Commonwealth Funded and Opportunity Scholarships

Many students experience difficulty with the costs of living and studying. These financial difficulties arise from having limited income (eg Centrelink benefits or low-wage work) and having lots of expenses (eg being financially responsible for others). The scholarships in this category are awarded to students experiencing financial hardship and to assist such students to focus on their studies.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarships Program was introduced by the Commonwealth Government in 2004 to assist low-income students with the costs associated with higher education. UWS receives substantial numbers of Commonwealth Scholarships allocated each year.

1. Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships (CECS)

This scholarship is designed to assist students with the various costs associated with study.

• Available: There are over 200 scholarships available in 2009
• Scholarship Benefits: $2 207 in 2009 (indexed annually) per year.
  

2. Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS)

This scholarship is designed to assist students from rural and regional areas who will need to relocate and have incurred additional accommodation costs, in order to undertake study.

• Available: There are over 80 scholarships available in 2009
• Value: $4 415 in 2009 (indexed annually) per year.
  

Terms of Reference for CECS and CAS

Duration: Up to four years

Course(s): Any full-time UWS undergraduate degree program.

Eligibility to apply:

Applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa; and
• For detailed information about eligibility criteria visit the equity section of the UAC website: Equity Scholarships.
  

Application Process and Selection: Applicants should apply for both CECS and CAS directly through the University Admissions Centre (UAC). Application forms are available UAC’s website at: Equity Scholarships.

UWS will award Commonwealth Scholarships to applicants who best meet the eligibility requirements. UWS may also consider other educational disadvantages such as membership of a specific equity group and/or significantly adverse personal circumstances.

Conditions: Recipients must remain in full-time study and maintain a GPA of four (pass average). Recipients must notify UWS should circumstances change which may effect your continued eligibility.

Please Note:

• Part-time study may be considered under exceptional circumstances and with written permission from the Scholarships Unit. You must apply directly to the Scholarships Unit to have your part-time status considered. Email: scholarships@uws.edu.au
• Recipients of a Commonwealth Scholarship will be required to authorise a Centrelink Customer Consent Form which allows UWS to periodically check the status of your Centrelink entitlements.

Important Links

• Apply Now for Scholarships
  

For more information email or call the UWS Course Information Centre on 1800 897 669.