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University scholarships in Australia: answers for international students 

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Thinking about studying in Australia and wondering whether it’s financially viable? Consider applying for a scholarship.   

Scholarships can ease financial pressure and help you focus on achieving your academic and career goals.

In this article, we’re answering your top questions about scholarships, so that you can apply to Curtin with confidence.  

Read on or skip ahead to get your questions answered. 

What is a scholarship? 

A scholarship is a sum of money or other financial assistance given to students to help support their studies. 

Some scholarships provide a one-off payment, while others offer ongoing support each year of your degree. 

What kinds of scholarships are available? 

There are a wide range of scholarships specifically for international students at Curtin University. 

Curtin scholarships are designed to suit diverse needs, backgrounds and life experiences – you’re probably more eligible than you think! Our scholarships are either merit-based or need-based. 

Merit-based scholarships 

These recognise academic excellence – such as strong grades, a competitive GPA or exceptional performance in your most recent qualification. 

Need-based scholarships 

If you have experienced financial hardship, have limited access to educational resources, or come from an underrepresented background, need- or equity-based scholarships may be a good fit for you. Their purpose is to reduce barriers and create fairer access to higher education.

There are also a number of government scholarships available to support your studies, such as the Australia Awards Scholarships.  

Scholarships can change, so it’s best to regularly check our scholarships page for the most recent information. 

What financial support can scholarships offer? 

Depending on the scholarship, you may receive: 

  • a percentage tuition fee reduction
  • subsidised on-campus accommodation
  • assistance with tuition to meet English language requirements
  • funding for study materials and research activities. 

Real stories from Curtin students 

For Phurba, a Master of Nursing Practice student, being awarded a scholarship helped solidify that Curtin was the right choice. It also marked a shift in focus once she came to Perth. 

The scholarship has helped tremendously by reducing my financial load.

This support means I can worry less about finances and focus more on my coursework, and I am very grateful for the opportunity it has given me to make the most of my studies.

The whole scholarship process was a very positive experience that has made my journey to Curtin even more exciting.

Phurba 

Home country: Nepal 

Master of Nursing Practice 

And for Mengtong, a Curtin scholarship reshaped their academic experience completely, offering them the freedom to focus on adjusting to Curtin student life. 

With the help of this scholarship, I can focus more on my studies and spend time adjusting to Australian life.

Mengtong Cai 

Home country: China

Master of Occupational Therapy

How do I find the right scholarships for me? 

With so many scholarships available, the challenge becomes finding the right ones for you! 

Here’s what you can do now to find international scholarships for Curtin: 

How are scholarship applications assessed at Curtin? 

Each scholarship will have unique assessment and eligibility criteria.  

However, there are two overarching factors that will influence your success in gaining international scholarships. 

  1. Academic excellence 

This might be your most recent grades, CWA, GPA or equivalent. 

  1. Eligibility criteria 

These vary by scholarship and may include: 

  • Your nationality 
  • The course you’re applying for 
  • Whether you’re studying on campus or online 
  • Your academic background 

You can find full details on each specific scholarship on our scholarships webpage

Discover your potential 

Scholarships can open the door to global study experiences – turning dreams into reality. And Curtin scholarships are specifically designed to suit a variety of backgrounds, life experiences and ambitions – so there’s bound to be one that’s perfect for you.  

Explore scholarships.  

Learn more about study at Curtin 

Study with industry-connected experts, gain real-world experience and graduate ready for your next step.

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