Destination Australia Scholarship

A woman stands in front of a glass edifice with the Southern Cross logo in the background

Pema Choki received a Destination Australia Scholarship to study occupational therapy (OT) at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour campus. Pema, originally from Bhutan, decided to make the sea change to Coffs Harbour after working in Brisbane for three years. She said, “Coffs Harbour is the perfect mix of a city and the country.” Helping clients with their day-to-day activities and assisting them to be more independent was an attractive part of the job for Pema, who plans to work as an occupational therapist after graduation.

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Keen to study in regional Australia? You could be eligible for a scholarship.

The Destination Australia scholarship is designed to support students to undertake their university degree in regional Australia.

Study at our regional campuses in Lismore, and enjoy the benefits of two of the most picturesque and affordable university towns in Australia.

Be a name not a number in one of Australia’s most vibrant regional universities with small class sizes, access to world class facilities and unique natural environments within easy reach of the campus.

Quick facts

Value

$7,500

Number available

3

Duration

Six months

Destination Australia scholarship logos

Scholarship details

See the applying for a scholarship for more information. Applications close 8 August.

Apply Online

To be eligible for this scholarship you must be:

  1. A first-time commencing student. Never studied at this level previously. 
  2. Enrolled as a full-time student at Lismore, Coffs Harbour or National Marine Science campus. Less than 25 percent of enrolled units for the period July to December 2025 may be online. All effort needs to be made to enrol at the aforementioned campus.
  3. Meet the Commonwealth of Australia definition of ‘new student to Southern Cross University’.
  4. Recipients must maintain ongoing residency in a regional area as defined by Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) Edition 3, reference period (July 2025 – December 2025) for the duration of each study period. This includes any placements during the same period. These must all be in a regional setting.
  5. International Students are also required to maintain a student visa for the duration of the scholarship in order to ensure protection under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000.
  6. Domestic students should be identifiable as coming from a low socio-economic background.

Selection will be based on:

  1. Students must meet the outlined eligibility criteria
  2. Selection will be chosen via computer-generated lottery system

Visit our undergraduate course options for to find the Engineering or Occupational therapy pages.

Course options

Need more information? Please contact the Scholarship Office

Phone and email In person
Scholarships Campus locations
T: 1800 SC HELP (1800 72 4357)
E: scholarships@scu.edu.au		 Lismore
Gold Coast
Coffs Harbour