-campus residential costs, books and living expenses. Plus, students get a travel allowance with two annual return journeys back home and an ANU Sports Centre Membership.

This way scholars can worry less about finances and focus more on living their best uni life.

Find a home away from home.

While financial support is just one thing a scholarship might offer, if you’re moving from a regional town to a big city you’ll want to make sure you’re emotionally supported too. 

Bo moved all the way from Alice Springs to Canberra as part of his scholarship. Now on campus, Bo is now living at Burton and Garran Hall in ANU and has made plenty of friends.

“We are a really tight-knit group, and I’ve made so many friends,” he said.

“The kitchens are very relaxed, social places.

“It’s a bit of a trap actually, as you’ll start cooking dinner and then end up talking to someone for the next five hours. I love it!”

Tuckwell scholars will have their very own support system as they’ll get to take part in orientation events, one-on-one mentoring, and receive advice from the Head of Scholars House, the Program Director and Program Staff.

It’s not all about grades, it’s about ✨character✨ too.

As if things couldn't get any better, it really isn’t just about grades.

ANU Tuckwell Scholars are chosen for intellect, character, leadership and commitment to Australia.

Although books are important, the scholarship is also about providing students with unique opportunities to develop their leadership skills. 

For example, Ulrika took out the gong for the 2022 Swiss Prize from the Embassy of Switzerland in the German category.

Her winning entry was an essay, written in German, on the connection between Italians and the Gothard Railway! We stan a multilingual queen 💅

If Bo and Ulrika’s journeys have inspired you to apply to the Tuckwell Scholarship and you’re finishing school next year, you can apply directly to ANU in March for study in 2025!

When asked if you wish to apply for the Tuckwell Scholarship, make sure you click ‘yes’ and ANU will send you all the info you need within three business days.

Applications close on 11 April 2024 for study at ANU in 2025. There are 25 places available and applying directly to ANU in March could mean an offer as early as September.

To find out more about the scholarship and the eligibility criteria head here. 

Header Image: ANU.