Scholarships at UC

Unlocking opportunities

Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial pressure of tuition and related course costs. The University of Canberra (UC) offers a range of options for international students; these can be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for specific fields of study. For scholarships based on academic merit, you will be automatically assessed when you apply for a course and offered any that are applicable to you when you receive your offer letter.

Outside of UC, there are numerous grants and scholarships offered by the Australian Government, as well as private and public organisations. Study Australia provides a great research tool on their website.

Who to contact at UC

• For Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Scholarships – hdrsupport@canderra.edu.au
• For International Academic Merit Scholarships— admissions@canberra.edu.au
• For all other scholarships—scholarships@canberra.edu.au

UC’s accommodation guarantee

To make the transition to life at university a little easier, UC offers an accommodation guarantee. This means that all international students are assured a spot in student accommodation, easing one of the major stressors of studying abroad—finding your home away from home.

The student accommodation options at UC are designed to be affordable and supportive, providing a range of choices to fit different budgets. On-campus living can also save you money on transportation and utility bills.

Finding work opportunities with Careers UC

Whether it be a casual job, internship or placement—finding employment is an awesome way to boost your savings or cover living costs. Through Careers UC, you can access a variety of support services, such as resume and interview workshops, to help you with your search. Check out CareerHub for the latest casual and part-time jobs on campus and across Canberra. Think of the cool latte art you can impress your friends with!

The perks of being a student. Hello discounts!

As a university student, you have access to some great discounts on goods and services. Many retailers, restaurants and online platforms offer concessions to students, which can lead to valuable savings on everyday expenses.

Studying at UC makes you eligible for a range of benefits too, such as travel concessions and discounts on computers, software and lifestyle products. Just make sure you have your student ID card handy!

UC Cultural Pass

Not so humble brag—as a UC student, you can gain exclusive access to events and exhibitions. UC’s Cultural Pass lets you explore Canberra’s art scene, culture and heritage. It’s $15 for an annual membership and valued at over $350.

Campus resources

At UC, you can access various campus resources that offer significant savings:

• Library services: UC Library provides free access to textbooks and other study materials that can save you from purchasing expensive books.
• UC Medical: The Medical and Counselling Centre is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. General Practitioner services are bulk-billed and Psychology Services are free and confidential. Check out a full list of services and fees here.
• Study support: UC offers schemes such as Peer-Assisted Learning Sessions (PALS) and study skills programs to assist with assignments, research and referencing. See what’s relevant to you here.

Pro tips

Practical cost-saving strategies can make your university experience affordable:

• Create a budget: Track your income and expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can manage your money more effectively. Create a spreadsheet or use an online tool to get started.
• Cook at home: Dining out frequently can add up. Save money by cooking meals at home and planning your grocery shopping to minimise food waste.
• Use public transport: If you live off-campus, consider using public transportation or biking instead of driving. This can save you money on fuel, maintenance, and parking.
• Buy used textbooks: Purchase used textbooks or rent them to reduce costs. Students sell their textbooks on websites like Gumtree or StudentVIP at the end of each semester.
• Visit the UCX Food pantry - The UCX Food Pantry was created to give UC students access to free food supplies for those that don’t always have access to food. 
• Shop for vintage or pre-loved clothes: Apps like Depop and shopping at op shops (a.k.a. thrift/second hand stores) can help you fill out your Australian wardrobe at a reasonable price.