What is the new application process for Equity Scholarships?
For all 2009 Swinburne Equity Scholarship applications (including Commonwealth Scholarships) you need to apply through VTAC. Applications for 2009 Scholarships will close on 10th October 2008. Go to the VTAC website for further information and to apply.

I am already a student at Swinburne, do I need to apply through VTAC?
Yes. All students commencing and continuing need to apply through VTAC for Swinburne Equity Scholarships (including Commonwealth Scholarships) for 2009.

What if I have forgotten my VTAC Identification Number or PIN?
If you applied to VTAC in previous years, you do not need your old VTAC ID and PIN this year. You will be issued with a new VTAC ID after you register with VTAC.

Will my equity scholarship affect my Centrelink payments?
If you have a Swinburne Scholarship (eg. Equity Grant) your Centrelink benefit may be affected. Scholarships which provide cash or payment for purposes other than compulsory tuition fees or student contributions are treated as income for the social security income test. You must obtain advice from Centrelink.

If you have a Commonwealth Scholarship this is assessed differently, therefore there will be no impact on your Centrelink benefit.

Please contact Centrelink for further information regarding the impact of scholarships on social security payments.

What is the impact of an equity scholarship on my income for tax purposes?
You must obtain advice from your tax agent or the Australian Taxation Office to determine if your scholarship may be treated as income for income tax purposes.

Do my past academic results (VCE ENTER or university results) affect my eligibility for an equity scholarship?
Your application for an equity scholarship will not be assessed on merit. However, if you are granted a Commonwealth Scholarship it is a condition of the Commonwealth Scholarship that students must pass 50% or more of their subjects to maintain their eligibility for their scholarship. If there have been any extenuating circumstances that led to you getting low results or failing subjects – let us know. We may be able to accommodate your circumstances.

How is my application assessed?
All applications are assessed in relation to eligibility as described in the application form and include socio-economic and educational disadvantage. The more information you can provide as requested on the application form, the easier it will be for us to assess your application.

How many equity scholarships are available?
The number of scholarships available varies from year to year depending on the amount of funding available as well as the number of scholarships which became available through students completing their studies or no longer maintaining eligibility. When applications are open, we try to give you as much information as possible about the number of scholarships available on the application form and on our website.

Can I receive more than one equity scholarship?
Yes, in some circumstances. For example, students from rural areas who have qualified for a Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship may also qualify for a Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship.

Can I submit a late application?
If you have exceptional circumstances and put them in writing to us. We will consider them and your late application may be accepted.

What are my chances of being awarded an equity scholarship if I apply?
The number of scholarships available and the number of applicants varies each year. For the past three years the success rate of applicants has been 67% on average. As a broad indication, Swinburne receives around 73 Commonwealth Scholarships to award each year. The more information you provide on your application form, the better your chances will be of receiving a scholarship!

What can I do if I am unsuccessful in my application for an equity scholarship?
There are many reasons why your scholarship application may be unsuccessful. This may be due to you being ineligible at the time of application for a scholarship, or that we received a large number of applications in comparison to the number of scholarships we had to award. It may be possible that you can apply again in the next semester’s round of scholarships. To assist you in reapplying, contact the Equity Scholarships Officer at equity@swin.edu.au and they will be able to assist you.

When will I be notified of the outcome of my equity scholarship application?
We will notify all applicants, successful or not, via a letter in the mail, of the outcome of their application generally within six weeks of the closing date of applications.

Can I apply for an equity scholarship mid year?
Most of the equity scholarships will be open for applications from August to October each year. However, there may be a mid-year intake for Commonwealth Scholarships as some students drop out of their scholarships in semester 2. Keep an eye on the equity scholarships website around June and July for mid year applications.

What does ‘maintain eligibility’ mean?
Once you have been awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship you will have your eligibility checked each semester before your semesterly payment is made. To remain eligible for scholarships you will need to:

	be enrolled full-time*
	not receive high earnings**
	not have been involved in misconduct
	pass more than 50% of your subjects

* Exceptional circumstances may be allowed for part-time study loads.
** Please contact the Equity Scholarships Officer on 9214 4362 if you are concerned that your earnings are too high.

Are there any equity scholarships I can apply for if I am in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th years of my undergraduate studies?
Yes. Commonwealth Scholarships can be applied for in any year of your undergraduate studies. Equity Scholarships for Final Year Undergraduates can be applied for in your last year of undergraduate studies.

Are there any equity scholarships for TAFE students?
The main Swinburne Scholarships webpage lists scholarships for TAFE students. These can be found at http://www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/scholarships

Are their any equity scholarships for postgraduate students?
Yes, please see the Swinburne Scholarships webpage www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/scholarships as well as the Office of Research and Graduate Studies www.swinburne.edu.au/research for information on postgraduate scholarships.

If I defer my course, can I defer my equity scholarship?
No. If you are planning on deferring your course to work for a year, or for any other reason we cannot hold your scholarship for you. It is suggested that you only complete the application form for a scholarship if you intend on studying in the upcoming semester.

Can I study part-time and still receive an equity scholarship?
Only in exceptional circumstances such as carer responsibilities or disability.

Can I transfer to another campus at Swinburne and keep my equity scholarship?
If you have a scholarship which is linked to a particular student residences accommodation and you plan to move you will not be able to keep your scholarship. For all other scholarships, yes, you can transfer to another campus as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements.

Can I transfer to another course at Swinburne and keep my equity scholarship?
For most circumstances, this should not affect your equity scholarship. If you have completed the equivalent of a bachelor degree, you will not be able to keep your scholarship.

I have transferred to Swinburne from another university; can the scholarship I received at my old university be continued at Swinburne?
No. You will need to apply for a Swinburne scholarship.

If I go on student exchange overseas, can I keep my equity scholarship?
Yes, if your exchange is recognised by the University and you continue to meet eligibility requirements.