Financial assistance at Sydney Uni

Sydney Uni is passionately committed to ensuring that no capable student should miss out on a quality tertiary education because of financial disadvantage. The University’s scholarships unit manager, Inta Heimanis, explains.

Eyes on the prize(s)

The University of Sydney is unique in NSW in offering scholarships for entry to all of its undergraduate courses, and in offering more scholarships generally for both new and enrolled students.
The University is also unique in offering the majority of its scholarships on the basis of achievements other than academic results. Of course, good results are important, and for that reason the minimum cut-off for our merit scholarships is a UAI of 95. However, provided a student achieves the minimum and has been placed on a faculty shortlist on the basis of their personal achievements, the University doesn’t distinguish between applicants on the basis of UAI when allocating merit scholarships. Shortlists are put together well before UAI results are known.
Our research shows that success at university is not determined solely by high academic achievement at secondary school. We find that students who combine academic focus with other interests and who are accustomed to taking on significant responsibilities, consistently do better at university.
This means that we are interested in your commitment to extracurricular activities such as sport, music or club membership and your level of participation in these pursuits. When you apply for a scholarship, we ask you to put together a one-page snapshot of your activities and achievements, outlining what you are interested in, or passionate about, and how you pursue those interests.
Because we are also looking for people who will play a positive role in university life, we ask you to detail any leadership roles you have played and tell us how you have contributed to your school or community.
Applications for University of Sydney Scholarships 2005 will close on 30 September, but don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Keep in mind that it will take you some time to put together all the information that you will need to submit, so start working now!
The Scholarships Unit will have a stand at Sydney Uni LIVE! on 28 August, so please come and talk to us about scholarship opportunities and how you can maximise your chances.
Details of University of Sydney Scholarships 2005 can be found on our website, check it out at www.usyd.edu.au/scholarships.

Scholarship adds up for Emily

IF first-year Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) student Emily Perks realises her ambition, the tiny town of Wingham will have produced its first astronaut.
Emily, who was awarded an Access Scholarship in 2004, says the grant was a key factor in helping her through the transition to tertiary studies.
“Leaving home and adjusting to university could otherwise have been really difficult. The scholarship made the whole process so much easier.”
Emily says she is delighted by her experiences so far but her happiest discovery has been a sense of academic community.
“In my home town only one or two other people were interested in advanced mathematics; here there are hundreds.”