What are the benefits of a university scholarship?

Going to university is a genuinely special experience. It’s a chance to build a dream career, form lifelong connections and learn from some of the brightest minds in the world.  

But for all its rewards (and there are plenty!), factors like cost and physical distance can make attendance a challenge for some. Fortunately, there is a helping hand – university scholarships. 

Scholarships are awarded for all sorts of reasons – it could be academic excellence, financial hardship or relocating from a regional area. Whatever the reason, scholarships exist to help students at all levels of study cover the costs associated with attending university, from buying textbooks and lab equipment to  tuition fees and accommodation.

The benefits of a university scholarship extend far beyond financial aid, offering students the freedom to focus on their studies and pursue opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.  

It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from or what you’re studying – scholarships are here to help. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of a university scholarship through the eyes of someone who has seen those benefits firsthand. 

Meet Deakin research scholarship student, Dilendra Wijesekara 

Dilendra Wijesekara is a leading light in Deakin’s growing group of women in science. She’s taken the long road to get here, coming from Sri Lanka, but after learning how to apply for university scholarships in Australia – and then receiving one herself – the PhD student is following some long-held dreams. 

‘From my first year as an undergraduate majoring in chemistry back in Sri Lanka, I was driven by a passion to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation,’ says Dilendra. ‘To me, pursuing a PhD represented the pinnacle of academic achievement, and I was determined to reach it.’ 

With a recession at home in Sri Lanka, finding the funds for international study seemed like a dream-stopping roadblock. But, with the help of a PhD scholarship, Dilendra could follow her passion for knowledge and innovation at Deakin University. 

‘Receiving the scholarship not only made this goal attainable, but it also provided me the opportunity to conduct research at Australia’s largest materials research institute — the Institute for Frontier Materials,’ she says.  

Another one of the major benefits of a university scholarship is the opportunity to tap into world-class research facilities, which can propel your work to new heights.  

‘It allowed me to pursue my passion for scientific discovery on a global stage without being limited by the economic position of the country I was born into.’

Do Australian universities give scholarships to international students? 

Australia welcomed nearly 850,000 international students in 2024 and, for many of those in a similar boat to Dilendra, it’s all thanks to the benefits of a university scholarship. 

In the past, Australian universities have provided over $180 million of scholarships in a single year, and that was just for postgraduate scholarships. Fair to say, Australian universities are happy to provide a pathway for international students. 

For Dilendra, getting access to one of these international student scholarships has relieved financial pressure and opened the door to studying at a world-class institution and all the benefits that come with it.  

‘Receiving a scholarship at the Institute for Frontier Materials has provided me with access to state-of-the-art instruments and a dynamic, collaborative research environment,’ she says. ‘It also allowed me to work closely with brilliant mentors like my supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Rangam Rajkhowa, and senior research fellow Ben Allardyce.’ 

How to apply for university scholarships in Australia 

Whether you’re coming from Sri Lanka or South Yarra, there’s a scholarship to suit. While there’s never a guarantee of getting a scholarship offer, applying will at least put you in with a chance. Here’s how it all works: 

1. Find a scholarship: Universities generally have a database (like this one from Deakin) that you can search based on your background and needs. Ask yourself questions like: Do Australian universities give scholarships to international students for my chosen course? What kind of scholarship do I need? Whatever the case, browse the list for the scholarships that fit. 
2. Check application criteria: Some scholarships require an application or supporting material, while others are automatically awarded. Those figuring out how to apply for international postgraduate degree scholarships might find the criteria different from undergraduate scholarships, for instance, so it’s always worth checking. Reading our scholarship application tips is handy, too. 
3. Submit an application: If you have to submit an app yourself, be sure to check any deadlines and that you’re including the right supporting material.

What is a research scholarship?

Some scholarships cover courses based on classroom learning, labs and lectures – but what is a research scholarship, and what does that cover?  

Some fields of study (typically PhD and other postgraduate courses) don’t just focus on acquiring knowledge through teaching – instead, students get to engage with their field, testing and exploring the limits of knowledge. That’s scientific research. 

In this context, one of the key benefits of a university scholarship is the ability to fully immerse oneself in their cutting-edge research, thanks to access to resources, funding and expertise. These scholarships hepl take some of the pressure off, allowing research scholarship recipients to focus on what they do best – research.   

Some university research scholarships even include benefits like a tax-exempt stipend, a relocation allowance (for those moving) and course fee coverage.  

For recipients like Dilendra, a research scholarship can make all the difference. 

‘The Deakin PhD scholarship provided the financial support I needed to not only pursue my PhD but also manage my living expenses,’ she says. ‘This support relieved significant financial pressure, allowing me to fully focus on my research and academic growth without the burden of economic constraints.’ 

How to apply for international postgraduate degree scholarships 

Moving overseas to study can be tough, but a scholarship is a big help. The process to apply for these scholarships is the same as we detailed above: you just need to find an appropriate scholarship for your situation, make sure you meet the application criteria and then apply.  

The application process can seem daunting at times, but take some advice from Dilendra – you have to be in it to win it. 

‘My advice is simple: do it!’ she says. ‘Apply. You have nothing to lose. The best outcome is that you become part of a collaborative research community, with access to outstanding facilities that will help bring your research ideas to life.’ 

While we’ve covered financial benefits at length, one of the less obvious but equally valuable benefits of a university scholarship is the chance to enter a vibrant academic community, where support, collaboration and mentorship and readily available. 

‘Even in the worst-case scenario, if you’re unsuccessful, you can always apply for a different project that better aligns with your experience and expertise. Taking the leap is worth it – it could open up incredible opportunities for growth, learning and collaboration.’ 

The overall benefits of a university scholarship: key takeaways 

No matter your field or level of study, , there are so many benefits of a university scholarship, including: 

1. Financial help: The main reason for applying is financial, and it makes sense – a scholarship could pay your tuition fees, subsidise your textbooks or helpcover rent. 
2. Freedom: To study with a scholarship is to study without restrictions. It takes away financial burdens, of course, but scholarships can also open the door to studying in places (including other countries!) that may not be possible otherwise.  
3. Opportunity: Thanks to a Deakin PhD scholarship, students like Dilendra have been given incredible opportunities, from researching at a world-class institution to working alongside some of the field’s most well-respected academics. It’s like she says – taking the leap is worth it.