Top 5 LGBTQ Scholarships to Study in Australia

Welcome to a world of endless possibilities and opportunities! As a member of the LGBTQ community, it can often feel like the odds are stacked against us, especially when it comes to accessing higher education.

However, in Australia, there is a range of scholarships available exclusively for LGBTQ students, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of pursuing our academic dreams. Whether you’re an international student or a local, there is a range of options available to support you on your academic journey, from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

So, whether you’re a student in Australia or considering studying here, this is an invitation for you to explore the scholarships available to you and take the first step towards a brighter future!

Aurora Education Foundation Scholarships for Indigenous Students and Students from Diverse Backgrounds

The Aurora Education Foundation offers scholarships to indigenous students and students from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ students. The scholarship is available to students who are undertaking full-time study in an undergraduate or postgraduate course at an Australian university. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses for the duration of the course. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and a commitment to community service.

Feature	Details
Eligible Students	Indigenous students and students from diverse backgrounds (incl. LGBTQ+)
Level of Study	Undergraduate or Postgraduate (Full-time)
Coverage	Tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses
Duration	Entire course duration
Key Criteria	Financial need, academic excellence, community service

ACU Equity Scholarships

The Australian Catholic University offers Equity Scholarships to students from low socio-economic backgrounds, including LGBTQ students. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and covers tuition fees and living expenses for up to four years. Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need and academic potential.

Feature	Details
Eligible Students	Students from low socio-economic backgrounds (incl. LGBTQ+)
Level of Study	Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Coverage	Tuition fees and living expenses
Duration	Up to 4 years
Key Criteria	Financial need, academic potential

Also Read: RMIT Scholarships for International Students

UTS: Women in Engineering and IT Cooperative Scholarship

The University of Technology Sydney offers the Women in Engineering and IT Cooperative Scholarship, which is open to female-identifying and LGBTQ students studying engineering or information technology. The scholarship provides financial support and a paid internship with a partner organisation during the course of study. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to the field of engineering or IT.

Feature	Details
Eligible Students	Female-identifying and LGBTQ+ students in Engineering or IT
Level of Study	Undergraduate (Engineering/Information Technology)
Coverage	Financial support + paid internship with a partner organisation
Duration	Course duration
Key Criteria	Academic excellence, commitment to Engineering/IT

La Trobe University Equity Scholarships

La Trobe University offers Equity Scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including LGBTQ students. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses for up to four years. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic potential, and a commitment to community service.

Feature	Details
Eligible Students	Disadvantaged students (incl. LGBTQ+)
Level of Study	Undergraduate or Postgraduate
Coverage	Tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses
Duration	Up to 4 years
Key Criteria	Financial need, academic potential, community service

RMIT University Equity Scholarships

RMIT University offers Equity Scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including LGBTQ students. The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for up to four years. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic potential, and a commitment to community service.

Feature	Details
Eligible Students	Disadvantaged students (incl. LGBTQ+)
Level of Study	Undergraduate or Postgraduate
Coverage	Tuition fees and living expenses
Duration	Up to 4 years
Key Criteria	Financial need, academic potential, community service

Benefits of LGBTQ Scholarships in Australia

LGBTQ scholarships in Australia are not just financial aid; they’re a strong step towards equity and inclusion in education. Here’s how these scholarships benefit students like you:

• Financial Support: They cover tuition fees, accommodation, and even living expenses, reducing your financial burden so you can focus on your studies.
• Safe Learning Environment: Many scholarship programs come with mentorship and support groups that promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive university culture.
• Recognition and Visibility: Receiving an LGBTQ scholarship helps in recognising your identity and potential, bringing you equal opportunities.
• Networking and Career Growth: Some scholarships, like the UTS Women in Engineering and IT Cooperative Scholarship, offer paid internships and industry connections to help you build a strong career foundation.

• Confidence and Empowerment: These scholarships help you believe in your journey and give you a platform to become a change-maker within your community.

Also Read: Things to know before going to study in Australia

How to Apply for LGBTQ Scholarships in Australia?

Applying for LGBTQ scholarships in Australia involves a few simple yet important steps. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Research Scholarships: Explore scholarships from universities like ACU, UTS, La Trobe, and RMIT. Visit their official websites and note the eligibility criteria.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Here are certain important documents that are required for these scholarships. These documents include:
   • Academic transcripts
   • Proof of identity and residency (if applicable)
   • Financial documents (if applying for equity-based aid)
   • Personal statement or Statement of Purpose
   • Letters of Recommendation
3. Write a Compelling Statement: Write a compelling SOP by including your background, goals, challenges, and why you deserve the scholarship. Highlight your involvement in LGBTQ or community-related causes (if applicable).
4. Submit Before Deadline: Keep track of each university’s deadline by visiting your official website. Late applications are usually not accepted.
5. Follow Up: Some scholarships may require interviews or additional rounds. Stay updated via email.

Scholarships for LGBTQ students in Australia provide a valuable opportunity for queer students to pursue their academic aspirations and reach their full potential. With a range of scholarships available, from undergraduate to postgraduate study, there is something for every queer student seeking financial support. The scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also acknowledge the achievements and contributions of queer students to their communities.

FAQs

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We hope this guide has been helpful in identifying scholarships that suit your needs and encourages you to take the next step towards your academic goals. Remember, education is a fundamental right, and every queer student deserves access to it, regardless of their background or identity. 

If you are planning to study in Australia in the upcoming intakes, get in touch with our study abroad experts at 1800-57-2000 and they will help you reach your dream university!