Foundation Scholarships - Hints and Tips
These hints and tips are helpful for completing your on-line Scholarship application
Helpful hints for completing your on-line Scholarship application:
- The confidential
Recommendation Form (only applicable for commencing students) can
be downloaded here. Commencing students should give the recommendation form to their referee before the end of the school year to avoid delays over the Christmas break.
- When completing your application you will be
asked a number of questions. It is important you pay particular attention to what is being asked when
answering these questions. Although
there
are only
3 questions
there
are several components to each question which need to be answered.
It also helps if you set out the answers to these questions clearly
so that your application is easy to follow. Spelling
and punctuation are a component of application assessment.
- It is recommended you type your answers to the questions in a word document and then paste them in to your application at the appropriate place.
- Read the checklist, that will be shown when you have completed your application, to ensure that you haven't forgotten any pieces of information before submitting your application.
- If you need any assistance contact the Scholarship Officer at scholarships@csu.edu.au
Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships
* How many times a year are scholarships offered?
Scholarships are only offered once per year. First year student scholarship applications close in late February while scholarship applications for continuing students close in late October for the coming year (with the exception of some scholarships that are listed in the 'Scholarships with Different Closing Dates' in the Closing Dates section of this web site).
* How many scholarships were awarded last year?
In 2008 the following number of scholarships were awarded:
- Albury-Wodonga: 12
- Bathurst: 101
- Dubbo: 14
- Orange: 16
- Wagga Wagga: 82
* What are the selection criteria?
Most Charles Sturt Foundation scholarships are based on academic performance, community involvement, achievement, goals and motivation. Some industry funded scholarships have specific additional selection criteria. There is a complete listing of all scholarships with their criteria on this website.
* Am I eligible to receive more than one Charles Sturt Foundation scholarship?
In most cases students are only eligible to receive one Charles Sturt Foundation scholarship each year and recipients of a scholarship awarded over a number of years are not eligible to apply for further scholarships during the tenure of their awarded scholarship. In some circumstances, students may receive two scholarships in the one year.
* How do I apply for a scholarship that has criteria recognising hardship, disadvantage or disability?
In addition to completing the on-line application, applicants will be asked to complete a separate Hardship/Disability Form that demonstrates how they fit into one of the above categories.
* Can I apply for a Charles Sturt Foundation scholarship if I am applying for Commonwealth Learning and Equity Scholarships?
A student can only concurrently hold a Commonwealth Learning or Equity scholarship if the value of the Foundation scholarship is equal to, or less than the value of the Commonwealth Learning or Equity scholarship.
* What is a Grade Point Average and how important is it?
A numeric value is assigned to each grade that a student achieves, ie Distinction = 6, Credit = 5. A GPA is calculated by dividing the total marks by the number of subjects completed. Your GPA can be found at my.csu.edu.au by following the 'personal info' link, then click on 'transcript'. The GPA can be found at the bottom of the transcript page.
It is a requirement of most scholarships that students achieve a GPA of 5, that is a credit average, to be eligible to receive the second and, if applicable, subsequent instalments of their scholarship payment.
* Which students can apply for a scholarship from the Charles Sturt Foundation?
Any person who has applied for admission to Charles Sturt University or who is enrolled in a course at the University can apply. Available scholarships and selection criteria are listed under each CSU campus heading.
* Are distance education students eligible to apply for general scholarships?
Yes, distance education students are eligible to apply for a Charles Sturt Foundation scholarship unless specified otherwise in the selection criteria. Students may apply for scholarships that are available at their home campus.
* Are international students studying in Australia eligible to apply?
Yes, all international students can apply for a Charles Sturt Foundation scholarship as long as they are studying in Australia and are an enrolled full time student at Charles Sturt University.
* Am I eligible to apply as a commencing student if I have received credit for previously completed study?
Please contact the Scholarship Office for clarification of your status.
* Where else can I look for scholarships that are available?
A selection of scholarships offered independently of the Charles Sturt Foundation is listed on this site. Don't forget to do online searches, visit your library and student services for more help on how to find scholarships. It often takes a lot of work, but the reward is well worth the time involved.
* What effect will a scholarship have on my financial assistance from Centrelink?
If you are worried about this issue it is advisable to discuss this with your local Centrelink office, your parents or your accountant prior to applying.
* What effect will a scholarship have on my tax?
If you are worried about this issue please check the ATO website for some guidelines. http://ato.gov.au/individuals/content.asp?doc=/Content/26619.htm.
* Tips on applying for a scholarship.
- Pay close attention to scholarship application closing deadlines. Applications submitted past the deadline are usually not considered.
- Prepare your Resume - this is a good way to outline your thoughts, your activities and achievements.
- Always proofread answers to your questions. Errors or poor writing skills will have a negative effect.
- Keep a copy of everything you submit!
* When are the Scholarship Presentation Ceremonies held?
The Charles Sturt Foundation scholarships are presented at a ceremony on each campus in April or May. The ceremonies are attended by Charles Sturt Foundation donors or their representatives, senior staff of the University, scholars and their guests. These are special functions which allow students to meet their donor and build ongoing relationships.