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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Studying in Sydney is an experience like no other. That’s why, at Western Sydney University, we offer plenty of student assistance to help you achieve your study abroad dreams.
One of the ways we support prospective and new international students is through our extensive range of scholarships. These are designed to help ease the financial pressures of international study so you can focus on getting the most from your time in Sydney.
To find out more about scholarships at Western, we spoke to current international students and scholarship recipients, Amanda Herijanto and Tharunimm Jamal.
Tharinumm is currently completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering). Originally from Hyderabad in India, he says his first concern when looking for a university was finding somewhere he could pursue his unique passions.
“It’s always been an ambition of mine to become a roboticist of some kind, and I wanted to make sure I had a proper prospect and future for it,” he states. “So, I was going through a lot of options, not only in Australia but also in many other countries.”
He was drawn to Western because of positive reviews from previous students and the respect and openness we have for those from other countries.
“Western showed great prospects for international students.”
Amanda, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), says the assistance she received made it possible for her Western dreams to come true.
“It was because of the scholarship,” she explains. “I wouldn’t have been able to afford it if it wasn’t for the scholarship. That was a huge factor. I’d say it was the main deciding factor.”
While she’d considered studying in the United States, living in Sydney means she gets to stay near family and friends in Jakarta, Indonesia.
“We thought, as a family, that it would be better if I went to Australia, because it’s closer to home, and I’ve got family here.”
Lots of opportunities on offer
At Western Sydney University, we’re proud to be home to one of the most generous scholarship programs in Australia.
Overseas students can apply for multi-year scholarships of $3,000 or $6,000, which cover up to three years of study.
“I received the $6,000 multi-year scholarship,” says Tharinumm. “Obviously, it does ease the burden a bit, and I believe for a lot of other students, it means a lot too.”
International students are also eligible for the three-year Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship, which covers 50% of tuition fees.
Amanda initially received the $6,000 scholarship but received more exciting news a little while later.
“I think it was three or two weeks after I got the offer letter that they offered me the Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship,” she explains.
Amanda recalls that she and her loved ones were so excited when she heard she’d been successful.
“My mum was ecstatic,” she says. “The whole family was really thankful.”
What’s more, international students studying eligible English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses can receive an EAP Scholarship, and there are additional scholarships you can explore based on research area and study level.
Effortless application
Not only do we have lots of excellent scholarship opportunities for international students, we make it simple to apply.
Amanda contacted the Western team early in her admissions process to enquire about financial support and was surprised to hear how easy it was.
“I emailed them asking about scholarships, how I apply for a scholarship, what the requirements are, and they said it’s an automatic process.”
At Western, we award scholarships based on previous academic performance and achievement. This means when international students apply to study at Western, we can automatically assess them for scholarship eligibility.
Tharinumm explains, “A scholarship recipient will be notified via the offer letter if they qualify for the scholarship or not.”
This means there is no external process, and you don’t have to complete any forms or write an essay to be eligible.
Financial support and much more
Receiving a scholarship to study at university is a big deal and can often mean much more than a reduced fee.
For Amanda, receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship meant having the financial assistance she needed to chase her dreams at Western.
“It meant a lot. It still means a lot,” she remarks. “We only pay half every year, so that’s already in itself a huge help.”
Tharinumm is also grateful for the financial support he receives and adds that he feels an immense sense of pride in his achievement.
“Receiving a scholarship carries its own prestige,” he says.
Advice for future international students
Amanda has some wise words for future international students. For those aspiring to receive student assistance, she recommends being practical and planning ahead, especially for people studying longer degrees.
“Because the scholarship only runs for up to three years,” she explains, “if you’re studying a four-year program, it’s good to start thinking about how you will go after that three-year mark.”
As Amanda’s degree runs for four years, she’s already started making plans to support herself in her final year of study.
Finally, she recommends future overseas students take the time to explore all of the great opportunities for student assistance Western has to offer.
Tharinumm notes that while future students should definitely aim to receive a scholarship, the most important thing to focus on is getting a high-quality education.
“I am also an ambassador for the university, and I engage with a lot of these international students,” he explains. “The kind of advice I would give is that they must try and focus to achieve and progress in their career, rather than focusing directly on the scholarships.”
Ready to find out what’s awaiting you at Western Sydney University? Visit our International Scholarships page or get in touch with our team today.