UNSW Scientia Scholarship 2026 – Up to $10,000 for Top Achievers (ATAR 99.90+)

The UNSW Scientia Scholarship is a prestigious award for high‑achieving students who achieve a raw ATAR score (or equivalent) of 99.90 or above in an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate.

This scholarship supports full‑time undergraduate study at UNSW Sydney and offers a range of benefits including academic mentors, special events, research assistant opportunities, and potential Student Ambassador roles. 

No application is required – eligible candidates are automatically identified through their UAC application. If you are looking for similar opportunities in Australia, explore fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: UNSW Scientia Scholarship

• Minimum Value: $10,000 (available for duration of program)

• Eligibility: Commencing undergraduate students with raw ATAR 99.90+ (or equivalent)

• Residency: No residency requirements

• Application: Automatic – no separate application required

• Closes: See below

For students seeking other funded programs in Oceania, check latest scholarships in New Zealand for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Scientia Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be commencing an eligible UNSW undergraduate degree program (most programs except BMed MD – very limited scholarships may be available for BMed MD)

• Have achieved a raw ATAR score (or equivalent) of 99.90 or above (not including adjustment factors) in an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate in the year prior to commencement at UNSW

• International applicants undertaking this qualification must be residing in Australia and attending an Australian High School to be considered

• Australian citizens undertaking an assessable international senior secondary qualification with an equivalent ATAR of 99.90 or above are also considered

• IB students must achieve a score of 45 to be considered eligible

• Must have submitted a UAC Undergraduate Admission application and listed UNSW as one of their preferences by the December Round 2 offer round (18 December 2025)

Selection Process

There is no application required for the Scientia Scholarship. Eligible candidates will be identified through their UAC application. The Scientia Scholarship is automatically awarded by UNSW to students who meet the eligibility criteria and are commencing undergraduate studies at UNSW in Term 1, 2026.

Scholarship Benefits

• Academic Mentors – Each Scientia scholar is appointed an academic mentor to provide advice and support academic progress

• Special events – Scholars may be invited to a range of events over the course of their studies

• Student Ambassador roles – Some scholars are invited to represent their Faculty at Open Day, Information Day, School Visits, and Parent and Student Evenings

• Research assistant positions – Scholars are encouraged to apply to their Faculty for research assistant roles

Important Notes

• The Scientia Scholarship may be deferred for up to 1 year if the offer of admission is officially deferred and no other tertiary education is undertaken in the meantime

• The Scientia Scholarship cannot be held in conjunction with an Academic Achievement Award (AAA)

• Payment is made on the condition that students are enrolled full‑time in an eligible undergraduate degree program at UNSW as at Census date in the year of award

• A student who accepts a UNSW Co‑op Program Scholarship and is eligible for a Scientia Scholarship may accept both. However, they will receive a $5,000 once‑off Scientia bonus payment in first year only (remaining eligible for all other non‑monetary benefits)

For additional financial aid options across Australia, explore financial aids for students in Australia.

Final Thoughts

The UNSW Scientia Scholarship is an automatic, prestigious award for top‑performing students entering UNSW. If you achieve a raw ATAR of 99.90+ (or IB 45), ensure you list UNSW as a preference in your UAC application by 18 December 2025.

No separate application is needed – UNSW will identify and award you automatically.

For a complete list of open scholarships in Australia, visit list of all open scholarships in Australia.

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