The Tasmanian Aurora Excellence Scholarship is a highly competitive award granted to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in their prior studies and are successful in the scholarship selection process.
This scholarship provides eligible commencing international students with a 50% reduction in registered tuition fees for the duration of their course.
Students eligible for the Tasmanian International Merit Scholarship will be invited to apply for the Tasmanian Excellence Scholarship after they have received an offer at the University of Tasmania.
Applications are assessed based on:
- Meeting the minimum academic requirements for their highest-level qualification (secondary, diploma and degree level of a minimum one-year duration). Please see below for further details.
- Completion of the application form
- Personal Statement of 300-500 words
- Interview
Eligibility
To be considered for this scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be classified as an International Student as defined under the Application rules of the University of Tasmania.
- Meet the minimum academic requirements as detailed below.
- Must be enrolled full-time in an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree*.
- Not be a student from a Transnational Education (TNE) partner affiliated with the University of Tasmania.
- Not be in receipt of any other University of Tasmania scholarship or any external sponsorship.
- Not be commencing at the University of Tasmania through an articulation agreement with a partner institution.
- Be commencing the first year of their program in 2027.
*excluding Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Nursing in Hobart and Sydney, Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science), Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering), Master of Psychology (Clinical), Master of Physiotherapy, Master of Speech Pathology, Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Laboratory Medicine, and fully online programs. Other exclusions also apply.
Value
50% reduction in registered tuition fees for the duration of the course.
Apply
Eligible students will be invited to apply and will receive a link to the scholarship application form.
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- A personal statement of 300 to 500 words
Applications must be submitted by the relevant deadline listed below.
Key Dates
| Semester | Application opening date | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2027 | TBC | 30th September 2026 |
| Semester 2, 2027 | TBC | 30th April 2027 |
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview after the deadline has closed.
Academic requirements
Secondary study
The minimum requirement for the Tasmanian Aurora Excellence Scholarship is a 90 ATAR or equivalent.
Country | Qualification | Minimum attainment for Aurora |
|---|---|---|
Bhutan | Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate awarded by the Bhutan Board of Examinations | 90% aggregate calculated on the best 4 subjects |
Canada | Secondary School Diploma | 90% overall average of the best 6 Grade 12 subjects excluding workplace preparation or open courses. |
China | China Senior Middle 3 (Gao San) | 90% overall for all graded subjects undertaken |
Fiji | Fiji Seventh Form Certificate | 90% overall average for subjects excluding work experience, physical and health education and general studies |
University of the South Pacific Foundation Year | 90% overall for all subjects undertaken excluding work experience, physical and health education and general studies | |
France | Baccalaureate General | 13 overall score of all subjects undertaken |
Germany | Abitur | 2.00 overall score of all subjects undertaken |
Hong Kong | Hong Kong Diploma (HKDSE) | 22 overall score from the 5 best subjects from category A or C* |
India | India CBSE, All India Senior School Certificate, or CISCE Indian School Certificate | 90% average score from the 4 best academic subjects |
India accepted State Boards of Education (may vary per state) | 90% average score from the 4 best academic subjects | |
India Punjab and Haryana State Boards of Education | 95% average score from the 4 best academic subjects | |
Indonesia | Secondary School Certificate of Graduation SMA 3 or SMK 3 | 90% overall from the 5th and 6th semesters |
International Qualifications | GCE Advanced Levels | Minimum score of 13 calculated using 3 H2 level subjects** |
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Overall score of 34 | |
Japan | Upper Secondary School Certificate of Graduation (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shosho) | Overall average of 4.00 of all graded subjects |
Korea | Immumgye Kodung hakkyo Choeupchang (Upper Secondary Certificate) or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) AND College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) equivalent score | Overall CSAT score of 357 |
Malaysia | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | 3.67 Overall GPA of all subjects undertaken |
Unified Education Certificate (UEC) | Maximum of 10 calculated using the top 5 subjects*** | |
South Australian Matriculation (SAM) | ATAR of 90 | |
Ontario Secondary School Diploma | 90% overall for the best 6 Grade 12 subjects excluding workplace preparation or open courses. | |
Nepal | Nepal School Leaving Certificate Examination | Overall GPA 3.7 for all subjects examined in year 12 |
Singapore | Singapore A Levels | Minimum score of 13 calculated using 3 H2 level subjects** |
South Africa | National Senior Certificate | Overall average 90% |
Sri Lanka | General Certificate of Education Advanced Level | Minimum score of 13 calculated using 3 H2 level subjects** |
Taiwan | Senior High School Diploma | 90% overall score from all subjects examined |
Senior High School Diploma plus General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) Score | 51 overall GSAT score from best 4 subjects | |
Thailand | Certificate of Education (Mathayom 6) | 3.60 overall GPA |
USA | US High School Diploma | 3.60 overall GPA for all subjects AND required score in SAT or ACT |
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 1290 AND required score in High School Diploma | |
ACT | 30 AND required score in High School Diploma | |
Vietnam | Bang Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc (Upper Secondary School Graduate Diploma) | 9.00 overall GPA for all graded subjects taken in the final year |
*Category A scoring: Level 1 = 1, Level 2 = 2, Level 3 = 3, Level 4 = 4, Level 5 = 5, Level 5* = 5.5, and Level 5** = 6. Category C scoring: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, and E=1.
**A=5; B=4, C=3; D=2; E=1
***A1=1, A2=2, B3=3, B4=4, B5=5, B6=6, C7=7, C8=8
If your qualification is not listed on the above table, please contact us for further information on your.study@utas.edu.au.
Applications are assessed for all semester intakes and selection for this scholarship will be based on an applicant's highest-level qualification of a minimum of one-year’s duration or equivalent. Where this is UTAS degree-level study, a minimum GPA of 6.5/7 is required for the Tasmanian Aurora Excellence Scholarship.
By providing greater transparency around how academic achievements are assessed, the University aims to help students better estimate their eligibility before applying and make informed decisions about their study plans.
How to use the tables:
Refer to the institution’s primary grading scale to determine the overall GPA and the minimum pass mark required to meet the scholarship’s academic eligibility criteria. Where a grading scale includes both the GPA and percentage system, without a clear primary grading scale, the GPA will be used as the determining factor in calculation of your academic eligibility. Please contact us for further information on your.study@utas.edu.au.
GPA Out Of | Pass mark | Minimum attainment for Aurora |
|---|---|---|
4 | 0.67 | 3.7 |
4 | 0.7 | 3.7 |
4 | 1 | 3.7 |
4 | 2 | 3.7 |
4 | 2.7 | 3.8 |
4.3 | 0.7 | 4 |
4.3 | 1 | 4 |
4.5 | 1 | 4.2 |
5 | 1 | 4.5 |
5 | 2 | 4.7 |
5 | 3 | 4.8 |
7 | 4 | 6.5 |
10 | 4 | 8.5 |
10 | 4.5 | 8.5 |
10 | 5 | 8.5 |
10 | 5.5 | 9 |
20 | 12 | 18 |
20 | 14 | 18.5 |
20 | 16 | 19 |
Reverse GPA | Pass mark | Aurora threshold |
6 | 5 | 1.5 |
5 | 4 | 1.25 |
Percentage | Pass mark | Aurora threshold |
100 | 30 | 80 |
100 | 33 | 80 |
100 | 35 | 80 |
100 | 40 | 85 |
100 | 45 | 85 |
100 | 50 | 85 |
100 | 60 | 90 |
100 | 75 | 95 |
- The Tasmanian Aurora Excellence Scholarship may be offered to eligible international students commencing an eligible course at the University of Tasmania in 2027. The scholarship is awarded subject to these Terms and Conditions, available funding, and approval by the authorised University delegate.
- The scholarship provides a tuition fee scholarship equivalent to 50% of the published international tuition fees charged for the enrolled units in each study period for the standard duration of the eligible course, up to a maximum of five years full-time equivalent study.
- The value of the scholarship is calculated based on the published tuition fee applicable to each unit of enrolment.
- The scholarship:
- applies only to tuition fees;
- does not apply to Student Services and Amenity Fee (SSAF), accommodation, insurance, books or other non-tuition costs;
- does not apply beyond the standard published duration of an eligible course, up to a maximum of five years full-time equivalent study;
- does not apply to repeated units;
- does not apply to units undertaken in excess of course requirements unless approved in writing by the University.
- The scholarship is applied as a tuition fee credit to the student’s account following the census date for each study period after the applicable tuition fees have been charged, provided the student remains enrolled in an eligible course and continues to satisfy all ongoing scholarship conditions.
- Subject to paragraphs 2.2 to 2.4, to be eligible, applicants must:
- be classified as an International Student under the University's admission and enrolment rules;
- commence study in an eligible course at the University of Tasmania for the first time in 2027;
- not previously have commenced a course at the University of Tasmania;
- hold a valid offer for an eligible course;
- meet admission and English language requirements;
- remain eligible for an Australian student visa where applicable.
- Eligible courses include:
- all undergraduate bachelor and honours coursework programs except excluded programs being;
- Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine
- Bachelor of Nursing in the Hobart campus
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering)
- Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science)
- Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Marine Engineering)
- all postgraduate coursework programs except excluded programs being:
- Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Master of Physiotherapy
- Master of Speech Pathology
- Master of Occupational Therapy
- Master of Laboraory Medicine
- all undergraduate bachelor and honours coursework programs except excluded programs being;
- The scholarship is not available for:
- fully online programs;
- foundation studies;
- non-award study;
- micro credentials;
- single unit study;
- exchange programs;
- government sponsored students;
- study through an articulation agreement with a partner institution;
- study through the University’s International Pathway College; or
- study undertaken with a Transnational Education partner unless otherwise expressly approved in writing by the University.
- Recipients must:
- be enrolled full-time unless an approved exception applies;
- not be in receipt of another University of Tasmania tuition fee scholarship unless expressly approved in writing by the University.
- The University will publish and make available the scholarship application requirements, eligibility criteria, selection criteria, duration, key dates, application process, supporting documentation requirements and any other information relevant to the administration of the scholarship. Applicants must comply with these Terms and Conditions and satisfy all published eligibility criteria and application requirements in order to be considered for, receive and retain the scholarship. Failure to meet any applicable eligibility criterion or application requirement may result in an application being deemed ineligible or a scholarship offer being withdrawn.
- Scholarships are awarded based on satisfaction of eligibility requirements, published selection criteria, which may include academic merit, and available scholarship funding.
- The University may establish scholarship quotas, market-specific allocations, or strategic recruitment priorities.
- Award decisions are documented and retained in accordance with University record management requirements.
- Scholarship recipients will be notified in their Letter of Offer.
- All decisions made by the University in respect to the scholarship are final and are not subject to review.
- Scholarship recipients may be invited to participate in the University marketing, publicity, photography, video, media, ambassador or promotional activities relating to the University and its scholarship programs. Recipients are expected to reasonably assist the University with such activities.
- The University will seek any consents required by law before using a recipient's name, image, likeness, testimonial or story for promotional purposes.
- A recipient's decision not to participate in a particular marketing or publicity activity will not, of itself, affect scholarship eligibility or continuation.
- Personal information collected or used in connection with marketing and publicity activities will be managed in accordance with the University's Privacy Policy and Privacy Statements (see here: https://www.utas.edu.au/privacy). Students may enquire about the personal information held by the University by contacting the International Student Recruitment Team at Your.Study@utas.edu.au or calling +61 (3) 6226 6200.
- Students granted an approved Leave of Absence (being a temporary suspension of studies approved by the University in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures), may have their scholarship suspended during the approved leave period.
- Upon approved return from leave, the scholarship may be reinstated subject to:
- continued eligibility;
- availability of the scholarship program;
- compliance with these Terms and Conditions.
- The maximum period for scholarship suspension is normally 12 months unless otherwise approved in writing by the University.
- To retain the scholarship, students must:
- remain enrolled in an eligible course;
- remain an international student;
- maintain enrolment after census date each study period;
- maintain compliance with their student visa conditions;
- meet all academic progression requirements applicable to their course;
- satisfy all University enrolment requirements;
- maintain satisfactory academic engagement and not receive an AN (Absent Deemed Failed) grade, unless otherwise approved by the University in exceptional circumstances.
- Students must normally maintain full-time enrolment. However, the scholarship will not be affected where:
- the student is undertaking their final study period and fewer credit points are required to complete their course;
- the student has an approved reduced study load;
- enrolment has been reduced because of approved credit transfer or advanced standing;
- the University approves an exception on compassionate or compelling grounds.
- Scholarship recipients may not defer commencement beyond 2027 without the University approval in writing.
- The University may approve a deferral where:
- visa processing delays occur;
- government processing delays occur;
- compassionate or compelling circumstances exist;
- circumstances beyond the student's reasonable control prevent commencement.
- An approved deferral does not guarantee continued scholarship availability.
- Where a recipient transfers to another course:
- the scholarship may continue if the new course is eligible;
- the scholarship will cease if the new course is excluded.
- A change of major will not affect scholarship eligibility unless the resulting course becomes ineligible.
- Approval of credit transfer or advanced standing does not, of itself, affect eligibility for the scholarship. Where advanced standing or credit transfer is approved:
- scholarship value may be adjusted proportionately;
- scholarship duration may be reduced proportionately.
- Where a student commences under a packaged offer the scholarship applies only to approved eligible course components identified by the University.
- The scholarship is intended for students studying primarily onshore in Australia.
- The University may permit scholarship continuation where:
- offshore study is required because of visa processing delays;
- government travel restrictions exist;
- the University has approved temporary online study arrangements.
- The University reserves the right to determine whether scholarship benefits continue during approved offshore study.
- Recipients must maintain a valid visa status permitting study in Australia.
- Where a student's visa application is refused prior to commencement:
- the scholarship offer lapses;
- the student may be reassessed if a subsequent offer is issued.
- The scholarship may be suspended or terminated where a student's visa is cancelled.
- Recipients must continue to meet attendance, engagement, enrolment and academic progress requirements associated with their visa obligations.
- The scholarship may be withdrawn where a student:
- withdraws from their course;
- transfers to an ineligible course;
- becomes ineligible under these Terms and Conditions;
- is unable to pay their tuition fees by the due date each semester;
- provides false, fraudulent or misleading information;
- is excluded from the University for any reason;
- ceases to hold international student status;
- receives an AN (Absent Deemed Failed) grade in a unit undertaken while in receipt of the scholarship; or
- breaches these Terms and Conditions or fails to comply with any applicable University ordinance, by-law, policy, procedure or lawful direction of the University .
- Before withdrawing a scholarship, the University may, where the University deems it appropriate, provide the student with an opportunity to respond. Any response will be considered by the University before a final decision is made. The University's decision is final.
- The scholarship:
- is not redeemable for cash;
- is not transferable;
- has no monetary value beyond tuition fee credit application.
- If a student receives a tuition fee refund, any scholarship credit associated with refunded tuition fees will not be paid directly to the student.
- The University may:
- correct scholarship calculation errors;
- recover scholarship amounts applied incorrectly;
- adjust future tuition fee credits.
- The University collects, stores, uses and discloses personal information in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and University Privacy Policy and Privacy Statements (see here: https://www.utas.edu.au/privacy) and these Terms and Conditions.
- Information collected for scholarship administration may be used for:
- scholarship assessment;
- student administration;
- compliance and auditing;
- reporting and governance purposes.
- Personal information may be disclosed where required by law or regulatory obligation.
- The University may exercise discretion in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, the University excludes all liability arising from or in connection with the scholarship or its withdrawal.
- These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Tasmania and the parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Tasmania.
- The University will administer the scholarship in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures, including requirements relating to conflicts of interest, governance, record management and the fair and consistent assessment of scholarship eligibility.
- Scholarship communications will be sent to the student's nominated email address and University email account where applicable.
- Recipients are responsible for ensuring contact details remain current.
- The University may amend these Terms and Conditions where reasonably necessary. Any amendment will:
- be published on the University website;
- apply prospectively only; and
- not adversely affect an existing recipient's accrued scholarship entitlement unless required by law, regulation or government direction.
- Subject to clause 11.2, all decisions made by the University in respect to the scholarship are final and not subject to merits review.
- Nothing in these Terms and Conditions prevents a student from raising a concern or complaint about the administration of the scholarship in accordance with the University’s Student Complaints Policy and Student Complaints Procedure. Students with concerns about a tuition fee scholarship may contact the Fees Team or the University’s Safe and Fair Community Unit.
Enquiries should be directed to Your.Study@utas.edu.au
Enquiries should be directed to Your.Study@utas.edu.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
The scholarship recipient must not be in receipt of any other University of Tasmania scholarship or any external sponsorship.
Study Abroad and Exchange international students undertaking short-term academic studies for a 6- or 12-month period at the University are not eligible to receive any international student scholarship or bursary.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email once their Aurora scholarship application has been submitted. Please keep this email for your records.