YOUR GUIDE TO SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NEW UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 2014

Transcription

1 YOUR GUIDE TO SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NEW UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 2014

2 CONTENTS 02 How scholarships can help you achieve your goals SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE 03 Merit and Entry scholarships 04 Access scholarships 04 Robert Maple Brown Bursary 04 Outstanding Achievement scholarships 05 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships 05 Sports scholarships 05 Faculty scholarships 07 Scholarships for international students OTHER WAYS WE CAN HELP 08 If you re not a high school student 09 More support 10 Frequently asked questions My scholarship represented the University s recognition of the hard work I put in during my high school years. Receiving $60,000 to support my study of the course of my dreams was an absolute bonus. This scholarship has allowed me to purchase textbooks and even complete an exchange unit in Shanghai. JO SETO ARTS (HONOURS)/LAW OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP IMPORTANT DATES AUGUST 2013 Scholarship applications open. You should be working on your personal statement. 27 SEPTEMBER 2013 Applications for Access scholarships are due at the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). 2 OCTOBER 2013 Applications for Merit and Entry scholarships are due at the University of Sydney Scholarships Office. 29 OCTOBER 2013 You should have an confirming that we have received your application. 4 JANUARY 2014 Most first-round offers will have been sent out. If you haven t heard anything by now, you may be on a shortlist, and could receive a late-round offer. 27 FEBRUARY 2014 You should have received written notification of the outcome of your application.

3 2 3 HOW SCHOLARSHIPS CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS Being supported by a scholarship encourages me to approach my degree in a professional way. It makes me feel more responsible for my pursuit of knowledge. We offer more than 500 scholarships to undergraduate students. Our aim is to help you achieve all your goals at the University of Sydney. Our scholarships give you the financial freedom to focus on your study. They free up your time to gain valuable work experience or get involved in the University s diverse and outstanding student life. We recognise there is more to life than just study, and we re also interested in finding the leaders of tomorrow the amazing young people who are going to set the academic, professional and artistic agenda of the future. We are excited about the quality of students who come here from all kinds of schools and backgrounds. Whether you re from Sydney, interstate, regional Australia or overseas, we want to hear from you. Scholarships are just one way the University of Sydney can support you to achieve your goals. The table below summarises the scholarships described in this booklet. PRISTINE ONG (CENTRE) BACHELOR OF INTERNATIONAL AND GLOBAL STUDIES ACCESS SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT PER YEAR Merit and Entry $6000 Merit: Length of degree Entry: One year DURATION APPLICATION REQUIRED DUE MORE INFORMATION Yes, direct to the Scholarships Office (sydney.edu.au/ug-scholarships) Access $6000 Length of degree Yes, through UAC ( Robert Maple Brown Bursary $2000 One-off payment Yes, through UAC ( Outstanding Achievement $10,000 Length of degree No, but you must have University of Sydney as a UAC preference Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Various Varies Yes, through UAC ( Sports Various Varies Yes, direct to the University (see sydney.edu.au/ug-scholarships for more information) Faculty Various Varies Yes, direct to the Scholarships Office (sydney.edu.au/ug-scholarships) For international students Various Varies Yes, direct to the University (see sydney.edu.au/ug-scholarships for more information) 2 October 2013 Page 3 27 September Page 4 27 September Page 4 Varies Page 4 Varies Page 5 18 January 2014 Page 5 Varies Page 5 Varies Page 7 MERIT AND ENTRY SCHOLARSHIPS For: students with a minimum ATAR of 95.00* (or equivalent) plus other achievements * Minimum ATAR of (or equivalent) applies to students who enter courses offered by the Sydney College of the Arts and Sydney Conservatorium of Music. How much: $6000 per year How long: one year (Entry), or for normal full-time duration of degree (Merit) Application due: 2 October 2013 How to apply: Submit your application to our Scholarships Office; access the application form on our website: sydney.edu.au/ug-scholarships We award Merit and Entry scholarships based on a combination of school examination results, including your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent, and other achievements that show qualities such as leadership, creativity, self-motivation and communication skills. To be in the running, you need to be undertaking your university entry qualification High School Certificate (HSC), International Baccalaureate (IB) or equivalent during 2013, and specify the University of Sydney for at least one of your Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) preferences. Merit and Entry scholarships support students who have the skills and attributes to thrive at the University of Sydney. This means you need to have the ability to think creatively, challenge ideas, generate new ones, engage in critical, thought-provoking discussion, and prosper in an environment of constant enquiry and discovery. That s why we ask you to provide a personal statement to tell us about your story so far. For example, what experiences have led you to consider tertiary study? We want to know what drives you, what makes you curious and ignites your passion. When completing your application, you need to nominate the faculty in which you intend to study. It s important to choose carefully. Your application will be sent to that faculty for consideration and, if successful, your scholarship will be valid for that faculty only. Make sure you nominate the same faculty on your University of Sydney scholarships application form as the one specified on your application to UAC. Please note that if you change your course preference to a faculty other than the one you nominated on your scholarship application, you will not be considered for Merit and Entry scholarships or other faculty scholarships.

4 4 5 ACCESS SCHOLARSHIPS For: students with academic ability who have demonstrated financial disadvantage or other constraints How much: $6000 per year How long: ongoing for the normal duration of the degree Application due: 27 September 2013 How to apply: Apply through UAC: In 2014 the University of Sydney will offer 160 Access scholarships to help students who are struggling to afford the costs of university study. We firmly believe that financial constraints should not prevent an outstanding student from becoming a successful University of Sydney graduate. To be eligible, you need to meet at least one of these criteria: you are receiving Youth Allowance or some other means-tested Commonwealth benefit you have financial difficulties due to living rurally you have a disability or a medical disadvantage of some kind you expect to be under exceptional financial disadvantage when enrolled at university. ROBERT MAPLE BROWN BURSARY How much: $2000 as a one off payment How long: one off payment Application due: 27 September 2013 How to apply: Apply through UAC: This bursary is awarded on the same basis as the Access scholarships and aims to ensure that students with financial difficulties are able to purchase essential resources when at university. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS For: domestic students who achieve an ATAR of (or equivalent) How much: $10,000 per year How long: ongoing for the normal duration of the degree How to apply: you do not need to apply, although you must have a University of Sydney preference on your UAC application. These scholarships are awarded automatically after the release of the ATAR results. The University will contact you if you are successful. ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SCHOLARSHIPS The University of Sydney and the Australian Government offer a large number of scholarships and financial assistance programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Applications for Commonwealth Indigenous scholarships are made through UAC using the same application as for our Access scholarships (see page opposite). For more details, visit sydney.edu.au/ug-scholarships Contact Student Support Services to find out about the different types of support available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Student Support Services Cadigal Alternative Entry and Support Program Level 5, Jane Foss Russell Building Camperdown Campus T F E support.cadigal@sydney.edu.au sydney.edu.au/indigenous-support SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS The University offers sports scholarships to students either starting or continuing a course during 2014, through Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness. Recipients receive a range of academic and athletic support services through the Elite Athlete Program, including financial assistance, strength and conditioning programs, academic tutoring and counselling, personal development seminars, international travel grants, sports psychology and nutritional advice. More than 380 athletes benefited from the program during In addition, athletes with recognised potential may be offered a place in our Talented Athlete Program. These athletes have access to all the services available to full scholarship recipients, but without direct financial assistance. Successful applicants usually compete at a national or state (school, age or open) level, and are recognised by their relevant sporting governing body as elite athletes. HOW TO APPLY Applications for 2014 open on 3 September 2013 and close on 18 January For application forms and more information on these scholarships, contact Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness or visit its website. Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness Sports and Aquatic Centre (G09) The University of Sydney NSW 2006 T E admin@sport.usyd.edu.au FACULTY SCHOLARSHIPS In addition to participating in the University-wide scholarship program, many faculties also provide their own scholarships for first-year students (currently studying for HSC/IB or interstate equivalent), as well as scholarships and prizes to current students in their later years of study. When you submit your application, and nominate the faculty in which you want to enrol, you ll also be considered for any relevant faculty scholarships. If you are currently taking a gap year (12 months away from study to do something else), we recommend you check each faculty s website to see if there are any scholarships suitable for your situation. For more information about the scholarships offered by faculties, visit sydney.edu.au/faculty-scholarships YOUR OBLIGATIONS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS In many cases, scholarship recipients are required to maintain a satisfactory level of academic achievement. For example, if you are awarded an Access scholarship, you need to maintain an average mark of 65 in the agreed degree program each semester. Find out more about your obligations for each scholarship at sydney.edu.au/ scholarships/school/terms

5 7 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS If you are applying for admission to the University of Sydney through UAC, then you are eligible to apply for a Merit and Entry scholarship (see page 3), as well as various other scholarships offered by the University of Sydney and its faculties. You should also consider scholarships offered by companies, universities or the Australian mission in your home country. It s a good idea to search the internet to see what s out there. Start here: sydney.edu.au/ug-scholarships My scholarship made me feel motivated to strive for higher achievements and awards at university. By becoming a scholarship recipient, I feel that many doors have now been unlocked, such as future employment opportunities. THOMAS CHEN COMMERCE/LAW MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

6 8 9 IF YOU RE NOT A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT... MORE SUPPORT If you are sitting an HSC equivalent qualification in 2013 then you are eligible to apply for University of Sydney scholarships for The qualification you are undertaking must result in the award of an ATAR or an ATAR-equivalent. TAFE STUDENTS If you are studying the HSC or an equivalent university entry qualification at TAFE, you are eligible to apply for University of Sydney scholarships. You should use the same application form as school leavers. Where the form asks for information such as a school report, simply include your most recent results notice. Instead of a school reference, you could include an academic reference from one of your teachers or course coordinators, if available. Section 2 of the application form asks for an endorsement. You must get this section completed by someone at TAFE who can verify your details and achievements, in order for your application to proceed. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS Scholarships may also be awarded to students sitting university preparation courses. Make sure the preparation course you are completing is recognised by the faculty in which you are seeking to study. Again, you need to apply in the year that you are sitting final examinations for your course. TAKING A GAP YEAR If you plan to take a gap year that is, a year away from study to do something else you should apply for our scholarships in the same year you will complete your HSC (or equivalent). If you are awarded a Merit or Entry scholarship, you can apply to have it deferred, similar to deferring your offer of admission to a course. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications for Merit and Entry scholarships if you completed your HSC or equivalent before If you are already on a gap year and will be taking up your university place in 2014 but didn t apply for any University of Sydney scholarships, don t worry. Some faculty scholarships may still be available to you. Contact your faculty office for more information. ONCE YOU GET HERE We regularly update and list new prizes and scholarships, so bookmark this page and visit it often to see what s available: sydney.edu.au/scholarships/updates STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES We offer a wide range of services to support your education, career, health and wellbeing. To see what s available, visit sydney.edu.au/student_services COMMONWEALTH INCOME SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS Full-time students in an approved scholarship course who are receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy or Abstudy may be eligible for a Start-Up scholarship and Relocation scholarship. These are paid directly to eligible students through the federal government s Centrelink agency. An application is not necessary. These payments will not affect your eligibility for University of Sydney scholarships. For details, see Centrelink income support for students on our website: sydney.edu.au/scholarships/current/ equity

7 10 11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP? To apply for Merit, Entry and some faculty-based scholarships, complete the application form available at our website (sydney.edu.au/ug scholarships), and submit this to our Scholarships Office. To apply for an Access or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship, or the Robert Maple Brown Bursary, submit an application to UAC ( For international student, sports and additional faculty scholarships, see sydney.edu.au/ug-scholarships for details on how to apply. WHEN IS MY APPLICATION DUE? Applications for Merit and Entry scholarships are due with the University s Scholarships Office by 2 October Applications for Access scholarships are due with UAC by 27 September Closing dates for other scholarships vary. Please check the dates carefully. HOW ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED? Most scholarships are awarded on a combination of school examination results, Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and other factors, such as leadership, creativity, self-motivation and communication skills. They are not awarded on ATAR alone, except for the Outstanding Achievement scholarship. Your application for a particular scholarship will usually be assessed before ATARs are released, based on the information you provide (such as school reports and personal statements). When your ATAR is released it will be checked to ensure it meets the minimum required level. CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE SCHOLARSHIP? Yes. To apply for a University of Sydney scholarship (Entry, Merit or facultybased), use the single application form that you submit to our Scholarships Office. We also recommend you research and apply for as many other schemes as you can, such as the equity scholarships available through UAC. WHEN DO I FIND OUT IF I VE BEEN AWARDED A UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY SCHOLARSHIP? If successful, you should receive a letter of offer in December 2013 or early January Unsuccessful applicants receive a letter by the end of February I M INTENDING TO DO A COMBINED DEGREE. WHICH FACULTY SHOULD I PUT ON THE APPLICATION FORM? If you are unsure which faculty to list for your preferred combined degree, check the UAC handbook or the UAC website ( for the correct course code. CAN I CHANGE FACULTIES? You cannot take your University of Sydney scholarship to a different faculty. Each application is individually assessed by the faculty you nominate. An Access scholarship offer is valid for any undergraduate degree in any faculty. WHAT IF MY SCHOOL OR INSTITUTION DOESN T GIVE ME A REPORT OR REFERENCE BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE? Do not send in attachments after you have submitted your application. If you don t have a report for Year 12 yet, just supply your most recent (usually Year 11) report. If you don t have a reference, don t worry. The assessors know that many schools don t supply references until much later in the year (if at all), so they will look at your application as a whole. You will not be disadvantaged if your school does not supply references. IF I TAKE A GAP YEAR, CAN I STILL APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP? University of Sydney scholarships may be deferred for up to two years with permission from the dean of your faculty, but you need to apply for a scholarship in the year you sit your HSC/IB or equivalent. You cannot apply for a Merit or Entry scholarship after taking a gap year. You can apply for an Access scholarship after taking a gap year. You may be able to apply for some faculty scholarships after taking a gap year. For more information about these scholarships, see your faculty s website: sydney.edu.au/faculty-scholarships WILL I STILL BE CONSIDERED IF I AM TAKING AN EXAM OTHER THAN THE HSC, SUCH AS TAFE, INTERSTATE/OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS, INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE? Yes, as long as you apply to study at the University of Sydney through UAC, your application will be assessed in exactly the same way as for those students studying for the HSC. If you are taking an alternative examination to the HSC and are selected to receive a scholarship, you will be notified in early 2014 (when UAC provides HSC equivalent marks to the University of Sydney). WHAT IF I DON T GET INTO THE DEGREE THAT I WANT? Your University of Sydney scholarship offer is valid for any degree in the faculty you nominate. Offers for Access and Outstanding Achievement scholarships are valid for any undergraduate degree in any faculty. WHAT IF I M NOT STUDYING MY HSC/IB OR EQUIVALENT IN 2013? The Access and Indigenous Commonwealth scholarships are open to all undergraduate students. Applications are submitted through UAC. Read the UAC booklet or see the website:

8 12 For more information on scholarships, phone (for the cost of a local call), or visit our website: sydney.edu.au/scholarships For advice on completing and submitting your scholarship application, and to access the application form for University of Sydney scholarships (Merit, Entry and faculty-based), visit sydney.edu.au/ug-scholarships This publication is printed on environmentally responsible paper, using vegetable-based inks, by SOS Print and Media, an FSC Chain of Custody certified printer. Text is printed on ENVI Recycled 50/50 by Dalton Paper, which is NCOS certified. This is a PEFC certified paper, containing 50 percent recycled fibre, made from elemental and process chlorine free pulp derived from sustainably managed forests and non-controversial sources. ENVI Recycled 50/50 is Certified Carbon Neutral and Australian Paper is an ISO certified mill.

9 MORE INFORMATION Scholarships Office T (for the cost of a local call) T F E scholarships.reception@sydney.edu.au sydney.edu.au/scholarships This booklet is a guide to the scholarships offered by the University of Sydney. However, the information set out in it is an expression of intent only and should not be taken as a firm offer or undertaking. The University reserves the right to make alterations to any information contained within this publication without notice. Produced by Marketing and Communications, the University of Sydney, May /3148 ABN CRICOS 00026A