Low-income

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My scholarship has been a big help and I also got a free computer though QUT Equity which I use daily for uni work and emails. It is really worth applying for scholarships even if you do not think you will get it. So many scholarships are not awarded because people do not apply. Hannah Wickes Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship Bachelor of Business (Marketing)/ Bachelor of Journalism

Many students experience difficulty with the costs of living and studying. These financial difficulties arise from having limited income (eg Centrelink benefits or low-wage work) and having lots of expenses (eg being financially responsible for others). The scholarships and bursaries in the following list are awarded to students experiencing financial hardship and to assist such students to focus on their studies.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarships Program was introduced by the Commonwealth Government in 2004 to assist low-income students with the costs associated with higher education. QUT receives substantial numbers of Commonwealth Scholarships each year. In 2009, QUT expects to have more than 700 Commonwealth Scholarships available.

There are three types of scholarships available:

Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (CECS)

The Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship is valued at $2207 (indexed each year) per year for up to four years. This scholarship is designed to assist students with the various costs associated with study.

Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS)

The Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship is valued at $4415 (indexed each year) per year for up to four years and is designed to assist students from rural and regional areas who have had to relocate and have incurred additional accommodation costs, in order to undertake study.

Indigenous Access Scholarship (IAS)

The Indigenous Access Scholarship is a one-in-a-lifetime payment for students starting a higher education course for the first time. The scholarship is $4166 paid in two equal instalments in Semester 1 only, to assist commencing Indigenous students to undertake their first undergraduate course. Students awarded an Indigenous Access Scholarship (IAS) will also receive a CECS, as well as a CAS if they are eligible.

More information

Students who wish to apply for a CECS, CAS or IAS should visit the Commonwealth Government's student information website or the Equity section scholarships website for information about eligibility criteria for Commonwealth Scholarships. Please note that only students in a Commonwealth Supported Place are eligible for Commonwealth Scholarships and you must be an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

QUT Equity Scholarship Scheme

Under QUT’s Equity Scholarship Scheme students from low-income backgrounds have access to a number of financial support options. In 2009, about $8 million in scholarships, bursaries and computers will be available under this scheme. Information on these different financial supports is outlined below.

Scholarships

QUT Equity scholarships valued at $2500 each (for one year only) are available to eligible low-income students (except visiting, international and cross-institutional students). These scholarships are designed to assist students with the various costs associated with university study.

Bursaries

Equity bursaries valued at $1000 each (paid for one year only) are awarded each year to low-income students. All low-income QUT students are eligible to apply (except visiting and cross-institutional students).

Computer scheme

The QUT Equity Computer Scheme provides assistance to both commencing and continuing students. Reconditioned desk-top computers are provided free to eligible students and have installed basic software, a modem and free QUT dial-up Internet connection (called E-dial).

E-dial allows students to access the QUT website, QUT's online teaching materials, enrolment and student information and other information relevant to study. All low-income QUT students are eligible (except visiting and cross-institutional students).

In 2009, the QUT Equity Computer Scheme will provide up to 250 free computers to students. Applications forms will be available in mid-October for students who wish to apply for a computer.

Fore more information visit the Equity section website

Faculty equity bursaries

Some faculties have additional funds to provide bursaries to eligible low-income students (except visiting and cross-institutional students). These bursaries are worth $500 or $1000 and are offered only in second semester. The following faculties also have scholarships for low-income students:

• Built Environment and Engineering
• Caboolture
• Creative Industries (international students only)
• Education
• Law.

How to apply for scholarships

All current and prospective QUT students who wish to apply for the QUT Equity Scholarship Scheme in 2009, including Commonwealth Scholarships, Equity Scholarships and Bursaries, will need to apply via an online application form available at the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website in late August 2008.

On-time applications should be submitted by the end of October 2008.

For more information including closing dates for applications visit the Equity section website

Before applying, read the application form carefully to ensure that you include all necessary information and documentation, and are aware of the closing and notification dates.