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Bursaries Scholarships

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Diverse mix of university and school scholarships Merit-based, need-based and specialised grants • How to successfully apply for a scholarship or bursary

Instead of making prospective scholarship recipients sit an exam, International School of WA (ISWA) Principal Maria Coate is set to revolutionise the scholarship program with a new online component.

“We are trying to do something a little bit different,” she said. “What we have decided is that we would have an ePortfolio application.

“Essentially, what we are trying to achieve at ISWA is to let people know who we are and to encourage more local students, as we have both the space and very high academic expectations.”

The school has traditionally attracted a large number of international students due to its Northern Hemisphere school dates and high academic standard.

We are not making students sit a scholarship exam, as we believe if you meet a student face to face, interview them and examine their portfolio, you can find the right child.Ms Coate said local students were encouraged to apply via an ePortfolio and include a cover letter and past academic transcripts, as well as examples of leadership and community service.

She said this took the focus off being solely academic and encouraged well-rounded students to apply.

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Scholarships process at the International School of WA broadens into digital domain

Time management, stress management and speed reading, all important for Western Australian school children, will be on the agenda at the 2015 Study Skills course, held by Top Marks Learning Centre.

Top Marks is a WA institution designed to assist students with a variety of study skills.

The intensive Study Skills course is run over three days during the school holidays at Edith Cowan University’s Joondalup and Mount Lawley campuses.

“One of the key areas of concern for students at school isn’t so much the content in classes, it is the ability to be able to remember the information,” Top Marks owner Ann Spence said.

“This course is a fun, high-paced, intensive three-day course that gives students exactly the tools that will make school life a lot easier.”

Editor: Louise Allan | Writer: Bianca Bartucciotto | Subeditor: Kirsten Hyam Design: Jessica Rykers | Advertising: Ron McFarlane, 9482 3588

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The University of Western Australia (UWA) is encouraging Year 12 students to apply for its next round of scholarships that will open on June 1 this year.

UWA offers more than 450 scholarships worth about $42 million every year to undergraduate and postgraduate students from all walks of life.

“The university has a long tradition of promoting, recognising and rewarding excellence within our community, but is also very committed to ensuring equity and access for all students, not just high achievers or people with the capacity to pay,” Coursework Scholarship, Graduate Research and Scholarships Manager Maxine Cutter said.

This continuous support has immensely influenced my determination to perform to the best of my ability, so as to pursue an honours degree and improve my career prospects.“In addition to academic scholarships, there are many scholarships available for students experiencing financial hardship, with a disability, originating from a rural or remote area or those who have experienced other educational disadvantages.”

Applications for the next round of scholarships will close on September 30.

Financial support boosts determination to succeed

There are two other rounds which open in January and June for existing UWA students.

UWA student N’Gadie Roberts said the university’s Fairway scholarship program had tremendously eased the financial burden of further study.

“As a full-time student I no longer feel the compelling need to take up a regular, part-time job,” she said.

“This has allowed me to focus on the career pathway I want to pursue and to direct my efforts and concentration into preparing for assignments and exams, in addition to covering the cost of books and stationery.

“This continuous support has immensely influenced my determination to perform to the best of my ability, so as to pursue an honours degree and improve my career prospects. Fairway has helped make my dream of studying at UWA come true.”

Ms Roberts is currently studying microbiology and immunology, with a second major in English and cultural studies.

When looking for a scholarship, students can visit www.scholarships.uwa.edu.au, which provides access to the university’s searchable database.

Every year thousands of scholarships and bursaries are awarded to deserving students to help them further their education and create a better future.

Across Western Australia there are a number of merit-based, need-based and specialised scholarships that can provide substantial assistance by funding further education.

Gaining one of these scholarships can give people a helping hand, offering those who would not otherwise carry out further study the opportunity to do so.

This guide will help you navigate the universities and schools that can provide the best scholarship to help with your studies.

A good amount of research should go into finding the right scholarship for you by looking at the different options on offer from universities, schools and private institutions.

Scholarships can be competitive so the key to standing out above the rest and gaining that all-important assistance is to ensure you submit an outstanding application.

Find stellar references

Networking is not only important for your work life, it is important for your study life. Connect with people who are able to provide you with amazing references and outline your suitability for the scholarship. Connect with industry leaders and well-known academic figures to give your application a boost.

Get your essay right

There is nothing more off-putting to a decision panel reading thousands of essays than a document filled with spelling errors. The best way to avoid this is to ask if anyone in your network has fantastic editing skills and get them to put your essay through the ringer. Alternatively, there are a number of websites where you can find professionals ready to edit your work for a small fee.

Put yourself out there

A long list of co-curricular activities looks impressive on an application. Volunteering is a great way to help others and demonstrate your community spirit, while holding down a part-time job during study will demonstrate a strong work ethic and time management skills.

Provide the required documents

For scholarships based on need, you will be required to provide documentation, such as medical reports or proof of Centrelink income support. Make sure you read through the conditions and documentation required of each individual scholarship before you submit your application.

How to nail the application

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The University of Western Australia’s Fairway scholarship has helped student N’Gadie Roberts realise a dream.

and Bursaries GUIDEScholarships Lending a helping hand to deserving WA students

Strategies covered during the course include speed-reading, effective note taking, improving memory, stress and time management, a revision program and efficient summarising.

“Each component of the course is the development of a set of strategies that students can take away with them and use immediately in the classroom,” Ms Spence said.

“Each of the areas are from the latest research into how our brain works and this package is directly related to WA schools and the WA Curriculum. Our presenters are fully qualified and trained teachers with many years of experience working with high school students.

“We are so confident with our course that if your child attends and is not completely satisfied, we offer a full money back guarantee.”

For more information visit www.topmarks1.com or contact Ann on 9091 7374.

Strategies and tools enhance achievements

ISWA Principal Maria Coate talks with students.

“This would be an academic excellence scholarship, so the student would be a straight-A student, with an all-rounder profile,” she said.

“We are not making students sit a scholarship exam, as we believe if you meet a student face to face, interview them and examine their portfolio, you can find the right child.

“It’s also very important that the student has the right ‘cultural fit’ to the school. We think it’s something innovative, where we can tap into something different in a child.”

ISWA offers several points of difference to conventional schools, including the International Baccalaureate PYP and Diploma program (allowing a portable education) and Advanced Placement courses (allowing second-year entry into US universities).

For more information about scholarship opportunities with ISWA, contact registrar Vivien Porzig via vporzig@iswa.wa.edu.au or 9285 1144.

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If you’re thinking of going to university, it’s a good idea to find out what scholarships are available to you, according to Edith Cowan University (ECU) Bachelor of Computer Science student Lachlan Morrison.

Mr Morrison applied for the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation Young Technologists Scholarship while visiting ECU’s campus prior to commencing his degree.

That chance encounter led him to becoming one of two inaugural winners of the scholarship, worth $5000 per year for up to five years of study.

Mr Morrison said he was concerned about how he would afford studying at university and the scholarship had “helped a tonne”.

“Anyone thinking about studying at university should check out the support that is available,” he said. “This scholarship is going to make a big difference to me throughout my studies.”

ECU is one of only four universities in Australia to offer the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship, which is open to Year 12 school leavers who will commence a technology-related bachelor degree.

Study support pays off

andScholarships Bursaries GUIDE

While it is commonly believed scholarships are based on socioeconomic standing or academic ability only, there are grants available based on other criteria also. Do your research to see what’s on offer. You could find a bursary, such as the ones listed here, that will set you on the right path.

Australian Defence Force Sponsorship

If you’ve ever thought of serving your country, it just may be time to alert your university. Students who commit to a rewarding career in the navy, army or air force have access to a salary while studying, a text book allowance and free health care.

John D’Orazio Memorial Scholarship

Did you know that where you live can also help your access to scholarships? First-year students who are residents of Bayswater can apply for the John D’Orazio Memorial Scholarship.

Graduate Women (WA)

This one is for ladies who are enrolled in a higher degree by research in the humanities and women who are preparing to publish their PhD. There are a number of scholarships available for women who are pushing the envelope of research.

AustCham China Scholarships

There are many scholarships on the market for students who are ready to study or work in another country. This is not only a great way to experience life in another country, but can enhance your resume and give you great industry contacts. A number of companies are involved in the AustCham China scholarship, which includes return flights to China and a minimum nine-month internship.

Catering for all requirements

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ECU student Lachlan Morrison.

The Young Technologists Scholarship is one of many scholarships ECU offers to current and prospective students.

These include scholarships for high academic achievers, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, people with a disability, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and people from rural areas.

ECU is committed to attracting and supporting the best students, regardless of their socioeconomic status. For more information on ECU’s scholarship offerings, visit www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships.