Scholarships

Group of Cairns students at Cairns Esplanade lagoon
Browse our Scholarships
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries to cater for all student needs.

This can include financial support to assist with living expenses, and non-deferrable costs such as textbooks, uniforms, technology, course-specific equipment, travel costs associated with compulsory residential schools and unpaid placement, accommodation, and general living expenses such as rent, groceries and fuel.

Scholarship Funding Explained

We offer a range of scholarships designed to support students from diverse backgrounds and study pathways. Whether you're just beginning your journey or continuing your education, there may be funding available to help you succeed.

Our scholarships include:

  • Needs-based Funding Scholarships – This funding supports students from underrepresented backgrounds with costs associated with their studies.
  • Dare to be Deadly or Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) Scholarships – Specifically for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in a wide range of courses, from enabling programs to postgraduate study.
  • Donor-Funded Scholarships – Offered by generous donors, these scholarships have unique eligibility criteria that vary each term.
  • Other Featured Scholarships – Including external, research, and international scholarships.
Applying for a scholarship at CQU

Applying for Scholarships

CQUniversity offers scholarships across three main funding categories:

  • Needs-based Funding Scholarships
  • Dare to be Deadly Scholarships/Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) Scholarships
  • Donor-Funded Scholarships

Needs-based Funding and Dare to be Deadly Scholarships

Applications for Needs-based Funding Scholarships and Dare to be Deadly Scholarships are open now, with new opportunities added throughout the year.

Explore our range scholarships and bursaries to see what’s available now.

When you're ready to apply, select your scholarship and follow the instructions under ‘How to Apply’ to get started.

Other featured scholarships (such as external, international and research scholarships) may have different application processes. It's important to carefully review the specific requirements for each scholarship before applying.

Donor-Funded Scholarships

Applications for Donor-Funded Scholarships are offered through a personalised, targeted process. Eligible enrolled students will receive a direct email to their student account with instructions on how to apply. Initial eligibility for an invitation to apply is determined based on the personal information provided in MyCQU and enrolment details, so it is important to ensure your details are up to date in MyCQU to allow for accurate assessment. 

The Term 2, 2026 application round closed on Monday, 8 June at 10 am (AEST). Late applications will not be accepted.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are assessed using your enrolment details, the information provided in MyCQU and your application form. Please ensure your details are up to date to allow for accurate assessment.

Learn more about specific eligibility criteria in our Understanding Scholarship Eligibility article on MyCQU.

New to CQU?

If you are planning to study with us but haven’t enrolled yet, keep an eye on this page for further information released closer to the next application round. 

Contact Us

Domestic Scholarships
Phone: 13 27 86
Email: studentscholarships@cqu.edu.au

Research Scholarships
Email: research-scholarships@cqu.edu.au

International Scholarships
For all prospective international undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship enquiries please email international-enquiries@cqu.edu.au.

  • erin-giliberto.jpg
    “
    The scholarship has made my workload easier to manage, as I do not have to stress over finances. It has made it possible for me to reside on campus and made accessing resources such as textbooks easier.

    Erin Giliberto

    Bachelor or Engineering (Civil) and a Diploma of Building Design, Destination Australia Scholarship

Find a scholarship

We offer a variety of scholarships that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.

Browse the range

Related Resources

Important Application Dates

Find the application deadlines and key dates relevant to your study level and course.

Course Fees

Find easy-to-understand information about the different fee types, how to pay your fees and scholarships at CQU.

Commonwealth Prac Payment

The Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) is a new initiative designed to help eligible nursing, midwifery, social work and teaching students manage the costs associated with undertaking a mandatory placement.