Imagine the unreal – getting paid to study. A pioneering idea to say the least. Most Australians, for one, see this as something improbable but there is a few scholarships and payment options that indeed allow you to combine education and earning. If you work hard enough, you can fund your studies and make some extra cash whilst pursuing your education.
This blog aims to cover the myriad of options that may allow you to augment your income whilst pursuing education. Here’s how.
Scholarships That Pay You to Study
Scholarships are one of the most well-known ways to reduce the cost of education, but they don’t just cover tuition fees. Some scholarships also include stipends or living allowances, meaning you essentially get paid to go to college.
1. Equity Scholarships
Equity scholarships are aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They provide financial support that can include cash payments to help cover living expenses, housing, or study materials.
For example:
- The Centrelink Relocation Scholarship helps students who need to move away from home to study. Depending on your situation, you could receive payments of over $4,000 in your first year of relocation.
- Many universities also offer their own equity scholarships, such as The University of Sydney’s MATHEMATICA Scholarship.
2. Merit-Based Scholarships
If you have strong academic results, you might qualify for merit-based scholarships that reward your efforts with direct financial support. Some examples include:
- The Australian National University (ANU) Chancellor’s Scholarship, which offers up to $25,000 over your studies.
- The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, awarding up to $120,000 for postgraduate students covering study and living costs.
3. Employer-Sponsored Programs
Some companies are willing to invest in your education in exchange for you working with them after graduation. Programs like this are often geared towards fields like nursing, teaching, and engineering. One example is the NSW Teacher Education Scholarship, which provides up to $7,500 per year of study and a guaranteed job after you graduate.
Government Assistance for Australian Students
The Australian government offers several financial aid schemes designed to support students who meet specific criteria, giving you the chance to get paid to study.
1. Youth Allowance
If you’re a full-time student aged 24 or under, or an apprentice, you may qualify for Youth Allowance. Payments vary based on your personal circumstances, including whether you’re living at home or independently. You could receive:
- Up to $786.80 per fortnight if you’re living away from home.
- Additional rent assistance payments if you’re renting.
2. Austudy
If you are 25 years or older, you are eligible to apply for the Austudy program, which is also offered by the Australian government to help those in need. With Austudy payments, similar to Youth Allowance, the amount varies based on your income and living situation. The best part about Austudy is that the payments are frequent which helps you concentrate on studies.
3. Abstudy
For Aboriginal Australians, Abstudy has customized financial assistance packages. This program goes above and beyond just covering tuition fees and living expenses; it may also provide travel allowances for those who need to move for their courses.
4. HECS-HELP Loans with Financial Support Options
Although it does not make direct payments, Australia’s ‘Higher Education Contribution Scheme’ (HECS-HELP) enables you to postpone your tuition fees. By using this in conjunction with other forms of support, including scholarships and payments from Centrelink, you are able to study without the worry of money.
Earn as You Learn with Part-Time Study Options
Many Australians choose to juggle work and study by enrolling part-time. While this can be demanding, it allows you to continue earning a salary while completing your qualification at a slower pace.
- Traineeships and Apprenticeships are a popular choice for Australians looking to gain qualifications while earning money. Trade students, for instance, often receive wages while they complete their on-the-job training.
- Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs in fields like IT, business, and healthcare allow you to gain practical experience while earning an income.
Specialized Programs That Pay to Study
1. Defence Force Sponsored Study
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) offers study sponsorships in return for your service. Through programs like the Defense University Sponsorship, you can enjoy:
- Full tuition payment.
- A salary while you study (starting at over $32,000 per year).
- Free healthcare and allowances.
This program caters to students in fields like engineering, IT, health, and aviation.
2. Research Scholarships for Postgraduate Students
If you’re pursuing a master’s or Ph.D., you might qualify for research scholarships that include a generous stipend. For example:
- The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) offers funding for domestic and international students, with stipends averaging around $28,870 (tax-free) per year.
- Universities often provide their own research-based scholarships as well.
3. State and Territory Incentives
Some Australian states and territories provide grants for pursuing study in high-demand fields. For instance:
- The WA Nursing and Midwifery Postgraduate Support Scheme supports nurses looking to further their education while continuing their work.
- Queensland’s Rural Scholarship Program offers financial aid for students studying in remote areas.
Crowdfunding Your Education
While not a traditional avenue, crowdfunding can allow you to raise money for college. Online platforms like GoFundMe have been used by students worldwide to appeal directly to friends, family, and even strangers for support. This approach works best if you have a compelling story to share about why you’re pursuing higher education.
Tips for Success in Getting Paid to Attend College
Applying for financial aid, scholarships, or other programs can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of success:
- Start Early
Many scholarships and funding opportunities have strict deadlines. Begin your search well in advance and make a checklist to track your applications. - Tailor Your Applications
Whether you’re applying for a scholarship or government aid, personalize your applications to highlight your strengths and align with the program’s goals. - Research Widely
Don’t limit yourself to well-known opportunities. Explore smaller scholarships, local community grants, and workplace programs for hidden gems. - Meet Eligibility Criteria
Review the requirements carefully. Missing key criteria or failing to provide the right documentation can lead to rejection. - Be Persistent
If you’re turned down for one scholarship or funding source, don’t give up. Learning from unsuccessful applications can improve your chances of being accepted next time.
Final Thoughts
In Australia, it’s entirely possible to get paid to attend college. In fact, students can take advantage of several sources of funding and earn money at the same time; be it government support, scholarships, employer-sponsored programs, or research grants, the list goes on.
The important points are that you actively plan for these opportunities, manage and submit your applications, and optimally utilize the support systems in place. This way, not only do you have a handle on educational activities, but the financial burden is significantly lifted – and, who knows, you might end up with leftover funds!
