The Top 5 Undergraduate University Scholarships in Australia

Each year, millions of dollars are provided to high school leavers making the transition to university study. Yet what makes a dream scholarship? In the first post of our MentorMe Australia Insights blog series, we investigate the top 5 university scholarships for high school leavers Nationwide and provide hints as to how you could take out the prize.

1st Place - UNSW Co-op Scholarship Program

About
Founded in 1987, the UNSW Co-op Scholarship Program is a prestigious career development scholarship offered across 24 Bachelor degrees in the fields of Business, Science, Engineering and Built Environment. 
• Provides $18,200 per annum tax free financial support.
• Between 9 and 18 months of relevant industry training with up to four different companies during your degree. 
• Professional development and leadership training. 
• The largest and most prestigious co-operative scholarship program of its type in Australia.

Highlight
In the current tumultuous economic period, industrial work placements are difficult to secure. Winning a Co-op Scholarship will guarantee you the opportunity to work for your sponsor company throughout your degree. Moreover, 80% of Co-op Scholars receive a job offer from one or more of their sponsor companies after they graduate.

Selection
The academic requirement for entry to the Co-op program is a minimum ATAR of 96 (or equivalent). However, candidates for the Co-op Scholarship are selected not only on the basis of their academic ability, but also their communication skills, motivation and leadership potential. Applicants who score very high ATARs, but whose personal interests and achievements have otherwise been quite limited are less likely to be offered a UNSW Co-op Scholarship.

2nd Place - ANU Tuckwell Scholarship

About
The Tuckwell Scholarship program was founded in 2013 and selects up to 25 scholars each year for study at the Australian National University (ANU).
• $21,700 per annum, for up to five years.
• Priority access guaranteed to ANU-approved student accommodation.
• ANU Sports Centre Membership for the length of your degree.
• Membership of Scholars House.

Highlight
Access to the Tuckwell Scholarship Community, mentorship opportunities with Tuckwell Fellows, and fully funded accommodation on campus at ANU makes the Tuckwell Scholarship stand out as one of the top 5 university scholarships in Australia for high school leavers.

Selection
Tuckwell Scholars, much like UNSW Co-op Scholars, are selected for their all-round ability. Further, the Tuckwell Scholarship program seeks scholars who “strive to make a difference in the world.”
Scholarships will be awarded based on four criteria:
a) Academic potential and achievements to date;
b) Other significant achievements to date, of any type;
c) Demonstration of Tuckwell Scholar attributes; and
d) A desire to eventually give back to Australia.
e) A minimum ATAR of 95.

3rd Place - University of Melbourne Chancellors Scholars Program

About
The Chancellor's Scholars Program provides a Melbourne National Scholarship and significant financial assistance to high-achieving students enrolled in the following undergraduate degrees:
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science

The Melbourne National Scholarship program provides the following benefits:
• Tuition fee-exempt Commonwealth Supported Place, valued up to approximately $30,500;
• A living allowance for 3 years with a value of:
• $5,000 per year for Victorian students
• $10,000 per year for interstate students
• Melbourne Global Scholars Award of up to $2,500 for an approved period of overseas study as an Exchange or Study Abroad student

Highlight
Whilst the scholarship does not offer professional development events or industrial training opportunities and the like, it does provide significant financial assistance for elite students.

Selection
Selection of the Melbourne National Scholarship requires selection onto the Chancellors Scholars Program via attaining:
a) ATAR of at least 99.90 for Bachelor of Arts, Biomedicine Commerce, Environment or Science applicants
b) ATAR of at least 99.85 and an audition score of A+ for Bachelor of Music applicants
c) ATAR of at least 90.00 for indigenous applicants
An application for this scholarship is not required.

4th Place - University of Western Australia Fogarty Foundation Scholarships

About
The UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarships have been established in conjunction with the Fogarty Foundation to provide senior secondary students who show significant academic potential, together with a strong sense of community involvement and responsibility in year 11 and 12, with an opportunity to undertake an undergraduate degree of their choice at The University of Western Australia with significant financial assistance.

Highlight
Financial assistance of $10,000 per annum.

Selection
To be considered eligible to apply, applicants-
a) From metropolitan schools must reasonably expect to achieve an ATAR of 99
b) From regional or remote schools must reasonably expect to achieve an ATAR of 97
c) Demonstrate a sense of community involvement.

5th Place - Macquarie University Merit Scholars Program

About 
The Merit Scholars program at Macquarie University includes exclusive opportunities to take part in:
• Professional workshops
• Research programs
• Social and networking events
• Academic mentoring
• International development opportunities.

Highlight
Free access to the full range of opportunities available to Merit Scholars such as mentoring opportunites and professional development programs.

Selection
The Merit Scholar program is open to students who either:
a) Start at Macquarie having achieved an ATAR of 98.5 or greater; or
b) Achieve a GPA of 4 after completing 24 Credit Points at Macquarie University (or equivalent at another Higher Education provider).
c) Or by special invitation
Students who are eligible for the Merit Scholars program will be contacted directly; there is no need to apply.

Other Scholarships:

Typically, monetary backing is provided by universities, government, private companies and other sponsoring institutions to recognize academic achievement or athletic ability. However scholarships are not only for top scholars and athletes, with assistance provided in many scholarships to recognize and promote endeavors such as voluntary leadership and women in underrepresented fields like engineering. Scholarships are also provided to support students with disabilities or financial constraints.  

It is important to start searching for scholarships during your final year of high school study with many scholarships closing around the time of university course application closing dates. Don’t rule yourself out - each year over $1 million dollars of financial assistance for university students goes un-awarded!