Sydney boosts support for under-represented students

A new University scholarship intended to level the playing field of education has seen the number of places offered to school leavers from low socio-economic areas increase by 18.5 percent for Semester 1 2023. 

The MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme offers every eligible student admission to an undergraduate degree based on an adjusted ATAR, plus an $8500 per annum scholarship for the duration of their degree. It is available to domestic students from areas listed in the bottom 25 percent of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Socio-Economic Index for Areas, Index of Education and Occupation, and includes targeted support to help them succeed. 

“The new MySydney scholarship package will help talented students, who might not otherwise be able to attend university, continue their education and fulfil their immense potential,” said University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott.

“Importantly, students from different backgrounds bring a diversity of thought and experience to solving the world’s greatest challenges, which is fundamental to the role that higher education plays in our community,” said Professor Scott.

“Students across New South Wales are lucky to have a number of great universities to choose from, but that choice shouldn’t be restricted by where they live or their background.”

More than financial support needed to help students succeed

Recognising that many students need more than financial assistance to thrive, the University is offering MySydney scholars a range of non-financial supports. They include a dedicated MySydney Scholar space designed to facilitate making friends and receiving advice. Our new scholars will also be able to access mentoring programs to help them with their studies, find casual employment and plan their careers.

“We know the transition from school to university can be daunting. There’s a whole range of new systems and processes to navigate, and a different environment to study and socialise in,” said Professor Scott.

“Kickstarting connections with communities of peers and supporting them throughout their degree will help students build new networks and make the most of campus life,” said Professor Scott.

Students look forward to university life

Through the main round offers made on 22 December, 18.5 percent more HSC students from low socio-economic areas have received an offer of a MySydney scholarship package. 

Recent school leaver Chi-Ming Chen from Canley Vale High School is eligible for the MySydney scholarship and plans to enrol in a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Sydney in 2023.

“I was initially planning to go to another university but saw the help that many of my friends will get through the MySydney scholarship and so I switched unis.

“My parents don’t make a lot so the $8500 every year will help out so much. I’m really looking forward to the university experience next year, both for the learning and also for the societies and clubs I can join,” said Chi-Ming.

Gilbert Diep, also from Canley Vale High School, plans to study a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) in 2023. His parents came to Australia from Vietnam as refugees. 

“The financial assistance through MySydney will be very helpful for the whole family. My parents work a lot, every day, and so having that financial support will mean I won’t have to rely on them as much. 

“The last year of school was stressful and so I’m really looking forward to the freedom and meeting new friends next year,” said Gilbert.

Professor Scott said the University plans to double scholarship support over the next decade for students who have traditionally been under-represented in higher education. By 2032 the University aims to support an additional 1000 eligible students to study at the University of Sydney each year through the MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme.