This prestigious merit-based award aims to support around 20 outstanding international students annually, offering full coverage of tuition fees and the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) for up to four years of full-time undergraduate study, including embedded honors. Eligible candidates must be non-Australian citizens who have applied for—but not yet commenced—a single undergraduate coursework degree (excluding those combined with postgraduate components) and must enroll full-time.
Selection is based on high academic achievement and diversity of nationality and chosen field of study, and successful applicants will be notified roughly five weeks after applying. While it covers tuition and SSAF in full, recipients are responsible for all living expenses, health insurance, accommodation, and other personal costs.
What Is the Sydney Access Scholarship?
The Sydney Access Scholarship is a competitive financial award that was established to eliminate obstacles for Australian students from remote, regional, or low-income backgrounds who aspire to engage in undergraduate studies at one of Australia’s most prestigious universities. It is indicative of the University of Sydney’s profound dedication to educational equity and accessibility for all.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Value:
AUD $8,500 per year, payable in two annual installments - Duration:
Up to five years of full-time undergraduate study (excluding postgraduate and honors degrees). - Flexibility:
Facilitates course transfers, deferment, suspension, and part-time study. - Funding Agency:
University of Sydney, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education)
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Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify, applicants must:
- Students who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or citizens of New Zealand are considered domestic students.
- Have submitted an application for admission through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
- Be a first-year undergraduate student (i.e., not presently enrolled or previously enrolled in a USYD undergraduate degree).
- Ineligible for the MySydney Entry and Scholarship program
- Meet at least one of the following:
- Occupy a regional, remote, or very remote region of Australia.
- Be a recent graduate of a regional or remote institution.
- Experience financial hardship, as demonstrated by the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) of UAC.
- Residents of a low socio-economic area are identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ SEIFA (IRSAD) rankings.
Apply: https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/f/sydney-access-scholarship.html.
Application Timeline:
The application window for the Sydney Access Scholarship 2026 is officially open.
Application Deadline: 30 September 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I apply for Sydney Access?
Applications open 1 July 2025 and close 30 September 2025; apply online via the scholarships portal when enrolling for Semester 1, 2026
How much is the Sydney Access Scholarship worth?
AUD 8,500 per year, paid in two instalments, up to the standard full-time bachelor duration (max 5 years)
What does the International Excellence Scholarship cover?
100% tuition fee waiver and Student Services Amenities Fee for up to four years full-time. It does not include OSHC, accommodation, living, travel, or textbooks
