QTAC is accepting applications for the Commonwealth Scholarships Program and institution equity scholarships for low-income students for many of QTAC's participating institutions. 

Late applications for equity scholarships can still be lodged for Semester 1 courses.

There is no cost for your scholarship application.

The Commonwealth Scholarships Program

The Commonwealth Scholarships (CS) Program assists students from low socio-economic backgrounds with the costs associated with undertaking higher education. These scholarships are aimed at students looking to undertake or already studying full-time undergraduate degrees and associate degrees. Scholarships are awarded to Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa on a competitive basis and do not need to be repaid.

The value of a Commonwealth Equity Scholarship is NOT considered income for Centrelink purposes.

There are different categories of equity scholarships with specific eligibility criteria. A significant number of Commonwealth Scholarships are available to students from regional and remote areas who need to move away from home to commence higher education, and there is also significant scholarship assistance for commencing Indigenous students.

Types of Commonwealth Equity Scholarships:

 

Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships (CECS)

CECS provide financial assistance to students from low socio-economic backgrounds in order to help with the costs associated with higher education. CECS are indexed annually, and in 2009 will be valued at $2 207 per year for up to four years.

There are four categories of CECS -

• CECS - Ordinary - to assist students enrolled in undergraduate courses not limited to areas of National Priority  or a graduate diploma  (or equivalent post graduate study) in an area of National Priority
• CECS - Priority discipline or National Priority Scholarships (NPS) - to assist students enrolled in National Priority disciplines
• CECS - Associate Degree - to assist with costs for Associate Degrees
• CECS - Indigenous Enabling - to assist Indigenous students to undertake an eligible enabling course

Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS)

CAS provide financial assistance to students from low socio-economic backgrounds in regional and remote areas of Australia. The scholarships aim to help with the accommodation costs associated with the need to relocate in order to undertake higher education. These scholarships are indexed annually, and in 2009 will be valued at $4 415 per year for up to four years. CAS are available for students undertaking: undergraduate courses and associate degree courses as well as some Graduate Diploma courses in areas of National Priority ie teaching or nursing.

There are four categories of CAS -

• CAS - Ordinary
• CAS - Associate Degree - to assist with accommodation costs for Associate Degrees
• CAS - Indigenous Enabling - to assist Indigenous students with accommodation costs to undertake an eligible enabling course
• CAS - Indigenous Payment or Indigenous Access Scholarships (IAS) - to improve access to higher education for low-income Indigenous people, particularly those who need to relocate from regional and remote areas in order to undertake higher education.   IAS are provided as a once-in-a-lifetime payment made in two installments for students who are starting a higher education course at the institution for the first time. In 2009 it will be valued at $4 166. Students who are awarded an IAS will also be guaranteed a CECS relevant to their level of study, and if they meet the additional eligibility requirements, they will also receive a CAS.

Institution Equity Scholarships

Some Queensland institutions offer equity scholarships as part of their wider equity programs. Applications for Commonwealth scholarships will automatically cover these scholarships as well. View more....

Please note that where Institution Equity Scholarships are paid as money this may be be considered income for Centrelink purposes.  Please check with the institution for further information.

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