Jumat, 25 Januari 2013

Tips on Getting Scholarships to Australia



It’s a long story for me. It started when I had been working with AVI (Australian Volunteers International) based at my school for two years (2005-2007), which then opened a window to the scholarships. Interaction with them encouraged me to learn how important a link and access are. Links and access, I think, are the first that you have to build, for they provide you with invaluable information on the things required for the application. Previously, I got an AusAID scholarship (ADS), and now I am doing my PhD at Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, under Deakin HDR scholarship. Deakin applies the so-called Trimester System, referring to the organization of three study periods during the teaching year, as opposed to having two study periods using a semester system; this offers start dates which, I think, are more flexible, particularly for international students’ study commencement.   

To get scholarships is not easy despite not being impossible. The tips below may help:

Apply Early
Scholarships have a deadline, so make sure that you don’t miss it out. Starting your application earlier will make you have more time to prepare the documents required especially those that must be issued or approved by particular institutions such as TOEFL certificate, certified copies of your transcripts, etc.. Organize a list or checklist of the documents, if necessary.   

Read the Requirements
Make sure you’re eligible right from the start, so you’re not wasting your time.

Follow the Instructions Carefully
Any mistakes right off the bat can get your scholarship application easily denied. Proofread it or have someone proofread it.

Maintain Your GPA
When you’re still in undergraduate, keep your grades up. A higher GPA will make you eligible for more scholarships or more chances of receiving funds.

Write Concisely
When the scholarship requires that you have to write an essay or reasons for choosing a particular study and its benefits to your country, write them concisely or succinctly using good and sufficient English grammar. In addition, use concrete examples; for instance, instead of writing about teaching in a university, write about your experience while teaching, etc.  Show that you’re not merely excellent at your English but also other things like leadership, management, etc.

Organize Your Time and Surroundings
Keeping organized is one of the most important habits all university students should develop. When your surroundings are organized, it will be easy for you to concentrate on your application and prevent you from loosing important papers. Organizing your time is equally important. When your time is well-scheduled, you can reduce ‘dead time’ and meet your deadline.

Improve Your English Competence
TOEFL or IELTS certificate with a particular score is required to prove your English competence. Practise and practise or, if necessary, take TOEFL or IELTS preparation course prior to the test, and take the test in the institutions recommended by ETS; IDP is one of them.

Keep Your Health Well
A medical checkup in a recommended hospital is required to get a student visa to Australia. Health problems might make the Australian authority postpone or cancel one’s visa.  GOOD LUCK.

1 komentar:

  1. Thanks for the Great Content. I will also share with my Friends and once again Thanks a lot for sharing valuable information with us. Please keep on sharing.
    siksha abhiyan scholarship

    BalasHapus