We encourage you to apply for as many scholarships as you’re eligible for. Once you’ve found the scholarships you’re eligible for, it’s time to give yourself the best chance of success. Read tips on preparing your application and learn how and when you will receive your scholarship payment, along with what you need to do if your circumstances change.
Preparing your application
Application requirements vary depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, your circumstances (such as personal or financial hardship), or a combination of these factors. So it’s important to submit all the required information so you can demonstrate how you meet the criteria.
Writing a personal statement
Many scholarships need you to submit a personal statement to address the criteria. We recommend you include real-life examples and are honest about your circumstances. Be concise and stick to the word limit.
- Leadership skills—if you’ve been a mentor at university or high school, coached a sporting team or worked in a job that required you to take on leadership roles, you can draw on these experiences to highlight your leadership skills.
- Merit or academic achievement—your high school results, grade point average (GPA) at university, or demonstrated high academic achievement in your previous studies or work can all help to showcase your skills. Community involvement such as volunteering can also demonstrate merit.
- Personal hardship—personal hardship can be demonstrated through significant events or personal situations that have impacted, or may impact, your ability to study. This can include past events that have interrupted your studies, or your current circumstances.
- Financial hardship—evidence of low-income status (such as Centrelink documentation or an Australian Taxation Office notice of assessment) or details on your financial situation that has a negative impact on your studies can be considered as financial hardship.
You may also be required to submit a written reference from one or two people to comment on your suitability for a scholarship. This could be an academic reference, such as a current or former teacher or employer, or it could be a character reference from someone in your local community who is not related to you.
Once you’ve compiled the required documents and proofread your application, follow the instructions on the scholarship listing for submitting your application. In most cases, you will need to email the documents to us.
Receiving your scholarship payment
How and when you receive your scholarship payment depends on a few factors, including whether it’s a Murdoch or externally-funded scholarship, and if you’re a domestic or international student.
You will find out whether your scholarship application has been successful by email before the census date. Remember to check that your email address is current in MyInfo so we can let you know if you’re successful and what to do next.
Murdoch scholarships are paid once confirmation has been received and you provide proof of enrolment. If you still meet the terms and conditions of the scholarship after the census date of each semester, payment processing will begin. Payments are generally received during week 7 or 8 of the semester, depending on the scholarship.
Externally provided scholarships have their own payment methods so please check the individual scholarships for more information.
Domestic student payments
You will be asked to enter your bank account details (name, bank, BSB and account number) into our payment database. Your scholarship payment will then be paid either as a lump sum or in instalments.
International student payments
You will receive the scholarship as payment towards your tuition fees, unless stated otherwise. This is normally paid directly into your fee account towards the following semester. For example, if you are awarded a scholarship in Semester 1, then it will be credited towards your Semester 2 fees.
The International Welcome Scholarship instalments are deducted from your tuition fees so you will receive the Semester 1 instalment in Semester 1.
Writing your thank you letter
As an award recipient, you're required to write a thank you letter to the donors associated with the award.
Download the PDF for details on what to write in your letter and how to submit it.
Updating your details
Changes to your course, units, academic performance or living arrangements can all affect how you continue to meet the criteria for your scholarship payments.
If these circumstances change while you are receiving your Murdoch scholarship, you must notify our Student Financial Support Office about these changes by completing our online form. If you do not notify us about these changes, your scholarship could be cancelled.
If you’re receiving an externally-funded scholarship and your circumstances change, you must let the provider know.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! You can receive a maximum of two scholarships at one time, but conditions do apply. Undergraduate students can only receive one Murdoch funded scholarship. For example, if you receive the Murdoch First Scholarship you will not be eligible to receive the Murdoch Senate Scholarship at the same time. However, there are still plenty of alternative scholarships available, such as donor-funded scholarships and school-funded scholarships.
While the majority of scholarships are aimed at full-time students, there are options for students who study part-time (less than nine points per semester). In the case of exceptional circumstances, your application may still be considered. These include medical reasons or significant family and/or carer responsibilities. International students who are studying less than 12 points in a semester must have a reduced study load request approved by the student success team.
You are responsible for and encouraged to seek independent taxation advice regarding your individual circumstances. Murdoch University makes no representation or warranty in relation to the taxation implications of any scholarship funds. Please see the Australian Taxation Office website for more information.
You must notify Centrelink if you have been awarded a scholarship. However, the majority of scholarships will not impact your ability to receive Centrelink payments up to a certain dollar amount. Please see Centrelink for further information.
No. Murdoch University scholarships are not transferable to any other university or institution.
