Academic Scholarships for 2025: Opportunities for High School Students

Scholarships are a great way to support your university journey, covering everything from tuition to living expenses. Universities offer a range of scholarships tailored to students with various skills, backgrounds, and aspirations. Here are 10 academic scholarships you must apply for in 2025.

18 days ago   •   4 min read

By KIS academics
Photo by Robert Bye / Unsplash

1) University of Sydney Chancellor’s Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
  • Requirements: Students who have achieved a minimum ATAR of 99.90. It also considers leadership potential and community engagement.
  • Application Process: No separate application is required. All eligible students are automatically considered based on their ATAR.
  • Details: This is a merit-based scholarship aimed at high-achieving students across a wide range of fields. It can be held alongside other scholarships. 

2) University of Melbourne National Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $30,000 over three years
  • Requirements: Domestic students who achieve an ATAR of at least 99.90. Rural or regional students are given special consideration.
  • Application Process: Like the Chancellor’s Scholarship, no separate application is required. Students are automatically considered based on their ATAR results.
  • Details: This scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and provides additional benefits like relocation allowances.

3) Monash University Achieving Potential Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $15,000 per year
  • Requirements: This needs-based scholarship is open to students facing financial hardship or those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet the entry requirements of their chosen course.
  • Application Process: Students must submit a separate scholarship application, along with financial documentation, through the Monash University online portal.
  • Details: The scholarship is renewable for the duration of the degree and supports students in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. 

4) ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to 50% off tuition fees
  • Requirements: High-achieving international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the Australian National University (ANU).
  • Application Process: International students are automatically considered when applying for eligible programs at ANU. No separate application is required.
  • Details: This scholarship offers financial relief to students across various disciplines and is renewable for the duration of the program, subject to academic performance.

5) UQ Excellence Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $12,000 per year
  • Requirements: Domestic students who achieve an ATAR of at least 99.00 or equivalent. Applicants must also demonstrate leadership potential and community service.
  • Application Process: A separate application form is required. Students must apply through the University of Queensland’s online portal.
  • Details: The scholarship is renewable for the duration of the degree and covers part of the tuition fees.

6) UNSW Scientia Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $20,000 per year
  • Requirements: Open to students with a strong academic record, this scholarship also values leadership and extracurricular achievements. Applicants need to achieve an ATAR of 99.90 or higher.
  • Application Process: No separate application is required. All students who meet the criteria are automatically considered.
  • Details: The scholarship is designed to support outstanding students across a range of disciplines, and can be combined with other merit-based scholarships. 

7) Curtin University Equity Scholarship

  • Amount: $5,000 per year
  • Requirements: This scholarship is for students from low-income backgrounds who can demonstrate financial hardship. Applicants must meet the course entry requirements for their chosen degree.
  • Application Process: A separate scholarship application must be submitted through Curtin University’s online portal, along with financial documentation.
  • Details: The scholarship is available for the duration of the course, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance.

8) University of Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to 50% of tuition fees
  • Requirements: This scholarship is available to international students commencing their undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the University of Adelaide.
  • Application Process: International students are automatically considered upon application to the university. No separate scholarship application is required.
  • Details: The scholarship aims to attract top talent from around the world, and it can be combined with other financial support. 

9) RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Scholarship

  • Amount: Up to $12,000 per year
  • Requirements: This scholarship is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have achieved academic excellence. Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in an undergraduate program at RMIT University.
  • Application Process: A separate application is required, with supporting documentation demonstrating the applicant’s Indigenous background and academic performance.
  • Details: The scholarship provides financial support and mentoring throughout the student’s degree program. 

10) Macquarie University Academic Excellence Scholarship

  • Amount: $10,000 per year
  • Requirements: This merit-based scholarship is open to high-achieving students with an ATAR of 98.00 or higher. Applicants must also demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community service.
  • Application Process: Students must submit a separate application through the Macquarie University online portal, including supporting documents.
  • Details: The scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and can be renewed annually, subject to academic performance.

 FAQs

Can I apply for multiple university scholarships?

In most cases, you can apply for multiple scholarships as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. It’s essential to read the conditions of each scholarship carefully, as some may have restrictions on holding concurrent scholarships.

Are scholarships only for high-achieving students?

While some scholarships are based on academic merit, many also consider financial need, leadership skills, community involvement, and personal circumstances. There are numerous opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

What happens if I don’t meet the scholarship’s ATAR requirement?

If you don’t meet the ATAR requirement for a scholarship, you won’t be eligible for that specific opportunity. However, many scholarships have alternative criteria such as leadership or community involvement, so it’s worth exploring different options. 


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Written by KIS Academics Tutor for WACE, Simran Vaishnav. Simran is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine at Bond University and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Simran's profile here and request her as a tutor.

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