Careers staff at BSSC urge students enrolling at a university to seriously consider applying for one of the many scholarships that are available for 2018.

“Once you have finished your exams, think about your top choices of uni’s and look up scholarships on their website,”  Careers Coordinator Naomi Flint said. “Universities report that some scholarships don’t get awarded because of a lack of applicants, so don’t be afraid to apply for as many as you can.”

 

Scholarships guide: top tips from the Country Education Foundation of Australia

https://cef.org.au/scholarships-guide/

  • Check your eligibility: Writing an application takes a bit of time so first up make sure you are eligible for the scholarships you want to apply for. Some scholarships are based on certain criteria such as gender, ethnicity, your chosen course of study, disability, financial situation or where you live. Read the eligibility criteria carefully to make sure you are definitely suitable to apply for the scholarship.

 

  • Know the closing date: Don’t wait until the last minute or try and rush through an application when you are in the middle of exams. Give yourself plenty of time to search for scholarships you may be eligible for and make a list of the closing dates so you can plan ahead and put together the best application you can.

 

  • Address the criteria: Scholarship applications will need a range of information, from financial details through to your academic and social achievements. Ensure you meet and address all the criteria in your application.

 

  • Use the help around you: Tap into your school and community network to get help with the application process. Your high school careers advisor is a great place to start. Often they will receive information and guides on scholarship opportunities. If you know which institution you will be studying at, check if they have a scholarship officer you can get in touch with. If you are a CEF grant recipient you can ask a member of your local committee for help with your application. And remember to get someone else to read over your application for any errors.

 

  • Apply, apply, apply: You can apply for as many scholarships as you like, so make the most of the opportunities. Remember, if you don’t give it a go, you’ll never know.

 

Scholarship myths busted

  • You have to be academic to get a scholarship: While some scholarships are based on academic merit, others look at leadership, sporting achievements or community involvement. There are also scholarships focused on specific criteria, including financial disadvantage and hardship, indigenous background and students affected by remoteness and distance.

 

  • So many people go for them, you would never have a chance: In fact, lots of scholarships are not filled every year because people simply haven’t applied for them. You can apply for as many scholarships as you like, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
  • You have to be good at essay writing: Some scholarship applications will require you to write an essay, but many don’t. It’s more important that you express yourself clearly; your abilities, qualifications, goals, interests, etc. Read the instructions carefully and answer the questions in simple, clear sentences. Use relevant experience to illustrate your skills.

*The information on these pages is intended as a guide only. All information is correct at time of publication. CEF does not endorse products or organisations.

 

And here are a couple of others to get you applying…

 

Bendigo Bank 2018 Scholarships

https://www.bendigobank.com.au/public/community/scholarships/2018-scholarships

Looking to go to university or TAFE in 2018? Need help with expenses?

If you’re a first time tertiary student you’re looking in the right place. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank offers one of Australia’s leading scholarship programs. From agricultural based scholarships, to those connected to one of our many Community Bank® branches, we have something to help you reach your dream of a tertiary education.

Applications for 2018 places are open from 1 December 2017 and close at midnight (AEDT) 29 January 2018.

 

Victorian Department of Education and Training

https://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/scholarships/

The Year 12 Scholarships are now open and will close on 1 February 2018.

These school scholarships are for students who are studying in Victoria (Australia) and who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia.