If you’re considering moving to the Northern Territory to undertake a university, senior secondary schooling or a VET/TAFE course, you could be eligible for a scholarship or grant to help make your move more affordable.
To gain a better understanding of the scholarships, grants, and support available for international students in the Northern Territory, Insider Guides spoke to Kathryn Vera Cruz.
Originally from the Philippines, Kathryn was drawn to Darwin for its multicultural community and balanced lifestyle. As she prepared for her studies, Kathryn searched online for scholarships in the Northern Territory to help with her relocation. She was awarded the Study in Australia’s Northern Territory Scholarship and is now an ambassador for Study NT.
With the help of Kathryn, we break down the financial support available to international students in the Northern Territory.
Study in Australia’s Northern Territory Scholarship program
If you’ve already received an offer of admission to study in the Northern Territory, you can apply for Study in Australia’s Northern Territory Scholarship program.
These scholarships are valued at $2,500 for English language courses, $3,750 for vocational education and training (VET/TAFE), $5,000 for senior secondary schools, and $6,000 for higher education, which covers the first semester or year of tuition fees. Scholarships are available with a range of different providers throughout the Northern Territory, covering a wide variety of courses.
To apply, fill out an application and submit it to Study NT. From here, your application will be assessed in consultation with your education provider. If your application is successful, Study NT will pay your scholarship directly to your education provider.
Receiving the scholarship has allowed Kathryn to focus on her academic goals without stressing about tuition fees, and it’s also opened doors for her to take part in extracurricular activities like Study NT’s Student Ambassador Program.
“I was chosen as one of the Student Ambassadors which gives me a chance to attend professional development trainings for free, and network with students from around the world, agents, politicians, and business owners here in the NT.”
International Student Travel Grant
Flights can be expensive. That’s why Study NT also offers one-off travel grants of up to $750 to help with the cost of relocating!
To apply, create a profile on the GrantsNT website and visit the Study NT International Student Travel Grant webpage. Enter your details into the online application form and be sure to submit any accompanying documents, such as your Certificate of Enrolment and flight details.
After you submit your application, Study NT will review it and contact you if they require further information.
Accommodation grants
International students planning to move to Darwin can apply for Study NT’s International Student Accommodation Grant. Designed to help students settle into life in Darwin, this grant covers the first six weeks of accommodation fees at UniLodge Darwin or International House Darwin.
This equates to total savings of up to $1,662 on accommodation fees at UniLodge (a maximum of $256 per week), or $1,500 at International House Darwin. Grant recipients will need to commit to living at their chosen accommodation for at least six months, and they must agree to their accommodation provider’s terms and conditions.
Learn more about the accommodation grant and how to apply on the Study NT website.
Other support for international students
International students in the Northern Territory have access to various forms of financial support and professional development resources:
- Charles Darwin University offers a wide range of generous scholarships to high-achieving students, covering from 10 to 50 per cent of tuition fees per year.
- The Australian Government funds the Australia Awards Scholarships, enabling international students from developing countries to undertake full-time tertiary education at participating universities and TAFE institutions.
- Study NT hosts an annual career and jobs expo, where international students can connect with potential employers and access professional development sessions to help with job hunting. They also have a Student Handbook, maintain an informative website and regularly engage with students on their social media.
Kathryn shared her appreciation for Study NT’s support: “These [resources] help us overcome challenges such as homesickness, academic pressures, and language barriers.”
With these resources, international students can better navigate their academic journey and build a supportive community in the Northern Territory.
Kathryn’s advice on applying for scholarships
Kathryn shares valuable advice for international students applying for scholarships to study in the Northern Territory:
- Research thoroughly: Take your time to research different scholarships and grants to find one that best suits your academic and career goals. Kathryn emphasises the importance of understanding the eligibility criteria and ensuring they align with your aspirations.
- Get familiar with the application process: Kathryn advises getting familiar with the application instructions and being organised and thorough. “I gathered referral letters from my old supervisor, colleagues and professors from my previous university in the Philippines, with a total of four referrals,” she shared. She also included her Transcript of Records, which served as proof of her academic excellence, community engagement and leadership.
- Ask questions: If you have questions or need clarifications, don’t hesitate to ask the sponsor directly. Kathryn found this step crucial in understanding the application process and gaining insights that helped her application stand out.
- Be early and persistent: Submit your application as early as possible. Kathryn encourages students not to be afraid to try: “In the end, we will only regret the chances we didn’t take.”
