The Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship rewards academic excellence. It is offered by Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, to international students who are about to begin an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree and who have strong academic records behind them.
For African students, this is a practical way to cut the cost of an Australian degree. The award is competitive and merit-based, it is applied directly to your tuition fee rather than paid to you. Therefore, it works best as one piece of a wider funding plan rather than a full ride. The next intake starts in July 2026, and applications run on an ongoing annual basis.
Because the award covers tuition only and is not renewable, budget carefully for living costs, health cover and travel before you commit.
Scholarship benefits
- A varied award of up to AUD$10,000, applied towards your tuition fee.
- Recognition of academic merit at one of Australia’s respected universities.
- Open to a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programmes offered at Macquarie University.
Note: The scholarship is not renewable and does not cover a living allowance, visa application costs, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), airfares, accommodation, conference fees or other study-related expenses.
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are an international student from a country other than Australia or New Zealand.
✔ You are commencing full-time study in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree (Graduate Certificates and the Global MBA are excluded).
✔ For postgraduate applications, you achieve a minimum WAM equivalent of 65; for undergraduate applications, a minimum ATAR equivalent of 85.
✔ You commence study in the session and year stated in your scholarship letter of offer.
✔ You hold a valid offer letter to study at Macquarie University.
Application tips for African students
- Secure your Macquarie offer letter first, you need it (and your student number) before you can nominate yourself for the scholarship, so start the admission application early.
- When you complete the online application form, type “VCIS” exactly in the Scholarship Name field and enter the student number shown on your offer letter. A small typo here can cost you consideration.
- Apply at least two to three months before the session begins. This buffer gives you time to organise your Australian student visa, which can involve document checks and processing delays from African posts.
- Get your academic transcripts and certificates certified. Where needed, officially translated into English well ahead of time. Waiting for these documents is a common cause of missed intakes.
- Make sure your grades map clearly to the required WAM (65) or ATAR (85) equivalent; ask Macquarie’s admissions team how your national qualification is assessed if you are unsure.
- Plan your finances early. Because this award covers only part of your tuition, prepare proof of funds for living costs, OSHC and airfares as part of your visa application.
- If your programme requires English proof, book your IELTS or TOEFL test early so results arrive in time to support your admission and visa steps.
How to apply
To be considered, you must first hold a valid offer to study at Macquarie University, then complete the online nomination/application form, entering “VCIS” in the Scholarship Name field along with your student number from your offer letter. Apply two to three months before your session starts. Visit the official page for the current forms and detailed instructions: Macquarie Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this scholarship?
International students from a country other than Australia or New Zealand who are starting a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at Macquarie University and meet the academic criteria.
How much is the scholarship worth?
The amount varies up to AUD$10,000 and is applied to your tuition fee. It is not renewable and does not cover living costs, visa fees, OSHC, airfares or accommodation.
What academic results do I need?
A minimum WAM equivalent of 65 for postgraduate applications, or a minimum ATAR equivalent of 85 for undergraduate applications.
Are all programmes eligible?
Most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programmes are eligible, but Graduate Certificates and the Global MBA are excluded.
When is the deadline?
Applications are ongoing on an annual basis, with the next course noted as starting in July 2026. You are advised to apply two to three months before your session begins.
Do I need an offer letter before applying?
Yes. You must hold a valid Macquarie University offer letter and use the student number on it when you complete the scholarship application.
Put forward your application and all the best!