There are generally three different types of scholarships that you can apply for when considering studying in Australia:

• Tuition scholarships, which cover the cost of your education;
• Scholarships which cover only living and accommodation expenses (generally up to $20,000);
• Full scholarships, which cover both tuition and living costs.

 

Most scholarships are based on academic merit, yet there is also some funding on offer for students from developing countries. You can read about whether or not you are eligible for one of these scholarships from the AusAid Australian Development Scholarships page. An extensive list of scholarships available can also be found using this Scholarships Database.

 

It must be noted that competition for scholarships is very strong, and you should not rest all of your hopes on obtaining scholarship funding for your education in Australia. There are, however, certain tips on how to approach the application process which can maximize your chances of gaining a scholarship.

 

Firstly, you must ensure that you fulfill all the necessary requirements for any given scholarship — some scholarships have very strict terms and conditions, so make sure you read all of the fine print on the application form before filling it out. Your application should also be proofread by somebody who speaks fluent English — scholarships committees will often overlook your application if it contains grammar or spelling mistakes. You should also apply for as many scholarships as possible — even though you might have your heart set on a particular full scholarship, you should apply for others (even if they are for lesser amounts), as any type of funding is better than no funding at all!

 

It’s also worth having a backup plan for studying abroad, just in case your hopes for a scholarship fall through. Whilst studying abroad is considerably more costly without a scholarship than with one, you should remember that most students emerge from the experience feeling as though it was worth it, despite the expenses. Good luck with your applications!