Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships (VCIS) are among the most prestigious merit-based awards for international students at the University of Sydney. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement and are available to students from all countries, including Zimbabwe and the SADC region, who are commencing undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees.
Unlike many scholarships that require extensive separate applications, the VCIS uses your admission application as the basis for assessment. This streamlined process means your academic record speaks for itself—no additional essays or interviews are required.
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Scholarship Value and Tiers
The VCIS offers five distinct award levels based on your ranking against selection criteria:
- $60,000 – payable for one year in two equal instalments per semester
- $40,000 – payable for one year in two equal instalments per semester
- $20,000 – payable for one semester
- $10,000 – payable for one semester
- $5,000 – payable for one semester
Some award amounts may be limited to specified cohorts. Notably, students who receive a Sydney International Student Award can only receive a VCIS to the maximum value of $40,000.
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Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be classified as an international student under the Higher Education Support Act 2003
- Have applied for but not yet commenced an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at the University of Sydney
- Be enrolling in a full degree program (not exchange or study abroad)
Special Circumstances
- Students commencing a second degree at the University of Sydney are eligible, provided they have not previously held the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Recipients of Australian Government scholarships are ineligible for this award
Selection Process
Scholarships are awarded purely on academic merit as assessed from your application for admission. A selection committee comprising two nominees from the Executive Director, Sydney Future Students and one nominee from the Admissions Office reviews eligible applications and makes award decisions.
There is no separate scholarship application form. Your admission application automatically enters you into consideration.
Payment and Conditions
Receiving Your Funds
- You must accept your unconditional offer by the deadline associated with your scholarship offer round
- You must remain enrolled after the census date for payment to be released
- Payments are made on or after the relevant census date
Ongoing Requirements for Multi-Instalment Awards
If you receive a VCIS paid in two instalments ($60,000 or $40,000 tiers), you must:
- Maintain a minimum semester average mark (SAM) of 65
- Have no outstanding fees to receive your second payment
- Students on exchange must achieve a Satisfied Requirements (SR) grade to receive their next payment
Important Restrictions
- Deferral or suspension of the scholarship is not permitted except in exceptional circumstances
- The scholarship is transferable to another major, degree or faculty within the University of Sydney, but not to another university
- The scholarship is offered subject to fund availability
Termination Conditions
Your scholarship will be terminated if you:
- Withdraw from your eligible course or fail to enrol
- Become a domestic student
- Commence part-time study without prior approval
- Fail to maintain satisfactory academic performance
- Are found guilty of serious misconduct, including providing false or misleading information
- Accept another University of Sydney scholarship exceeding AUD $20,000 per annum
- Do not resume study after approved leave
In cases of serious misconduct or withdrawal, the University reserves the right to request reimbursement of scholarship funds already paid.
Ambassadorial Responsibilities
Recipients may be invited to:
- Promote their enrolled program
- Represent the University at student orientation and marketing events
- Appear in marketing materials
- Attend corporate networking events
These activities are invitations, not mandatory conditions of the award.
Application Strategy for African Students
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, strong academic records in national examinations (such as Zimbabwe GCE A-Levels with high grades, or equivalent qualifications from Botswana, Zambia, or South Africa) form the foundation of a competitive application. The University of Sydney uses its own assessment methodology to convert international qualifications to comparable rankings.
Given that selection is purely merit-based, focus on achieving the highest possible grades in your current or most recent studies. Ensure your academic transcripts are certified and clearly demonstrate your achievement level.
Official scholarship page: https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/e/vice-chancellor-international-scholarships-scheme.html?
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
