UAC Guide for HSC Students

Navigating the road between high school and university can be challenging.  There’s lots of new jargon and it’s tricky to know what to do and when.  Our Year 12 University Application Guide will take you though the process, step by step.

Scholarships

We know that many students aspire to go to uni to gain a degree or go to TAFE and study towards a diploma, but for many students the costs make this unattainable. Higher education isn’t free, it costs $20,000–$45,000 to complete a Bachelor degree and, if you have to live on campus, the costs are on average $20,000 a year. And that’s before you buy any textbooks, study materials, or IT equipment!

Scholarships exist to increase opportunities for someone like you to access higher education. Being awarded a scholarship could mean the difference between accepting or turning down a place at university.

There are scholarships specifically tailored to the needs of regional students and, even though you might not think you are eligible, no matter what your situation or background, there are many scholarships for a diverse range of people.

Examples of types of scholarships include:

• Access for regional and rural students
• Residential scholarships
• Travel and study grants
• Placement grants
• Areas of study, such as agriculture, the health professions and teaching
• Scholarships for people from diverse backgrounds.

In case you are thinking you won’t have a chance, let’s address some common myths about scholarship success. Many people think that to get a scholarship:

• You need to be academic.
• The odds are against you because so many apply, and you don’t have a hope.
• You have to be good at writing essays.

None of these are true. It is true, however, that you will not get a scholarship unless you apply for one!

It is also true that your chances of success depend on finding the right scholarship to suit your circumstances and needs.

There are a number of key steps to follow to enhance your chances of success:

• Commit: Decide that you want to apply for a scholarship
• Assess: Find scholarships that you are eligible for
• Research: Look far and wide
• Knowledge: Know your audience/know what they are looking for
• Awareness: Pay attention to your competition
• Quality: Proofread everything!
• Determination: Perseverance furthers! If at first you don’t succeed – apply again, and again…

Access the CUCCV 2026 Scholarship Guide Clarence Valley here