Australian Universities Demand Near-Perfect Scores for Scholarships

Australian universities are setting the bar high for international students seeking scholarships, with many institutions requiring near-perfect scores to qualify for financial support. The University of Sydney, for instance, is offering 20 undergraduate scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fees and the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) for the full-time duration of the recipient's single undergraduate degree. However, to be eligible, applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.

The scholarship application process is ongoing, and interested students are advised to visit the official university websites for detailed information on how to apply. Australian universities typically admit students in February and July, with an entrant's profile including their Grade Point Average (GPA) in 12th grade and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score, which is typically required to be at least 6.0 out of 9.0.

Several universities offer scholarships covering at least 20% of tuition fees to attract top students, but securing such a scholarship often requires a high GPA. The Australian National University (ANU) allocates over 200 scholarships every year for international students, offering 50% scholarships for bachelor's degrees to students from 92 highly regarded high schools, with a GPA threshold of 9.5-9.7.

The University of Melbourne and the University of Technology Sydney also consider scores, specifically GPA and SAT, when offering scholarships. A GPA of at least 9.8 and an SAT score of at least 1550 out of 1600 normally secure a 50% scholarship at these institutions. Some schools have additional criteria for scholarships, such as leadership skills, social responsibility, and practical values.

Why this matters: The high academic standards set by Australian universities for international student scholarships underscore the competitive nature of securing financial support for higher education. As the fifth-largest destination for Vietnamese students, with over 27,000 studying in Australia as of January, these scholarship requirements may impact the accessibility and affordability of Australian education for international students.

According to recent data, over 27,000 Vietnamese students were studying in Australia as of January, making Vietnam the fifth-highest country of origin for international students in Australia. The demand for near-perfect scores for scholarships may pose challenges for some aspiring international students, but it also reflects the commitment of Australian universities to attract and support the most academically talented individuals from around the world.

Key Takeaways

• Australian universities require near-perfect scores for scholarships
• Univ. of Sydney offers 100% tuition scholarships for top students
• ANU offers 50% scholarships to students from 92 top schools
• Univ. of Melbourne, UTS require 9.8 GPA, 1550 SAT for 50% scholarships
• High standards reflect commitment to attract top global talent