Skip to Content

Home > Rising Stars > Rising Stars Program > Rising Stars Program

The Rising Stars Scholarships Program

Southern Cross University recognizes that each scholarship supporter has different reasons for supporting the Rising Stars program. For this reason, the program is flexible enough to support students across all disciplines at all stages of study.

Rising Stars Lismore Recipients 2012
Rising Stars Lismore Recipients 2012

What types of scholarships are available?

  • UNDERGRADUATE Support a commencing student or one progressing through their undergraduate studies
  • HONOURS Support a student in their Honours year undertaking a research thesis
  • MASTERS Scholarships Support a student through a two-year Masters degree

See 'Ways to support' for more information.

Rising Stars Coffs Harbour Recipients 2012
Rising Stars Coffs Harbour Recipients 2012

[top]

What is the value of Scholarships?

  • FULL SCHOLARSHIPS: $5,000 per year over 1-5 years
  • HALF SCHOLARSHIPS: $2,500 per year over 3-5 years
  • MASTERS SCHOLARSHIPS: $10,000 per year over two years

Donors who are able to contribute smaller amounts can choose between supporting the SCU-Bowen Fund or a prize/bursary.

[top]

Are naming rights available?

Naming rights are available for scholarships valued at $2500 per year and above.

[top]

Can a scholarship be tailored to a specific course/student?

We recommend keeping criteria as open as possible to ensure the largest field of applicants. As the Southern Cross University student population consists of only 20% school leavers, we recommend making scholarships available to high school leavers and mature age students.

Donors wishing to tailor scholarships are asked to focus on one main type of criteria, eg. by course such as any student commencing a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree.

Rising Stars Gold Coast Recipients 2012
Rising Stars Gold Coast Recipients 2012

[top]

What are the benefits of association for scholarship supporters?

Generally all scholarships are treated as donations and are therefore tax deductible.

The University seeks to provide recognition to our scholarship donors through:

  • Providing naming rights.
  • Listing scholarships available on the University website.
  • Inviting donors to an annual scholarship event to recognise the generosity of our supporters and give students the chance to personally express their appreciation.
  • Providing two annual scholarship updates to our supporters.
  • Inviting donors to University events where appropriate.
  • Supporting media promotion about scholarships in the region of coverage.

[top]

How are recipients selected?

The selection process is carried out by the University's Scholarships Office. The application process differs depending on the scholarship but generally students are required to complete an application form which enables them to be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible. A shortlist and recommendation is provided to donors for endorsement prior to scholarships being offered.

[top]

What obligations are recipients required to meet?

Generally recipients must be studying full-time and on campus and maintain a pass or credit average grade. If the scholarship is for a specific course, the student can only continue to receive the scholarship while enrolled in that course. There are provisions for students who are struggling to meet the requirements of their scholarship or who choose to defer for one or two semesters. Students need to attend Scholarship Presentation ceremonies to receive first semester payments.

[top]

What happens if a scholarship recipient withdraws from their course?

The Scholarships Office works with the donor to identify a student who can complete the remaining term of the scholarship.

[top]

What courses of study are available at Southern Cross University?

John Davis "I would like to thank the Far North Coast Law Society for their contributions to my study. Their financial assistance has eased the burden of buying text books and has put me in the position to buy a new computer so I can keep up with the pace of modern law school life. I sincerely hope that this scholarship is the beginning of a long and fulfilling relationship between the Law Society and myself. Again a genuine thank you."
John Davis, Far North Coast Law Society Scholarship 2012

L-R: Prof Peter Lee, Vice Chancellor; Mr Bill Grace, President – Far North Coast Law Society; John Davis – scholarship recipient

Updated: 22 April 2013