FAQs for School Leavers

Most scholarships are awarded on a combination of school examination results, UAI and other factors (such as leadership, creativity, self-motivation and communication skills).

Only the Outstanding Acheivement Scholarship is awarded on the basis of UAI alone.

Applications for University of Sydney Scholarships for school leavers are assessed and shortlists compiled before the UAIs are released. UAIs are checked when available to make sure that the short listed applicants have reached the minimum required level (95) for the scholarship.

Equity scholarships are assessed on the basis of 'equity criteria' such as financial disadvantage, physical disability etc as well as academic merit. Commonwealth Learning Scholarships are awarded on the basis of equity criteria alone.

While most scholarships are awarded for achievement in secondary studies are for top students (UAI of 95 or above) a number are awrded for other reasons. Equity scholarships, sports scholarships and scholarships for indigenous students are assessed on a needs and merit basis.

If you are applying through UAC for a full fee place, you are still eligible to apply for most scholarships (the exception being the Commonwealth Learning Scholarships which are available to commonwealth supported (HECS) students only)

University of Sydney scholarships for school leavers are open to international and NZ students who are applying to the University of Sydney through the UAC.

For details of all other scholarships available to international students, you should look at the International Office website

For further information contact:
The International Office
Tel: + 61 2 9351 4079
Email:

University of Sydney Scholarships for school leavers can be deferred for up to one year (once awarded). Please note however that the application must be lodged in the year of graduation from high school.

Most other scholarships for school leavers must be taken up in the year they are awarded.

You can only apply for a University of Sydney Scholarship in the year you finish high school. You can defer the scholarship once awarded but cannot defer the application.

You can still apply for a University of Sydney Access Scholarship or a Commonwealth Learning Scholarship.
Application forms are available from the UAC in August each year.

You can apply for as many different scholarships as you like. However, you can only receive one primary scholarship ($4,000 or more) from the University of Sydney at any one time. A primary and secondary (less than $4,000) scholarship may be held at the same time.

If a student were awarded a scholarship from outside the University of Sydney, this could be held in conjunction with a primary or secondary scholarship.

For the main scholarships you will receive a letter in the post stating that your application has been received.

Most scholarships are announced prior to the commencement of semester one.

There is keen competition for all of our scholarships. If you are not awarded a scholarship when you commence university, there are many scholarships and prizes for ongoing students based on performance during your degree.