Scholarships and Sponsorships
Each year, more than 2,500 students at the University of South Australia benefit from scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars.
We welcome high achieving students from developing countries who are supported by the Australian government program, Australia Awards. We also host around 500 students who are sponsored by their home government, university or employer.
Explore our scholarships and sponsorships on offer
- Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship
- International Merit Scholarship
- Australian Government scholarships (Australia Awards)
- Sponsorship opportunities
- UniSA Scholarships
- International postgraduate research scholarships
- Urbanest accommodation support scholarship
US students may be eligible for financial aid or GI Bill Benefits (US Veterans Affairs students canย email usย for more info or contact theย Department of Veteran Affairs).
Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship
Overview
Recipients will receive a 50% reduction in their student contributions (tuition fees) for the duration of their degree, or up to a maximum of four years of full-time study (undergraduate or postgraduate degree by coursework).
Scholarship criteria
- Be a prospective international student
- Be eligible to study in Australia
- Not have accepted any other UniSA scholarship or bursary
- Meet normal degree admission requirements for the degree applied into
- Have achieved the UniSA equivalent of a high distinction average in previous studies
- Meet the minimum English language entry requirements for the degree applied into
- If you meet the eligibility criteria and have submitted the scholarship application form, you will be advised of the outcome along with your academic degree assessment. If you are eligible but did not provide the completed form, you will still be invited to apply. You can download the form from our website (see link below).
Scholarship conditions
- Scholarship recipients will be required to be enrolled on a full-time basis at UniSA’s South Australian campuses
- Scholarship recipients must maintain a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 (or equivalent) in order to receive the scholarship payments
- Scholarship payments can be received for up to a maximum of four years
- If awardee’s overall Grade Point Average falls below a 5.0, the 50% reduction will not be applied to the next invoice. If the awardee’s Grade Point Average returns to 5.0 or more, the 50% reduction will recommence and will be applied to the next invoice
- Scholarship payments (50% of tuition fees) will be provided as a discount on successful applicants’ student contribution (tuition fee) invoice at the commencement of the relevant study period
- As a recipient of the scholarship, I am not entitled to receive any credit/RPL/Advanced Standing (whether at the time of offer or subsequently)
- The scholarship cannot be deferred
Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarships are not available to:
- Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia
- Sponsored students (foreign government or Australian government)
- Higher Degree by Research applicants
- Current UniSA students
- Unsuccessful applicants of the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship will automatically be considered for the International Merit Scholarship.
How to apply
- Find the best degree for you
- Check entry requirements. Confirm you meet all entry requirements (English, academic and degree specific requirements) for your degree.
- Make sure your degree is eligible for these scholarships. See the list of eligible degrees below.
- Apply for your degree and include your completed scholarship application form with your supporting documents. Once you have submitted an application for an eligible degree you will automatically be assessed and we will advise you if you’re successful. If you meet the eligibility criteria for the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship and have submitted the scholarship application form, you will be advised of the scholarship outcome along with your academic degree assessment. (Students who are eligible for the scholarship but did not provide the completed form with their UniSA application, will still be invited to apply).
Vice Chancellorโs Excellence Scholarship Application form
Eligible degrees
UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance
UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences
International Merit Scholarship
Overview
Recipients will receive a 15% reduction in their student contributions (tuition fees) for the duration of their chosen degree.
Scholarship criteria
- Be a prospective international student
- Be eligible to study in Australia
- Not have accepted any other UniSA scholarship or bursary
- Meet normal degree admission requirements for the degree applied into
- Have achieved the UniSA equivalent of a credit average (Grade Point Average (GPA) 5.0) or above in previous studies or have an offer conditional upon completion of an award with a Credit average
- Meet the minimum English language entry requirements for the degree applied into or have an offer conditional upon meeting the English language entry requirement.
- You will automatically be assessed when applying for an eligible undergraduate (Bachelor) or postgraduate (Masters by Coursework) degree offered at UniSA
Scholarship conditions
- International Merit Scholarship recipients will be required to be enrolled on a full-time basis at UniSA’s South Australian campuses
- Scholarship payments (15% of tuition fees) will be provided as a discount on successful applicants’ student contribution invoice (tuition fee) at the commencement of each applicable study period
- Scholarship recipients must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 4.5 (or equivalent) in order to continue to receive the scholarship payments. If awardeeโs overall GPA falls below a 4.5, the 15% reduction will not be applied to the next invoice. If the awardeeโs Grade Point Average returns to 4.5 or more, the 15% reduction will recommence and will be applied to the next invoice
- As a recipient of the scholarshipโ students are entitled to receive credit/RPL/Advanced Standing towards their degree but must have a minimum of 2 years/72 units of study remaining
- The scholarship cannot be deferred beyond date of commencement onshore
- If students are undertaking any studies outside of Australia, the scholarship will only be applied once they are able to commence onshore study in Australia, after borders re-open
International Merit Scholarships are not available to:
- Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia
- Sponsored students (foreign government or Australian government) where a sponsor agreement has been signed with the University
- Higher Degree by Research applicants
- Current UniSA students
- Students who have previously been awarded an International Merit Scholarship except where they are upgrading from an undergraduate to postgraduate qualification.
How to apply
- Find the best degree for you
- Check entry requirements. Confirm you meet all entry requirements (English, academic and degree specific requirements) for your degree.
- Make sure your degree is eligible for these scholarships. See the list of eligible degrees below.
- Apply for your degree. Once you have submitted an application for an eligible degree you will automatically be assessed and we will advise you if you’re successful.
- UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance
- UniSA Business
- UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences
- UniSA Creative
- UniSA Education Futures
- UniSA Justice & Society
- UniSA STEM
Australia Awards
Australia Awards scholarships are prestigious international scholarships and fellowships, funded by the Australian Government, offering the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development.
The University of South Australia is proud to be partnered with the Australian Government to help provide students with a valuable opportunity to study in Australia. Each new group of Australia Awards students adds diversity to our campuses and helps foster new and stronger relationships between Australia and our neighbouring countries. As an Australia Awards scholar you will gain an incredible study experience, while living and working in Australia, as well as the chance to build relationships and networks that will last a lifetime.
Find out more about how to apply for an Australia Awards scholarship. Find out more
Looking for more information? Take a look at our Australia Awards Brochure. Download brochure
We’re always here to help! Submit your enquiry through our form and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible. Enquire online
Read about UniSA Australia Awards alumni and their experiences. View testimonials
Areas of study
Explore the different study areas and degrees available at UniSA, including undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs.
You can also find out more about the priority study areas for your country via the Australian Government Australia Awards website.
UniSA career and study areas Priority study areas for your country
Contacts and Scholarship opening and closing dates
Each participating country for Australia Awards scholarships has its own in country office and different opening and closing dates.
Pre-Departure
As an Australia Awards scholarship recipient you are required to attend the pre-departure briefing organised by your in-country office. Your UniSA Student Contact Officer also provides you with pre-departure information which we encourage you to read prior to departure.
Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
All Australia Awards students are required to undertake this compulsory program upon arrival in Australia and prior to commencing their main program of study. UniSA holds the introductory program twice a year and your UniSA Offer Letter will include the dates for this program. The Introductory Academic Program will occur directly before you begin your first component of study at UniSA and will help you become familiar with UniSA facilities and resources.
Testimonials
Hear from past Australia Awards scholars about their experience at the University of South Australia.
Monita Wambrauw
Australia Awards Indonesia
Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Engineering)
โItโs a university which offers industry networking and innovation in all sectors including academic, research and technology. Senior lecturers and senior staff are so amazing because their experiences enrich my knowledge.โ
Vannaphone Phetsapeuth
Australia Awards Laos
Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management)
โI chose UniSA because there was a focus on real-world practice integrated with theory. Since graduating, Iโm more confident in my professional life and Iโve been able to apply my knowledge and experience in sustainable water management to make a significant impact on society.โ
Linh (Thi Quang Linh) Tran
Australia Awards Vietnam
Master of Engineering (Water Resources Management)
โFrom the first moment I came to Adelaide, I felt like it was my second home city. The festive atmosphere helped me to overcome the loneliness of living apart from my family. UniSA staff are supportive, approachable, and helpful. Always remember that you are not alone in Adelaide and at UniSA..โ
Joseph Mseteka
Australia Awards Zambia
Master of Health Services Management
โUniSA is a modern university with great technology. Academic and support staff are well organised. Adelaide city is less congested, affordable and with great places for leisure.โ
Vanessa Valentine Corbafo Da Costa
Australia Awards Timor-Leste
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours)
โWhat I like about study at the University of South Australia is that it offers courses that are both theoretical and practical as well as the opportunity to do an internship program that is relevant to my study background. Through these learning opportunities I have gained more knowledge and skills.โ
Heri Apriyanto
Australia Awards Indonesia
Master of Information Technology (Enterprise Management)
โUniSAโs learning method aligns with industry, combining theory and practice. The teaching staff always encourage students in the class such as providing case studies to develop critical thinking and asking an opinion to build a discussion and improve creativity.โ
Current Australia Awards students
Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook:
The Scholarship Handbook contains important information regarding your scholarship, including your entitlements and requirements. This handbook is your first point of reference to answer any questions regarding your scholarship.
Share your story with us
Do you have a story you would like to share? As an Australia Awards scholarship recipient, you already have an incredible story from being selected for this important scholarship. Fill in our testimonial form and we will publish your story.
Here are some examples of other student testimonials. If you have any questions please contact us.
Stay connected after you graduate
Become part of a global network with the UniSA Alumni program, connecting more than 200,000 alumni worldwide. From international chapters to a range of exclusive alumni benefits,ย find out howย to stay in touch well beyond your graduation.
Australia Awards scholars who have completed their studies are also encouraged to join theย Australia Global Alumni, a program for those who have received scholarships and fellowships from the Australian Government.
You can also stay in touch through the UniSA Australia Awardsย Facebookย andย LinkedIn.
Sponsored Students
The University of South Australia welcomes students from around 50 different international sponsors.
The University of South Australia welcomes students from around 50 different international sponsors including;
- Australia โ Defence Cooperation Scholarship Program
- Bangladesh โ Local Government Engineering Department
- Indonesia – MORA, BUDI, LPDP
- Kuwait – Kuwait Cultural Office
- Malaysia โ MARA,
- Mexico – FIDERH
- Peru – PRONABEC
- Paraguay – BECAL
- Saudi Arabia – SACM
- Singapore – National University Hospital, National Healthcare Group, Singapore General Hospital
- Vietnam – Vietnam Electricity
Sponsored students receive funding from their home government, university or employer to study at UniSA. Tuition fees are generally paid to the University by the sponsor on the studentโs behalf and a living allowance may also be paid to the student. Sponsored students generally follow our usual application process. Here’s How to Apply. If you already have an offer, please see How to Accept.
Financial Guarantees
When you accept your offer, you must provide a Financial Guarantee letter which details:
- Your name and date of birth
- Your sponsor name, address and contact details on their letterhead
- Name of the program and the University covered by the sponsorship
- Duration of the sponsorship
- Inclusions โ Tuition fees, OSHC, books, printing etc
This will enable us to set up an account with your sponsor for your tuition fees.
Support for sponsored students
- A dedicated staff member will liaise with your sponsor
- A specific Orientation session for sponsored students will be held at the beginning of Study Periods 2 and 5.
- An International Student Officer is based on each Campus to assist you with queries regarding academic or personal issues
Academic progress
We will send Academic Reports to your sponsor twice per year via email, usually in July and December. Upon acceptance of your offer, we will obtain your consent to release personal information, such as academic progress to your sponsor. This ensures that we comply with South Australian privacy legislation and University policy as well as obligations to your sponsor.
Your obligations
Before taking leave or making any changes to your program, visa or COE you must submit the relevant form to Campus Central. Campus Central will liaise with our Sponsored Student team to obtain approval from your sponsor. If your Financial Guarantee expires or is cancelled prior to the completion of your program, you will be responsible for any outstanding and future tuition fees. If you are granted an extension of sponsorship by your sponsor, you will need to provide the new Financial Guarantee to Campus Central to have the tuition fees allocated to your sponsors account.
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