Researching and applying for scholarships and bursaries

students laughing at cafe

What’s a scholarship or bursary, you ask? Get up with the lingo here: Let’s talk scholarships and bursaries!

Here’s a hot tip – research and apply for scholarships and bursaries at about the same time you apply for university, college or TAFE.

Opening and closing dates for scholarships and bursaries may differ for:

  • interstate further education institutions
  • scholarships and bursaries administered by external organisations.

For example, The University of Tasmania scholarship and bursary applications for next year open in August of this year. Many close at the end of October. Some may have a different closing date. So it’s important to do your research ahead of time.

Students researching scholarships

How to research scholarships and bursaries

Read our article, ‘Let’s talk scholarships and bursaries‘. Here you will find links to websites where you can search for scholarships and bursaries.

If you are applying for scholarships or bursaries at an interstate further education institution:

  • search for scholarships and bursaries on the institution’s website.
  • check the interstate Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) websites. Some TACs process some scholarships on behalf of universities, TAFEs and colleges. To locate the TAC websites, see the Careerify article on ‘How do I apply for further education courses?
  • or, check out our article Let’s talk scholarships and bursaries‘. Scroll down and you will find links to websites where you can search for scholarships and bursaries.

What are eligibility criteria?

Eligibility criteria are aspects of your personal background and current circumstances that may qualify you for financial support. You might even be eligible for more scholarships than you’d expect. Narrow down your search by selecting the eligibility criteria that match your background and circumstances.

Your eligibility is determined by your:

  • enrolment status (new or current student)
  • study area
  • citizenship (domestic or international)
  • level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate)

And whether you meet certain scholarship focus criteria.

Some scholarships are highly competitive, with more applicants than scholarships available. To be eligible for a scholarship, and to remain eligible during the scholarship program, make sure you understand your obligations.

Some scholarships will be reassessed for eligibility prior to each payment. If it is determined that you do not meet the eligibility criteria or scholarship conditions at this or any other time, your scholarship may be suspended pending further investigation.

TIP: Read the eligibility criteria for scholarships or bursaries. Identify those scholarships and bursaries that you are eligible for.

Where to apply for scholarships or bursaries

Each institution or organisation offering a scholarship or bursary will usually have a sign up or login page which goes to a portal. From here, you will typically go to an online application form where you can:

  • fill in some basic details
  • make a start on your application
  • save your work
  • log in at a later time and continue working on your application until it’s perfect.

Applications can take some time! And you may need to get some help, and some supporting documents. This could mean a few visits to your application on the portal.

Need help writing your application? Download our ‘Top 10’ tips brochure.

Key takeaway

Research and apply for scholarships and bursaries at about the same time you apply for university, college or TAFE.