UNSW Scholarships for International Students: Application Guide

Search the official UNSW scholarship catalogue

The phrase UNSW scholarships covers undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, research, domestic and international awards. Start with the official UNSW Scholarships search and filter by study level, residency status, study area and current availability.

The official UNSW Scholarships and Awards page explains that some international awards require a scholarship application while others use automatic consideration with the university application. The portfolio and amounts can change between terms, so use the page for the intake you will actually start.

Separate automatic and application-based awards

For an automatic award, the admission application supplies the evidence used for consideration. For an application-based award, applicants may need a scholarship account, separate form, supporting documents and additional deadline.

Record:

• scholarship name and code;
• eligible citizenship or residency status;
• undergraduate, coursework postgraduate or research level;
• eligible start term and programme;
• automatic consideration or separate application;
• award value, duration and what it pays;
• supporting evidence and closing time in the stated time zone.

Do not combine details from different terms or scholarship codes.

Match the eligibility before writing

Check admission offer requirements, programme exclusions, start term, full-time status, location and academic criteria. Some awards may consider leadership, extracurricular activity, community contribution or reasons for studying at UNSW. Others use academic merit or a specific pathway.

If the page says applicants must hold an offer by a deadline, plan admission early enough. A scholarship form cannot repair missing programme eligibility.

Build evidence for leadership and contribution

Use examples with enough detail to be assessed. Identify the problem, your responsibility, action, people affected and result. Explain what you learned and how it connects to the intended course. Avoid unsupported claims such as “changed the whole community.”

A scholarship answer should be tailored to the specific criteria. Use the personal statement guide and essay-example safety guide to structure original evidence.

Prepare supporting documents early

Documents can include academic records, identity evidence, offer information and proof supporting leadership or activities. Follow the current scholarship page. Use professional file names, stay within upload limits and confirm every PDF opens.

Do not submit a certificate or reference that does not support the claim in the application. If evidence is unavailable, explain only where the form provides a legitimate space.

Compare the award with total study costs

UNSW awards can provide full tuition, partial tuition or a fixed contribution, depending on the scholarship. Read the live award page. Add tuition not covered, student fees, insurance, housing, food, travel and visa-related costs to a realistic budget.

Confirm payment timing. An award applied after enrolment may not remove earlier deposit or financial-evidence requirements unless UNSW confirms it.

Research applicants need a different route

Postgraduate research funding can be managed through research scholarship and faculty processes rather than the same coursework award page. Confirm supervisor, admission and research scholarship requirements for the intended programme.

Use the research proposal guide and research CV guide when those documents are requested.

Frequently asked questions

Are all UNSW scholarships automatic?

No. Official UNSW guidance distinguishes awards that require an application from awards using automatic consideration.

Can international students use the main UNSW scholarship search?

Yes. Filter the official catalogue by international residency status, study level, programme and current availability.

Does every award cover full tuition?

No. Awards can provide full tuition, partial tuition or a fixed contribution. Read the current award value and duration.

Should I use scholarship information from an older term?

No. Verify the scholarship code, eligible intake, deadline and terms for your actual commencement period.