Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for scholarships?

Students can apply for any scholarship, for which they meet the eligibility criteria. All scholarships have their own individual eligibility criteria and students should read the eligibility criteria before making an application. Some of the criteria may include being enrolled in a particular area of study, residential location, applying to study in a particular course, equity considerations etc.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes, you can apply for as many scholarships as you like. It is advised that you apply for any and all scholarships for which you meet the eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for scholarships?

Scholarship application forms can either be completed online or by completing the hardcopy version available in the yearly Scholarship brochure. Hard copy forms must be submitted to the Scholarships and Student Advancement Unit with any supporting documentation by the relevant closing date.

Will I be notified that my application has been received?

An acknowledgement email will be sent within one week of your application being received by the Scholarships and Student Advancement Unit. Please contact the Scholarships and Student Advancement Unit if you do not receive an acknowledgement email.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Each scholarship has stringent selection criteria and the scholarship is awarded to the applicant who best meets the this criteria. Selection for some scholarships may require approval by the relevant donor or selection committee and may involve an interview with the donor or selection committee.

Criteria can include; academic merit, Grade Point Average (GPA) or Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), equity criteria (financial hardship, sole parent/carer, non-English speaking background, medical condition/disability, Indigenous, etc), location (rural or isolated), personal attributes, performance at interview or a combination of selection criteria.

Each scholarship page lists the selection criteria.

Can I be awarded more than one scholarship?

There are three groups of scholarships available for students at UWS.

• Group A scholarships are those funded by UWS
• Group B are those funded by Donors
• Group C scholarships are those provided by the Commonwealth of Australia, or an Australian State or Territory.

Students can hold two scholarships concurrently from Group A and B - they must be from a different group.

What happens if I am awarded a scholarship?

Once the applications have been assessed and the outcomes are known all applicants are notified via email. In the majority of cases, applicants are notified within six weeks of the scholarship closing date. In exceptional circumstances or for donor funded scholarships this may take longer.

An official offer letter and scholarship acceptance/agreement form will be sent to you. Once you have read the scholarship Terms and Conditions and if you agree to them, you must complete and return the agreement form to the Scholarships and Student Advancement Unit by the date indicated in your offer letter. If the agreement is not received by the due date, it may be assumed that you do not wish to accept the scholarship and it will be offered to another candidate.

When and how do I receive payment for my scholarship?

Scholarship payments are made after the relevant semester census date once enrolment requirements are confirmed. Payment is made in the form of an electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly deposited into a nominated account or by cheque made payable to the recipient and mailed to their designated postal address.

Can I defer my scholarship?

Refer to the Terms and Conditions of your scholarship.

What will happen if I change my enrolment details during the scholarship period?

You must contact the Scholarships and Student Advancement Unit in this instance.

How can I spend the scholarship money?

Scholarships are intended to assist students with costs relating to study and some scholarships stipulate how the funds are to be used, i.e. an account at the Uni Bookshop; or payment of fees. Some recipients from rural or regional areas use the funds provided for travel to attend classroom teaching blocks or practical components of their course.

Can I apply for another scholarship if I transfer my course of study?

If you are approved to undertake a course transfer within UWS and your previous scholarship period has expired, then you may apply for another scholarship.

There is vocational work experience as part of my scholarship. How will I be contacted?

You will be contacted directly by the relevant donor to arrange your work experience in the semester breaks. If you are unsure, contact the Scholarships and Student Advancement Unit.

What is deemed to be an appropriate academic record for scholarship purposes?

In instances where the academic requirements are not stated in the scholarship criterion, an appropriate academic record is deemed as achieving a credit average and not failing any units undertaken.