| WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE | SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS |
| SCHOLARSHIP ASSESSMENT | SCHOLARSHIP PAYMENTS |
| SCHOLARSHIP CONDITIONS | SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENROLMENT |
WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE?
What equity scholarships are available for TAFE (Vocational Education) students?
Victoria University Equity Scholarships provide financial assistance to students on low incomes. Assessment is NOT based on academic performance but is based on student income and other disadvantages. There are at least 100 Victoria University Access Scholarships available for TAFE students each year, as well as offers from external organisations. Please check what's available from our TAFE Scholarships page and our Other Scholarship Opportunities page.
What equity scholarships are available for Undergraduate students?
Victoria University Equity Scholarships provide financial assistance to students on low incomes. Assessment is NOT based on academic performance but is based on student income and other disadvantages. There are at least 375 Victoria University Access Scholarships and 150 Commonwealth Scholarships available for Undergraduate students each year, as well as offers from external organisations. Please check what's available from our Higher Education Scholarships page and our Other Scholarship Opportunities page.
I am enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education. Can I apply for a scholarship?
YES. Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education students are the only postgraduate students eligible to apply for Commonwealth Scholarships (CECS and CAS) and VU Access Scholarships
What scholarships are available for Postgraduate students?
Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education students are the only postgraduate students eligible to apply for the equity scholarships available at Victoria University. Eligible Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education students can apply for Commonwealth Scholarships (CECS and CAS) and VU Access Scholarships. Other Postgraduate coursework students should refer to our Postgraduate Coursework Students page, as well as our Other Scholarship Opportunities page or visit www.jason.edu.au. Postgraduate research students should contact the VU Office for Postgraduate Research or visit www.jason.edu.au
What scholarships are available for International students?
Commonwealth and VU Access scholarships are only open to Australian citizens, permanent residents and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa. International students should visit VU International Scholarships or the Study in Australia website http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/CourseSearch/ScholarshipSearch.htm
Are TAFE and Undergraduate scholarships available for part-time students?
Commonwealth and VU Access scholarships are only available to students enrolled on a full-time basis. For a higher education student, 75% of a normal full time load is 0.375 EFTSL (36 credit points) per semester, usually three units per semester. For a TAFE student, 75% of a normal full time load is a minimum of 270 study hours per year. There are limited circumstances in which a scholarship can be granted to a part-time student, such as illness or other exceptional circumstances. If you are requesting approval you need to submit a statement with supporting documentation for consideration by the Selection Panel.
Who do I contact if I want to speak with someone about a scholarship?
TAFE and Undergraduate students contact the Scholarships Office by phone (9919.5568) or email. Research students contact VU Office for Postgraduate Research by phone (9919.4659) or email. International students contact VU International by phone (9919.1164) or email.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
How do I apply for a scholarship?
If you will be enrolled in a Higher Education course (bachelor or honours degree) you apply online through VTAC. Applications open early August and close mid October for scholarships in the following year.
If you will be enrolled in Vocational or Further Education courses (TAFE) you apply online through MYVU PORTAL.If you will be enrolled in a Higher Education course
Refer to our HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP page for detailed instructions on applying
Why was my scholarship application unsuccessful and should I apply again?
YES! You should apply again in the next available round of scholarships. There are many reasons why your scholarship application may have been unsuccessful. You may have been ineligible at the time of application, or we received a large number of applications in comparison to the number of scholarships we had to award. You may have only just missed out. If you were not on Centrelink payments when you applied and you are now receiving Centrelink payments, you should re-apply.
If I am not successful in getting a scholarship can I apply again next time and will you use the information from this year's application?
Yes, you should apply again if you still meet the eligibility criteria. But no, we will not use the information from the previous application. You will have to make a full new application which will be assessed against the others received for that application round.
It's my last year of study. Is there any point applying for a scholarship now?
Even if this is your last year of study, you could still be paid at least one thousand and up to four thousand dollars for your final year.
Which scholarships can I apply for if I am in the second, third or fourth year of my course?
You can apply for all scholarships available. VU Access and Commonwealth scholarships are available for both continuing and commencing students.
Can I apply more than one scholarship?
YES! Your application will be assessed for all the scholarships available. If your application is successful, you will only be granted one scholarship. If you already have a scholarship you can apply for one of a higher value or duration, but you will be required to give up your current scholarship to be granted the new scholarship.
I already have a scholarship. Can I apply for another or different one?
YES! You should apply for any scholarship with a higher value or longer duration. If you are successful in obtaining a more valuable scholarship than the one you already hold, you will be required to give up the scholarship of lesser value.
Do I have to live on campus to be eligible for a Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (CAS)?
No. To be eligible for a CAS, you must have moved from your home in a regional or remote area to attend university, and have incurred additional expenses. You do not have to live on campus. The CAS can be used for accommodation or other university related expenses, as relevant to your situation.
I moved from a regional or remote area to study at VU - can I apply for a scholarship?
Regional and remote students can apply for all scholarships and should test their eligibility for a Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship. If you are not sure whether your previous address is considered regional or remote; check the postcode lookup table from the Higher Education scholarship page. As an example - Hobart is considered regional.
When do scholarship applications open and close?
There are usually two scholarship application rounds each year as well as other occasional offers of externally supported scholarships throughout the year. Check the Scholarships page for application round dates. When applications are open, you can apply online.
Can I submit a late scholarship application?
Late applications cannot be accepted. Applications are assessed seven days after the closing date to allow for submission of supporting documents. If your application is incomplete or late, it will not be assessed.
Will there be mid-year scholarships available?
There are usually a smaller number of scholarships available in the second application round. Check the Scholarships page for application round dates. When applications are open, you can apply online.
Why can't I login to MYVU to apply for a scholarship?
If you have any difficulties logging in to MYVU Portal or you have forgotten your MYVU Portal password, refer to ASKVU or telephone the Student Contact Centre on 9919 6100 during business hours. You may need to have your password reset.
I didn't get asked any questions when I applied for a second or third scholarship. What's wrong?
Nothing! For TAFE students applying through MYVU, each scholarship has several questionnaires. If you have submitted other applications, you may have completed all the questions for a different scholarship as well. Login to MYVU Portal. Click on SCHOLARSHIPS and select APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP, then select MY APPLICATIONS. You can view and print your application for each scholarship. You can also see the status of each application or scholarship. Make sure your application for each scholarship is listed and has a LOCKED status. If not, select EDIT and go through each question, then click on SUBMIT& LOCK. If your application is not listed, select the scholarship and enter your responses to any questions. Even if there are no questions asked, click on SUBMIT & LOCK when the option is presented.
I made a mistake in either my online scholarship application or supporting documents. Can I change my answers?
Contact the Scholarships Office by phone (9919.5568) or email as soon as possible.
What if I cannot answer all the questions on the scholarship application?
Incomplete applications will be disadvantaged in the assessment process, as they may receive fewer points when they are scored. You can preview the questions before you start the application to make sure you have everything you need. You can SAVE your application and return later to EDIT your answers, then select SUMBIT & LOCK when you have answered everything. If you are finding it difficult to answer a question you may contact the Scholarships Office for advice.
What happens if I do not send in all the information that is required for my scholarship application?
If you do not submit any supporting documentation, your application will not be assessed. Incomplete applications are disadvantaged in the assessment process, as they may receive fewer points when they are scored. If you are finding it difficult to obtain documentation you may contact the Scholarships Office for advice.
I didn't send in my supporting documentation after completing the online scholarship application. Am I still eligible?
In some circumstances we may extend the time for submission - contact the Scholarships Office by phone (9919.5568) or email. To ensure equity, applications are not assessed until after the closing date for all scholarships. If your supporting documents are not received within seven days of the application closing date, your application will not be considered.
How will I know if the supporting documentation for my scholarship application has been received?
If you would like confirmation that we have received your supporting documentation, please send a stamped self-addressed envelope with your documents.
What information do I need to provide with my scholarship application?
Higher Education students should refer to the VTAC Scholarship Application Guide on the How to Apply Page. TAFE students should refer to the list on the HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP page for details of the supporting documents required. Please note that supporting documents must be received within seven days of submitting your scholarship application.
SCHOLARSHIP ASSESSMENT
What are my chances of getting a scholarship?
Every year between 60% and 80% of students who submit a complete application are successful. To increase your chances of getting a scholarship, make sure you follow all the instructions for applying. The more information you provide on your application form, the better your chances will be of receiving a scholarship. Applications are submitted on line, but you must make sure that you click on SUBMIT & LOCK and that you send in all required supporting documents within SEVEN days of submitting your online application. About 25% of eligible students are not assessed for a scholarship because they did not provide supporting documents.
How will my scholarship application be assessed?
The assessment is based on equity issues such as low income, financial disadvantage, educational disadvantage, caring for others, disability, language background, indigenous background or other demonstrated hardship. Applications are scored on these factors and those with the most need are granted scholarships. The more information you provide on the application form, the easier it will be for us to assess your application.
Are my grades (VCE marks, ENTER score, TAFE or university results) taken into account in the assessment of my scholarship application?
These equity scholarships do not use your school, TAFE or university academic results as part of the assessment process. The assessment is based on your financial situation and any social or educational disadvantages. Applications are scored on these factors and those with the most need are granted scholarships. If you are offered and accept a scholarship, you are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep receiving the scholarship.
Is their a means test for scholarship applications?
There is no means test for these scholarships, but your financial situation is assessed for ranking. Some people who do not get Centrelink benefits may still be eligible, depending on their financial or social situation.
Why did I miss out on a scholarship when some of my friends got one?
Each aspect of an applicant's financial and personal circumstances detailed in their application is included in the assessment, which allows the application to be ranked with all the others. So it depends on what you have told us in the application. Because there are many more applicants than scholarships, unfortunately many people who appear to meet the eligibility criteria will miss out as they are not ranked high enough. At the end of a thorough assessment process, scholarships are offered to applicants who demonstrate the most severe disadvantage or greatest need. It is therefore very important that you include all the relevant information about your circumstances in your application, and that you send in all the required supporting documentation.
When will I find out if I have been granted a scholarship?
For Higher Education Students, offers will be sent by VTAC in mid December. For TAFE students. Semester One offers of scholarships will be made to successful applicants between late February and mid March. Semester Two offers of scholarships will be made to successful applicants between late August and mid September. If you are successful must return the acceptance by the required date or the scholarship will be re-allocated.
SCHOLARSHIP PAYMENTS
When will I be paid my scholarship?
Payments to new scholarship holders are made in late April (first semester recipients) and late September (second semester recipients). Payments to continuing Commonwealth Learning Scholarship holders (CECS and CAS) are made in late April and late September, after verification of enrolment status at each semester census date. Payments to VU Access and other Scholarship recipients are made within one month of receipt of your renewal declaration.
Why do I have to wait until the middle of April or September to receive my scholarship payment?
The University can only pay you after each semester census date (31 March and 31 August). As there are more than 2000 payments to check & process each semester, this takes some time. Our aim is to have your scholarship money in the bank by the middle of April and September.
What can I do if I need money before my scholarship payment is made?
You can apply for a student loan. Refer to the Student Welfare website for information about financial support for students. You should advise the Loans Officer that you have been granted a scholarship, how much you will be paid and when. Your scholarship income may be taken into account when your loan application is assessed. Apply for a student loan as early as possible as it may take some time to be approved.
How will I be paid my scholarship?
Payments are made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to your nominated bank account. You will be asked to provide your bank account details at the time of accepting your scholarship.
Will the Scholarship payments affect my Centrelink benefits?
You will need to advise Centrelink that you have been granted a scholarship. If you have a Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (CECS) or Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (CAS), there will be no impact on your Centrelink benefit. Your Centrelink benefit may be affected if you have any other type of scholarship. You should seek advice from Centrelink. Please refer to the Centrelink website for more information.
Is my scholarship taxable?
Generally, scholarships for full time students are not taxable. You should obtain advice from your tax agent or refer to the Australian Tax Office Website for tax information.
Will I still be eligible for my scholarship if my income increases?
You will be asked to verify that you are still eligible before each payment. This includes a statement about whether your financial situation has changed. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact the Scholarships Office by phone (9919.5568) or email.
SCHOLARSHIP CONDITIONS
Can I hold more than one scholarship?
In most cases, you can have only one scholarship. You cannot have both a Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (CAS) and a Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (CECS). You cannot have a VU Access Scholarship in addition to a CAS or CECS. An Equity scholarship will not be granted to a student who already holds one or more external scholarships. However you should apply for all the scholarships open for application that you are eligible for, so that you can be considered for all of them.
Do I have to reapply for my scholarship each year?
If you have been awarded a scholarship for a specific number of years you do not need to re-apply, but you will need to sign a declaration that you are still eligible before each payment. Please refer to the ongoing eligibility conditions on the Existing Scholarships Holder page.
What does 'ongoing eligibility' for a scholarship mean?
Once you have been awarded a scholarship, you will have your eligibility checked before each payment is made. To remain eligible for your scholarship payment you will need to: remain enrolled full-time (unless you have requested and been granted approval for part-time enrolment), maintain satisfactory progress in your studies; continue to be on a low income; advise the Scholarships Office of any changes to your income or eligibility.
Does the University have a policy on scholarships?
YES, the policy is reviewed annually and is published on the University Policy Register.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENROLMENT
Will I still be eligible for my scholarship if I reduce to part time study?
It depends on the reason. If your reasons relate to an illness or other exceptional circumstances, you can submit a statement with supporting documentation for consideration by the Selection Panel. At any time your studies fall below 75% of the normal load for your course you must contact the Scholarships Office by phone (9919.5568) or email. For a higher education student, 75% of a normal full time load is 0.375 EFTSL (36 credit points) per semester, usually three units per semester. For a TAFE student, 75% of a normal full time load is a minimum of 270 study hours per year. Scholarships are only paid for the maximum duration so if you take longer to finish your course, your scholarship may end before your studies are completed.
What happens to my scholarship if I fail units?
One of the ongoing requirements is that you have to make satisfactory academic progress. We accept your Faculty's definition of 'satisfactory progress'. If you enrolment changes to part-time, you will need to submit a statement to the Scholarships Office, and the Selection and Assessment Panel will advise if you can keep the scholarship or not. You will lose your scholarship if you are excluded from the course. Scholarships are only paid for the maximum duration so if you take longer to finish your course, your scholarship may end before your studies are completed.
What happens to my scholarship if I take leave of absence from my course?
As long as your Faculty has officially approved your leave, your scholarship payments can be suspended. Payments will resume in your first semester back as long as you still meet the eligibility for your scholarship. You will need to contact the Scholarships Office by phone (9919.5568) or email to advise your return to studies and check your status.
If I defer my course, can I defer my equity scholarship?
If you are offered a place in a course and are approved to defer your commencement, your scholarship offer will lapse. You will need to re-apply for a scholarship prior to commencing your studies. It is suggested that you only complete the application form for a scholarship if you intend studying in the upcoming semester.
If I enrol in a Graduate Diploma after my Bachelor's degree, will my scholarship continue?
Only students enrolled in a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education are eligible to apply for the Commonwealth and VU Access equity scholarships. If you were on one of these scholarships for your undergraduate degree and you continue your enrolment in a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, you will have to submit a new application and be assessed against the criteria.
If I enrol in an Honours year after my Bachelor's degree, will my scholarship continue?
Yes, you can keep your VU Access, Commonwealth Accommodation or Commonwealth Education Cost scholarship during the Honours year if you have not exceeded the maximum number of years of payment (four years / eight payments) and you still meet the ongoing eligibility criteria of low income and full-time enrolment.
What happens to my scholarship if I only have two units left to finish my course in the last semester?
If you have already been paid a scholarship for the maximum number of years (usually 4 years) the scholarship would finish. If you have time left on your scholarship you would need to apply for approval to study part-time and retain the scholarship for the final semester. Approval is not automatically granted, but your circumstances will be taken into account.
Can I transfer my scholarship if I transfer to another University or TAFE?
Your Victoria University scholarship cannot be transferred to another University or TAFE. It is valid for your studies at Victoria University only.
Can I transfer to another course at VU and keep my equity scholarship?
It depends on what course you enrol into. In most circumstances, your scholarship will continue. If not, you may be able to apply for a new scholarship depending on the new course and your eligibility. Please contact the Scholarships Office by phone (9919.5568) or email to check how any changes to your enrolment will impact on your scholarship.
If I go on student exchange overseas, can I keep my equity scholarship?
Yes, if your exchange is approved as part of your course by the University and you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
I have transferred to Victoria University (VU) from another university; can the scholarship I received at my old university be continued at VU?
No. You will need to apply for a new Commonwealth or VU Access scholarship.
