Find and apply for tertiary scholarships
About tertiary scholarships
If you are planning to study after high school, a scholarship can help make study more affordable.
A scholarship is money that helps pay for education and study-related costs. Unlike a loan, you do not need to pay it back.
Scholarships can help pay for study costs such as fees, books, technology, travel, accommodation and living expenses.
A scholarship is money that helps pay for education and study-related costs. Unlike a loan, you do not need to pay it back.
Scholarships can help pay for study costs such as fees, books, technology, travel, accommodation and living expenses.
Apply for equity scholarships when you apply for uni or TAFE
One of the easiest ways to apply for scholarships is through your Tertiary Admissions Centre application.
As a Learning for Life student, you may be eligible for Educational Access Schemes (EAS) and Equity Scholarships.
When you apply for university or TAFE through your state's Tertiary Admissions Centre, look for the option to apply for EAS and Equity Scholarships. By ticking this box, you will be considered for scholarships and other support.
Find more information Equity and EAS Scholarships:
As a Learning for Life student, you may be eligible for Educational Access Schemes (EAS) and Equity Scholarships.
When you apply for university or TAFE through your state's Tertiary Admissions Centre, look for the option to apply for EAS and Equity Scholarships. By ticking this box, you will be considered for scholarships and other support.
Find more information Equity and EAS Scholarships:
Scholarships you might not know about
Scholarships are not just for people with top grades. You may be eligible for a scholarship if you:
- Need financial support
- Are the first person in your family to continue studying after high school
- Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Live in a regional or remote area
- Live with disability or a medical condition
- Care for a family member
- Have experienced personal challenges
- Volunteer in your community
- Have strong academic results
- Plan to study a particular course or trade
Universities, TAFEs, governments, businesses and community organisations all offer scholarships.
Even if you are not sure whether you are eligible, it is worth exploring your options and applying.
How to apply for scholarships
1. Start early
Start looking at scholarships during Year 11 or early in Year 12.
Some scholarship applications close before final exams, so give yourself plenty of time.
2. Research your options
Start by checking:
- Scholarships offered by the universities or TAFEs you are interested in. Our Study pages are a good place to start.
- You can also check the institution’s website or ask their scholarship office.
You can also explore:
- The Good Universities Guide – search for different scholarship opportunities.
- StudyAssist – find government scholarship opportunities.
- Commonwealth Prac Payment – support while completing mandatory placements.
- Defence University Sponsorship – if you are interested in completing a uni degree and joining the defence force.
3. Check the eligibility requirements
Every scholarship is different.
Some scholarships consider:
- Financial circumstances
- Academic results
- Community involvement
- Leadership experience
- Career goals
- Personal circumstances
- Where you live
Read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
4. Get your documents ready
You may need:
- School Reports
- An Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) estimate
- A resume
- Centrelink documents
- References from a teacher, coach, employer or community leader
- A personal statement explaining your goals, experiences and how the scholarship would help you
5. Write a strong application
Tell your story clearly and explain why the scholarship would make a difference.
Highlight:
- Your goals
- Your achievements
- Challenges you have overcome
- Your commitment to study
Before you submit your application, ask a trusted adult to review it. This could be:
- A teacher
- A careers adviser
- A mentor
- Your Family Partnership Coordinator
6. Keep applying
Don’t be discouraged if you are unsuccessful.
Many scholarships receive a large number of applications. Every scholarship has different selection criteria, so it is worth applying for more than one opportunity.
Need support?
You don’t have to work through the process on your own.
If you would like help finding scholarships or completing an application, speak to:
- Your Family Partnership Coordinator
- Your school's careers adviser
- A teacher or mentor
- The scholarship provider
Taking the first step and asking for help can make the process much easier.
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