What is a scholarship?

Funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, scholarships are available to prospective and current students.

Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies.

How scholarships can help students

Every student’s story is unique, and scholarships are often a life-changing financial contribution that help students to start or continue their studies, without the added stress presented by the day-to-day costs of living. This could mean buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

Scholarships can change lives by providing help when it’s needed the most.

Notre Dame also wishes to recognise and acknowledge the support of our most generous donors and acknowledge their ongoing commitment to Notre Dame by supporting our students.

EXPLORE OUR SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Scholarships for commencing students

    Notre Dame Opportunity and Merit scholarships worth up to $20,000 are available for students commencing undergraduate and postgraduate programs. There are over 20 scholarships available, which will be awarded on the basis of equity or merit. Scholarships for 2025 commencing students include:

    • The Notre Dame Merit Scholarship
    • The Notre Dame Postgraduate Merit Scholarship
    • The Notre Dame Opportunity Scholarship
    • The Notre Dame Postgraduate Opportunity Scholarship

  • Scholarships for postgraduate research students

    The Australian Government RTP scheme provides funding for domestic and international students to undertake a higher degree by research at Notre Dame.

    Students can be offered RTP scholarships for one or more of the following:

    Tuition fees offset

    What is it?

    • Domestic students with an offer in an HDR course at Notre Dame are exempt from having to contribute towards the cost of these courses.
    • If you’re eligible, you’ll be exempt from paying fees for your program for a maximum of four years full-time equivalent study for a Doctoral research degree, and two years full-time equivalent study for a Master's research degree.

    Who can get it?

    • Notre Dame automatically assesses the eligibility for domestic students, and no application is required for this category.
    • International students can also apply for financial support through the Australian Government RTP, but a Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship is only available competitively.

    Stipend

    What is it?

    • This scholarship can assist HDR students with general living costs while undertaking a Research Degree.

    Who can get it?

    • Stipend Scholarships are available to domestic and international HDR students on a competitive basis.
    • New HDR and currently enrolled research students can apply for a Stipend Scholarship. Stipends are awarded for three years, with the possibility of a maximum of one semester’s extension subject to satisfactory progress to completion.

    Allowance

    What is it?

    • This Scholarship can assist students with ancillary costs related to a Research Degree at Notre Dame. Applications for Allowances are approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research (or delegate).

    Who can get it?

    • Examples of allowances for consideration are research degree thesis printing and academic publication costs, relocation costs to undertake the research degree or a standard Overseas Health Cover policy for international students.

    What you need to know when applying for the RTP scholarship: 

    The University offers the Australian Government RTP Scholarship through a competitive process. The procedures and awards for all three types of scholarships are at the discretion of each individual University.

    Before applying you should: 

    • Review the application closing date:  
      • RTP application is closed for 2024. If the deadline has passed, HDR students can still apply for admission into a higher degree by research and apply for the scholarship as a current student per the eligibility above.
    • Review the selection criteria:
      • Applications are assessed based on academic performance, evidence of research capability, relevant professional experience, quality of research project, alignment with the University Research Plan and Transformative Research Themes, quality of the supervisory team, such as a record of successful supervision, supervisory load and complementary expertise.
      • All scholarship applications will go through the UNDA selection process, and the applicants will be advised of the outcome in mid-November.
    • Indicate whether you’re a prospective or current student
      • For prospective students, indicate Yes” to “Are you interested in applying for a scholarship?” on your Expression of Interest Form, and you’ll automatically be considered for the RTP fees offset and stipend. If “Yes” was not selected but you still want to apply for a scholarship, please contact  Research Office for assistance.
      • Current students will need to complete the relevant RTP Application Form (Domestic or International) and submit it to Research Office by the Scholarship application closing date. You’ll need to provide your progress for confirmation of candidature and progress review. Please attach these documents to your application. If you are unable to attach these, please provide the reason.

    If you need help with your application or have any questions, please email us at hdr.scholarships@nd.edu.au.

How to apply for a scholarship

Selection criteria is different for each scholarship; some scholarships are awarded based on merit (such as academic achievement), or equity (such as personal or financial hardship), or a combination of these factors. It’s important to demonstrate how you meet the criteria by providing supporting documentation.

Below are some tips on preparing your application and some frequently asked questions regarding eligibility, application, payment, and continuation of scholarships at Notre Dame.

We encourage you to apply for as many scholarships as you’re eligible for.

Check out our Scholarship Finder to get started.

  • Preparing your application

    Application requirements will vary depending on the scholarship.

    Some scholarships are awarded based on merit (such as academic achievement), or equity (such as personal or financial hardship), or a combination of these.

    To stand out in your application, it’s important to show how you meet the criteria through supporting documentation.

    Some scholarships for commencing students don’t require an application. You’ll automatically be considered when you apply to study with us, and these are often awarded on merit.

  • Writing a personal statement

    Most scholarships will ask you to submit a personal statement in your application.

    When writing your statement, it helps if you can on draw on real-life examples and be honest about your circumstances.

    It’s important to read the conditions for the scholarship you’re applying for, and write your application based on the applicable criteria you need to meet.

    Learn more about how to address some of the common criteria under Addressing Selection Criteria.

  • Addressing selection criteria

    Each Scholarship will have different selection criteria, which you can find in the Scholarship Conditions. When preparing your application, it is important to address the selection criteria that you meet, in your Personal Statement and/or through supporting documentation.

    Learn more about how to address some of the common criteria below:

    Academic merit

    • Attach your academic transcript or high school results.
    • You’ll need to supply your Grade Point Average (GPA) at university, or other reports that demonstrate your academic achievement in previous studies. This can include your Weighted Average Mark (WAM) or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) if you’re a high school graduate.
    • If the scholarship closing date is prior to your marks being released, please include your predicted ATAR or school reports to address this requirement. Notre Dame will automatically receive your ATAR results once available.

    Community service

    • List your experience in community service or volunteer involvement, such as mentorship; coaching a sporting team; or working in a job requiring leadership. Draw on these experiences to highlight your leadership skills and service to community.
    • Contributions made to your school, institution, or your broader community can strengthen your scholarship application.

    Financial need

    • There are various levels of financial need, you must answer this criterion in a way that best demonstrates your circumstances.
    • This may include providing evidence of means tested Government assistance (such as Centrelink Income Statement or an Australian Taxation Office notice of assessment).
    • You can also describe your financial situation that negatively impacts your studies, which can also be considered as financial hardship.

    Personal circumstances

    • Personal hardship is assessed by any previous or current impact on your ability to study.
    • This can include significant events that have interrupted your studies, or your current circumstances.
    • Personal circumstances for consideration can sometimes include:
      • First in first in family to attend university;
      • Living in a regional, remote, or low socio-economic status area;
      • Presence of any physical or mental health issues or impairments;
      • Caring responsibilities for family or dependents; or
      • Difficult employment arrangements or sources of income which can impact the ability to study.

  • How you’ll get paid

    The way scholarship payments are processed depends on the type of scholarship you’ve applied for, how it’s funded, and whether it’s paid in cash or fee remission.

    You’ll be notified of the outcome of your scholarship application by the census date. If you’re successful in being offered a scholarship, you’ll receive an email asking you to accept the offer by reading the conditions and completing a declaration.

    If you’ve been offered a cash scholarship, you’ll also be asked to provide your nominated bank details.

    If your scholarship is fee remission, the scholarship funds will be automatically applied to your course fees. To seek an update on your scholarship fee remission payments, contact student.fees@nd.edu.au.

    Most scholarships are paid in two instalments each semester once your eligibility and conditions of continuation have been verified. This will happen after the census date and payments will generally be received 2-3 weeks after.

    External scholarships are paid independently from the university, so you are asked to contact the external agency directly for more information on their payment process and timeframe.

  • Recipient requirements

    If you’ve received a scholarship, you’ll need to do the following at the end of each calendar year for the duration of your scholarship:

    Provide an Annual Scholarship Update that covers: 

    • An outline of your academic and personal journey, and overall student experience with a focus on how your scholarship has impacted and brought value to your studies and experience at Notre Dame.
    • For more information, please read the Annual Scholarship Update Guidelines and download the template, to assist you in this process.

    Recipients of donor-funded scholarships are invited to write a letter acknowledging their scholarship donors once they have accepted the scholarship offer. 

    Writing an acknowledgment letter has the following benefits:

    • Provides an opportunity for recipients to express the impact of the scholarship to the donor, and for the donor to hear directly from the student.
    • These letters can help demonstrate the value of their gift and often helps secure continuing gifts to support future students.
    • Please note that this letter isn’t compulsory. It’s an optional invitation that you can decide to accept or decline with no effect on your scholarship eligibility or continuation. This acknowledgement letter is separate to the Annual Scholarship Update.
    • For more information, please read the Acknowledgement Letter Guidelines to assist you in this process.

    It’s important that your studies or wellbeing aren’t impacted when writing these documents. If you need additional support or need more time to write your report, please contact the Scholarships Coordinator at scholarships@nd.edu.au.

  • Frequently asked questions

    Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

    Yes, you can apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for. Each scholarship has different conditions, and some may prohibit you from holding multiple scholarships concurrently. For example, if you are the nominated recipient of two (2) scholarships, you may only be eligible to receive one  (1).

    Can I apply for a scholarship if I am not an Australian citizen?

    Yes, Notre Dame offers scholarships to students who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and international students. Please refer to the eligibility criteria of each Scholarship Conditions.

    Can I apply for a scholarship if I am not a Notre Dame student?

    If you have not enrolled in a program of study, apply to Notre Dame before completing a scholarship application. Whilst you may apply for a scholarship before becoming a Notre Dame student, you must have received an offer to study and be enrolled in your program prior to receiving a scholarship offer or payment.

    What are government means tested benefits?

    Generally, this refers to means tested Centrelink payments, including ABSTUDY payments. Notre Dame will also accept a current Health Care Card under this category. Please visit the Centrelink website for other current means tested benefits.

    To provide supporting evidence of this in your scholarship application, you must include a full copy of a current Centrelink Income Statement (CIS), dated within the last three months. Please allow 4-5 business days for Centrelink to provide this and factor this timeframe in before the scholarship closing date.

    Will a scholarship affect my Centrelink payments?

    Most scholarships awarded based on merit or equity are exempt from Centrelink’s income assessment. However, scholarship payments up to a certain amount per annum may affect your Centrelink entitlements, please visit the Centrelink website for further information.

    Do I need to pay tax on my scholarship?

    Scholarships for full-time undergraduate study are not usually taxable, however you are encouraged to seek independent taxation advice regarding your individual circumstances. Notre Dame is not responsible for personal taxation implications of any scholarship funds. Please visit the Australian Taxation Office website for further information.

    Can I transfer my studies to another university or institution and retain my scholarship?

    No. Notre Dame Scholarships are not transferable to another university or institution.

    How do I access my academic transcript?

    If you are a current Notre Dame student, you can obtain an unofficial copy of your current academic transcript from your Student Centre by following the instructions online.

    If you are a commencing student and the scholarship closing date is prior to your high school marks being released, please include your predicted ATAR or school reports to address this criterion. Notre Dame will automatically receive your ATAR results once they become available.

    Who is considered regional or remote?

    Regional and remoteness is identified by the postcode of your permanent home residence at the time of your enrolment, using the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) system classification. If you are a current Notre Dame student, please ensure your address is up to date on your Student Centre and that it matches the address on your scholarship application.

    How can I check my regional or remote status?

    1. Go to the Australian Government’s Health Workforce Locator.
    2. Select “ASGS Remoteness Areas 2011.”
    3. Click “Find address”, enter your permanent home address, and click “Search Location.”
    4. Check your ASGS Remoteness Areas classification. If your address is classified as inner regional, outer regional, remote, or very remote, then you are eligible for any scholarships with this criterion.

    Who is considered low socio-economic status (LSES)?

    Socioeconomic status (SES) in Australian higher education is determined using a student’s residential address. This status is determined by your permanent home address falling within the lowest quartile in the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage by Statistical Area 1.

    How can I check my socio-economic status?

    1. Go to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage interactive map.
    2. Set the map layer to “2016 Statistical Area Level 1 (SA1).”
    3. Enter your address and click the search button.
    4. Click on your address on the map and check the percentile in the box that pops up. If the percentile is between 1 and 25, then you are eligible to apply for any scholarships with this criterion.

    What should my reference letters include?

    You may need to include two (2) written reference letters in your scholarship application. References can be from a previous employer; a representative of a volunteering organisation you are or were involved with; or one of your lecturers or teachers. We suggest you provide your referee with a copy of the scholarship conditions so that the reference letter can be written with a particular focus.

    Letters from relatives, partners, neighbours, or personal friends will not be considered.

    Are late scholarship applications accepted?

    Once the closing date has passed, late scholarship applications are not accepted.

    When will I be notified of my application outcome?

    You will be notified of your scholarship application outcome via email. Sometimes the selection process for scholarships can be long and competitive, and you may not receive your outcome until after the semester has started. We will communicate any anticipated delays to you as best we can.

    If you are experiencing immediate financial hardship whilst awaiting your application outcome, we encourage you to apply for the Student Hardship Assistance Fund.

    What if my situation changes?

    Changes to your enrolled program of study, academic performance, or living arrangements, can all impact the eligibility and continuation of your scholarship.

    If any of these circumstances change whilst you are in receipt of a Notre Dame scholarship, you must notify us at scholarships@nd.edu.au immediately. Should you fail to update the University on any of these changes, you may be at risk of your scholarship being forfeited.

    If you are a recipient of an external scholarship, you must update the external agency directly of any change in your circumstances pertaining to your scholarship eligibility.

    Where can I stay updated on when scholarships become available to apply?

    Please check our Scholarships Finder regularly for scholarships that may become open and available to apply. We may include information for external scholarships (not administered or offered by Notre Dame), which you may be eligible for.

    If you are a current Notre Dame student, you will receive an email to your student inbox each semester announcing the opening of a scholarship round.

    Who do I contact for information about scholarships?

    For any queries related to scholarships, contact scholarships@nd.edu.au.

    How do I establish a scholarship?

    If you wish to become a donor and establish a scholarship, please visit Invest in future generations.

Contact us

Need help?

For more information or to get in touch, contact our Scholarships Office:

Email: scholarships@nd.edu.au
Fremantle: +61 8 9433 0545
Sydney: +61 2 8204 4228