Further Opportunities

Scholarships, students with disability and international student reform

Current scholarships and application advice

AIQS Donald Napier Scholarships

Opened: May 1, 2024

Closes: October 31, 2024

AIQS offers a number of scholarships each year for Year 12 students who qualify for entry into a Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Construction Management (Economics) or other appropriate course at an AIQS accredited university in Australia.

There are four scholarships offered each year:

  1. General (open to all people)
  2. First Nations people (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
  3. Disadvantaged (financial, carer, medical condition or disability, regional or remote)
  4. Diversity (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, religion, marital status, language)
    Find out more

Charles Sturt Transgrid Civil Engineering Scholarship

Opened: May 1, 2024

Closes: September 24, 2024

The Transgrid Civil Engineering Scholarship fund will support 100 Charles Sturt engineering students over four cohorts with $20,000 each over four years. All students applying to study engineering at Charles Sturt are encouraged to apply for these scholarships and the funds can be spent however it’s needed – whether that’s the costs associated with your study, living expenses or learning resources.

Find out more

 

Co-op scholarships made easy for high school students 

Want financial support, industry training, and networking opportunities before you’ve even finished university? Look no further than a co-op scholarship.

Sure, you could apply for a regular scholarship, or just go straight to uni and pay back the loans later – but why not let a co-op scholarship take care of it all? Many co-op scholarships have a high success rate for employment post graduation, remove the financial barrier of attending university – and on top of all this, you will leave as an already seasoned professional. With opportunities in leadership, professional development, and monetary gain, a co-op scholarship could be your answer to a head start in life.

 

What’s the difference between a scholarship and a co-op scholarship?

“Co-op” stands for co-operative; it enables you to combine career development and further study at the same time. 

A regular scholarship may just fund your university experience – with a co-op scholarship, monetary support is supplemented with invaluable opportunities such as:

  • Work experience
  • Paid internships
  • Mentoring
  • Leadership development
  • Accommodation
  • Workshop and special events access 
  • Networking opportunities 

What are co-op scholarship selectors looking for?

While co-op scholarship requirements vary according to where you’re applying, there are some factors most universities tend to look for. Remember to always check the eligibility requirements on the university website or contact the institution directly for current information before starting an application.

 

Academic aptitude 

Because of the competitive nature of these programs, a high academic standardis generally expected, and a minimum ATAR is often first up on the list of requirements. Students are also expected to maintain or exceed this standard for the duration of their degree. Don’t be discouraged though; some scholarships prioritise elite athletes or performers, rather than academic merit.

 

Initiative and leadership qualities 

Universities tend to highly value leadership potential, so there are often opportunities tailored specifically for those who have already demonstrated lots of leadership experience. Bond University, for example, is currently offering a 2024 Leadership Scholarship, which includes “proof of leadership, initiative and service” in its application criteria.

 

Extracurriculars and community service

Passionate, well-rounded individuals are the types of people universities want to give scholarships to. If you were applying for an IT co-op scholarship, for example, extracurriculars such as computer-science clubs, tutoring programming, attending coding competitions and other IT related activities would likely be looked upon favourably.

Additionally, participating in community services such as volunteering can show that you are passionate about making a positive difference in real world situations.

 

Communication ability

Universities want to promote students with transferrable skills that are valued by employers, such as communication, so it’s important you showcase your excellent communication skills if you want an edge over other applicants.

 

Skills and experience 

If you are someone who excels at balancing their academic, extracurricular, and social pursuits, then you will be a perfect fit for a co-op scholarship. By demonstrating achievements outside of the classroom such as work experience, or showcasing skills gained from engaging with your community, assessors will be able to easily determine your suitability.

 

The early bird gets the worm

Don’t leave your application too late – in fact, the earlier you get started, the higher chance you have to submit a phenomenal application and get that interview. Whether you’re in Year 10, 11, or even below, it’s never too early to refresh your resume, start accumulating experiences, or begin practising your interview skills.

 

How to apply for co-op scholarships

If you’re thinking this sounds right up your alley, what now? Your next step is to look into the application process.

Students with disability

2025 Curtin Students

If you have a disability and plan to go to Curtin in 2025, register with Curtin’s Disability and Accessibility Support Unit so that staff are aware that you will be attending and of any specific services they need to provide to ensure your best opportunity to succeed. 

You can find details HERE. 

 

Genius Armoury Cyber Security for Autistic Students 

Genius Armoury  offers a range of courses to help introduce people to cybersecurity, exploring some of the fundamentals of coding, threats and exploits, networking and more. Available to anyone and free to complete, modules in the full course take around 30-90 minutes to complete. Find more HERE. 

International Students

The Albanese government will introduce legislation to cap the number of students that can be enrolled by each university or college. 

 

The education sector is also bracing for budget measures including an increase in the non-refundable student visa fees and another rise in the bank balance required for applicants.

 

Labor aims to slash net overseas migration from 528,000 last year to 260,000 next year, and international students are expected to make up 50 per cent of migration numbers.

 

Help to connect skilled migrants to employers

The Skilled Migrant Job Connect Program will receive $5.6 million over three years to ensure skilled migrants are connected to WA employers in jobs that align with their skills and experience. The program provides subsidies of up to $7,500 to eligible migrants located in WA who are seeking to gain local employment that aligns with their formal overseas qualifications, skills and experience.

A further $4.3 million has been allocated to maintain the Construction Migration Office throughout 2026, to support WA building and construction sector employers looking to hire skilled migrants, and migrants seeking to move to WA to work in the sector.