If you are an outstanding international student seeking a
top-tier education along with financial assistance, the Vice-Chancellor’s
International Scholarships Scheme (VCIS) at the University of Sydney presents
an invaluable opportunity. Whether your goal is to pursue a bachelor’s or
master’s degree through coursework, the VCIS can provide up to AUD 40,000 to
help you embark on your academic path at one of Australia’s leading
universities.
Here’s a detailed look at the scholarship, covering
eligibility, selection criteria, application deadlines, and benefits.
The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme aims to acknowledge and support high-achieving international students beginning their coursework degrees at the University of Sydney. This merit-based scholarship offers financial aid for the first year of study and is not renewable for subsequent years. Scholarships are automatically awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirements and have received an unconditional admission offer from the University.
The VCIS provides four scholarship levels based on your academic ranking during the admissions process:
Great news—there's no need for a separate application for the VCIS. If you fulfil the eligibility criteria and receive an unconditional offer by the specified deadline, you will be automatically considered. To qualify, you must:
WHAT IS THE VICE-CHANCELLOR'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME?
The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme aims to acknowledge and support high-achieving international students beginning their coursework degrees at the University of Sydney. This merit-based scholarship offers financial aid for the first year of study and is not renewable for subsequent years. Scholarships are automatically awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirements and have received an unconditional admission offer from the University.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE?
The VCIS provides four scholarship levels based on your academic ranking during the admissions process:
- $40,000 (distributed over one year in two equal payments per semester) and
- $20,000 (for one semester).
- $10,000 (for one semester)
- $5,000 (for one semester)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Great news—there's no need for a separate application for the VCIS. If you fulfil the eligibility criteria and receive an unconditional offer by the specified deadline, you will be automatically considered. To qualify, you must:
- Be an international student (as defined by Australian law) Have applied for—but not yet commenced—a CRICOS-registered bachelor's or coursework master's program at the University of Sydney.
- Have received an unconditional admission offer by the scholarship deadline. Even if you're beginning your second degree at Sydney, you're eligible—if you haven't previously been awarded the VCIS. However, students who are recipients of Australian Government scholarships or awards exceeding $20,000 annually are not eligible for VCIS.
IMPORTANT DATES
Application Rounds
The VCIS offers multiple application
rounds throughout the year. Your scholarship consideration is based on when you
receive your unconditional admission offer. Here are the important dates:
For Semester 1,2026
- Round 1: Offer must be accepted by August 20, 2025
- Round 2: Offer must be accepted by October 7, 2025
- Round 3: Offer must be accepted by November 17, 2025
For Semester 2, 2026
- Round 1: Deadline is February 16, 2026
- Round 2: Deadline is March 23, 2026
- Round 3: Deadline is May 4, 2026.
HOW ARE RCIPIENTS CHOSEN?
Selection is entirely based on academic excellence as demonstrated in your admission application.
There's no requirement for an extra
scholarship essay or separate form. A selection committee—including
representatives from the Office of Sydney Future Students and the Admissions
Office—evaluates eligible candidates and ranks them according to their academic
credentials and accomplishments. The highest-ranking students receive the
largest scholarship amounts, with awards decreasing accordingly.
Here are some key guidelines regarding the use of the scholarship:
If you are also granted a Sydney International Student Award, you can still receive the VCIS, but only up to a limit of AUD 20,000.
The scholarship will be discontinued if:
VCIS recipients might be invited to represent the University at events such as student orientation, marketing campaigns, or networking opportunities. Although participation is optional, it offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your public speaking skills, expand your network, and contribute to the international student community.
Established in 1850, the University of Sydney is among the world’s top research institutions. Situated in Australia’s most cosmopolitan and livable city, it consistently ranks among the top 50 universities worldwide. From exceptional academics and research opportunities to a vibrant student life and beautiful architecture, Sydney provides an unforgettable international study experience.
The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme is more than just financial support—it acknowledges your dedication, ambition, and academic potential. With awards of up to $40,000, automatic consideration based on your admission, and a robust support system for international students, the VCIS could be your pathway to a transformative education in Australia. So if you’re seeking a globally recognized degree and need financial assistance to achieve it, be sure to apply to the University of Sydney early, and seize the opportunity to be part of something greater.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SELECTION?
- If you are awarded the VCIS, here's what you need to know:
- For $40,000 scholarships, the payment is divided into two equal parts—one per semester. To receive your second instalment, you must:
- Maintain a minimum Semester Average Mark (SAM) of 65.
- Have no outstanding tuition or university fees.
- If you are on exchange during your scholarship year, you must show a "Satisfactory Requirements" grade to receive your second payment.
- The scholarship cannot be deferred or transferred to another university, but it can be applied to a different major, degree, or faculty within the University of Sydney.
TERMS TO KEEP IN MIND
Here are some key guidelines regarding the use of the scholarship:
If you are also granted a Sydney International Student Award, you can still receive the VCIS, but only up to a limit of AUD 20,000.
The scholarship will be discontinued if:
- You withdraw from the program You switch to part-time studies without approval.
- You become a domestic student.
- You fail to maintain the required academic standards.
- You are found guilty of misconduct or provide false information.
- You accept another major scholarship exceeding $20,000.
- If the scholarship is terminated due to misconduct or early withdrawal, the University reserves the right to demand repayment of the funds already distributed.
PROMOTE AND PARTICIPATE
VCIS recipients might be invited to represent the University at events such as student orientation, marketing campaigns, or networking opportunities. Although participation is optional, it offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your public speaking skills, expand your network, and contribute to the international student community.
WHY THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY?
Established in 1850, the University of Sydney is among the world’s top research institutions. Situated in Australia’s most cosmopolitan and livable city, it consistently ranks among the top 50 universities worldwide. From exceptional academics and research opportunities to a vibrant student life and beautiful architecture, Sydney provides an unforgettable international study experience.
FINAL THOUGHT
The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme is more than just financial support—it acknowledges your dedication, ambition, and academic potential. With awards of up to $40,000, automatic consideration based on your admission, and a robust support system for international students, the VCIS could be your pathway to a transformative education in Australia. So if you’re seeking a globally recognized degree and need financial assistance to achieve it, be sure to apply to the University of Sydney early, and seize the opportunity to be part of something greater.
