Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Government offers a significant number of scholarships each year for students studying at the University of Adelaide through Commonwealth income support scholarships. The scholarships are to assist students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those from rural and regional areas, and Indigenous students, with the costs associated with higher education.

In 2010, it is expected that Centrelink will administer the new Student Start-up Scholarships and the new Relocation Scholarships.

Student Start-up Scholarship

It is expected that from 1 January 2010, all university students receiving income support provided through Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY, will be entitled to an annual Student Start-up Scholarship of $2,254 in 2010 and indexed thereafter for each year of their program.  This will also include students who are assisted under veteran’s schemes.

Relocation Scholarship

It is expected that from 1 January 2010, all university students receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY who have to live away from their family home will be assisted by a Relocation Scholarship.  This scholarship will provide $4,000 for students in their first year at university and $1,000 in each year thereafter and will be indexed.  Students who are eligible for a Relocation Scholarship will also receive a Student Start-up Scholarship.

To be eligible for either the Student Start-up Scholarship or the Relocation Scholarship, students must be Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa and must enrol on a full-time basis (unless there are special circumstances preventing this, such as a disability).

Details of these new scholarships, including application timelines, are still to be confirmed. Students are encouraged to access the DEEWR website or the University’s website for further information later in the year. 

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), has also proposed changes to student income support in the 2009 - 10 Budget which will increase the number of students who will be eligible for Commonwealth Scholarships. To help families estimate the amount of assistance that may be recieved for dependent students - including young people who may be currently taking a gap year - the Australian Government has provided a Student Assistance Estimator.

Indigenous students

Indigenous students undertaking undergraduate study at the University who are in receipt of Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY will be eligible for the Student Start-up Scholarship.  If they meet the criteria for having to live away from their family home in order to study, they will also receive the Relocation Scholarship.

Indigenous Access Scholarship

This Scholarship is provided under the Commonwealth Scholarships program to assist Indigenous students from regional or remote areas who are in financial need attend university.  In 2010 the value of the scholarship is $4,253.

Students must be enrolled in or undertaking a foundation course with Wilto Yerlo or an undergraduate program.  This scholarship is held for a maximum of one (1 year) or a maximum of two (2) half years subject to continuing financial disadvantage.

For specific details of this scholarship type and conditions of the award, please see the Scholarship Offer Schedule.

Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (Indigenous Enabling)

This Scholarship is provided under the Commonwealth Scholarships program to assist Indigenous students from regional or remote areas who are in financial need to assist with accommodation costs. In 2010, the value of the scholarship is $4,508 and is indexed in subsequent years.

Students must be enrolled in or undertaking a foundation course with Wilto Yerlo. This scholarship is held for a maximum of one (1 year) or a maximum of two (2) half years subject to satisfactory academic progress and continuing financial disadvantage.

For specific details of this scholarship type and conditions of the award, please see the Scholarship Offer Schedule.

Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (Indigenous Enabling)

This scholarship is provided under the Commonwealth program to assist with education costs for Indigenous students in financial need.  In 2010, the value of the scholarship is $2,254.  The amount is indexed in subsequent years.

Students must be enrolled in or undertaking a foundation course with Wilto Yerlo or an undergraduate program.  This scholarship is held for a maximum of one (1 year) or a maximum of two (2) half years subject to continuing financial disadvantage.

For specific details of this scholarship type and conditions of the award, please see the Scholarship Offer Schedule.