Need help paying for school? The cost of studying in Australia can be very expensive, especially for students attending college or university. We understand it can be hard for students to make their way, and we do everything we can to ensure that young Australians aren’t caught out with high levels of debt and a big student loan. We’ve even got this guide to help you survive on a student budget. Butif budgeting just isn’t enough and you find yourself relying on credit cards to get by, it’s important to look at alternative finance options to ensure your student life is focused on your degree, and not finances. A student scholarship could be an answer to helping you get student debt relief! 

Student Debt Solutions

There are plenty of scholarships available to both Australian and international students studying a tertiary education course in Australia, which are offered by colleges, universities, governments, and other organisations. Although there are many scholarships to choose from, a scholarship will only be given to you if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Therefore, it’s important to check if you qualify for a scholarship before you apply, and this is where we can help you. Here, you’ll find out where to look for scholarships, how to determine your eligibility for a scholarship and how to apply for one. If you find that you’re not eligible for any of the scholarships, don’t worry! We’ll show you other ways you can pay for your student loan and schooling to help you kick-start your career.

‍Student Debt Relief: The Best Sites to Look for Scholarships:

You can find the different types of scholarships available to students studying in Australia at the following websites:

• StudyInAustralia.gov.au has some great information about studying in Australia. Use the Scholarship Search Tool to check out current availabilities.
• Australia Awards Scholarships are esteemed scholarships and short courses enabling international students the chance to take on study, research projects, and professional development in Australia.
• Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians awards young Aussies up to $13K to study a VET qualification (Cert III, IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma) and undergo a paid internship. 
• Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships Program is designed to improve access to educational opportunities for regional and remove Australians studying  an undergrad or post grad course from Cert IV to PhD level. 
• Tertiary Access Payment for those who have relocated to study.
• The Support for Students page by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment provides information about government initiatives and resources to help students.
• Check out the AusGov’s Study Assist page to find more info on Scholarships and additional Support for Students. 
• The Australian Scholarships Foundation facilitates scholarships for Australian non-for-profit directors and staff to undertake education, training and mentoring to improve their managerial ability. 

Student Debt Solutions: How to Determine If You’re Eligible for A Scholarship?

‍To determine which scholarships you qualify for, it’s important to do your research properly on the scholarship provider’s website. When searching for scholarships, make sure to filter your search by the relevant parameters to make sure you apply for the right one:

• Organisation name (the name of your college, university or workplace);
• Field of education/subject area (the name of your course or degree);
• Course type (undergraduate or postgraduate); and
• Course/scholarship location (NSW, QLD, VIC, etc.).

Once you’ve found an appropriate scholarship, you’ll see on the scholarship’s page that the decision to grant you the scholarship will be based on some or all of the following criteria:

• Nationality and country of residence. 
• Age and gender.
• Motivation.
• Social background.
• Financial need.
• Relevant work or professional experience.
• Former scholarship applications and previously awarded scholarships.
• History of competitive awards and prizes.
• Excellent academic record.
• Recognised contribution to the related industry.
• Subject being studied.
• Attendance at a specific college or university.
• Publications and/or conference or poster presentations.
• An appropriate research proposal.
• Excellent references.

How to Apply for A Scholarship?

If you’re eligible for a scholarship, the next step is to apply for it. Here are some tips to help you prepare your scholarship application and get that student debt relief:

• If you qualify for multiple scholarships, keep the information for each one in a separate folder so that it is easily accessible.
• Include all of the information requested of you in your application, such as your academic record, proof of financial circumstances, and a letter confirming your study plans.
• Provide the correct information to avoid unnecessary delays. This includes giving your full name and address, as well as phone and mobile numbers that actually work.
• Have a family member or friend proofread your application to ensure that there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.
• Provide the right number of references/referees and tell them that you’re applying for a scholarship, so they know what to say about you if they are contacted. 
• Submit your application to the scholarship provider before the deadline. This means getting your application ready and printed ahead of time and contacting your referees early.

Other Ways to Pay for Your Education

‍If you’re not eligible for a scholarship or your application was rejected, here are other ways you can pay for your schooling:

• Get a part-time job.
• Enter competitions such as essay contests, sweepstakes, and promotions.
• Contact your college/university admissions office and enquire about options for lower tuition fees or rates.
• If you have a job related to the course you’re taking, ask your employer to help pay your tuition fees.
• Prepay your tuition fees. If you can lock in the current rate and the cost increases, you won’t have to pay more. Apply for a HELP student loan to defer the cost of your tuition fees.
• Apply for AUSTUDY or Youth Allowance to cover your day to day living expenses whilst you study. 

If You Need Help Paying For School, It’s Worth Being Diligent

‍Obtaining a scholarship is an invaluable student debt solution when it comes to saving money for your education, and for easing the burden of student finances. In some instances, it can also look incredibly positive on your CV, especially if your scholarship is obtained through academic excellence. So, it’s worth doing a big, thorough search for potential scholarship opportunities across your institute and beyond. And of course, if you are a student who is struggling with credit card or personal loan debt, call us on 1300 003 328 for a free and confidential debt assessment to figure out a way out of your money struggles!