A new University of Newcastle scholarship program will support the aspirations of high achieving Year 12 students who begin university study this year.
The University of Newcastle Academic High Performers Scholarships program will award 20 scholarships per year, recognising the exceptional academic achievements of students starting an undergraduate program.
Valued at $10,000 per year for the duration of their degree, the scholarships will also give students access to leadership training and academic mentoring programs.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, said the Academic High Performers Scholarship Program was a way to support exceptional students who had entered the University via a number of ways such as the Schools Recommendation Scheme, as a Year 12 School Leaver, through an Enabling Program, or as school Dux of a regional high school.
“Through this flagship scholarship program, we are proud to be supporting high achieving, academically accomplished students who are embarking on their higher education journey,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“We know this is an important way to support the aspirations of students right across our regions,” he said.
University-funded, the Academic High Performers Scholarship Program will complement the University’s extensive suite of current scholarships, including those funded by donors.
“The University of Newcastle has a strong track record of supporting students from all walks of life to achieve in their academic endeavours,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our donors who help our students pursue their dreams.
“Adding the University-funded Academic Excellence High Performers Scholarship Program to our scholarship portfolio expands the range of financial support available to commencing students.
“We offer scholarships to students facing hardship, Indigenous students, to those facing physical, mental, financial or medical hardship, to students who have a regional or remote disadvantage, and now to students who are leading the State. We know all of these students can achieve great things at university and beyond.
“We want to recognise the pursuit of excellence and this new scholarship program will help us to deliver on that ambition.
“And even if people don’t join our University with a scholarship, they can still be rewarded for high performance through our annual Continuing Students Excellence Scholarships – for top performers in each College – which are announced in January,” Professor Zelinsky said.
Understanding that academic excellence can be demonstrated in several ways, the new Academic High Performers Scholarships are available each year to students who commence undergraduate studies through one of five ways.
- Year 12 School Leavers
For Year 12 School Leavers who have completed secondary school in the year prior to commencing a degree. An ATAR or equivalent of 99 or higher is required.
- Indigenous Year 12 School Leavers
For an Indigenous Year 12 School Leaver who has completed secondary school in the year prior to commencing a degree. An ATAR or equivalent of 95 or higher is required.
- Schools Recommendation Scheme
For students with outstanding performance in year 11 who have received an offer through the Schools Recommendation Scheme admission round.
- Enabling Programs
For a student who has completed a University of Newcastle Enabling Program with a selection rank or equivalent of 95 or higher.
- Regional High School Dux
This category is for students who have been recognised as Dux by their remote or regional High School in the year prior to commencing a degree program. An ATAR or equivalent of 95 or higher is required.
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)s for 2021 NSW HSC students will be released at 9am on Thursday 20 January.
All University of Newcastle Academic High Performers Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and entry rank. With the exception of the Regional High School Dux Scholarship, no additional scholarship application is required.
Offers will be made to the highest ranked applicants who satisfy the scholarship conditions and will be sent following the relevant admission round.
