Assessment and selection

Scholarship applications are assessed through a structured and fair selection process designed to identify applicants who best meet the eligibility and selection criteria for each scholarship.

The assessment process may vary depending on the scholarship, including its purpose, eligibility requirements and funding arrangements. The information below explains what you can generally expect.

How scholarships are assessed

Once applications close, eligible applications are assessed against the selection criteria for the scholarship. Assessment may consider the information provided in your application, your supporting documentation and any other evidence requested as part of the application process.

Meeting the eligibility requirements does not necessarily mean you will receive a scholarship. Where there are more eligible applicants than scholarships available, applications are assessed comparatively against the relevant selection criteria.

Selection committees

Many scholarships are assessed by a selection committee made up of University staff and, where appropriate, representatives with relevant expertise or knowledge of the scholarship's purpose or discipline.

Selection committee members are trained in fair and consistent scholarship assessment practices, and their role is to review eligible applications and make recommendations based on the published criteria and available application information. Committee members are expected to assess applications fairly, consistently and confidentially.

Donor involvement

Some scholarships are funded by generous donors, alumni, organisations or other external partners.

Depending on the scholarship, a donor may have an opportunity to learn more about the scholarship and its impact, or to endorse the recommended recipient. Donor involvement does not replace the University's assessment process or the requirement for applicants to meet the scholarship's eligibility and selection criteria.

Where donor involvement is part of a scholarship selection process, students will be advised of any relevant requirements and their privacy and confidentiality is protected in accordance with the University’s privacy requirements.

Assessment timeframes

Scholarship assessment and selection period takes place after applications close. The timeframe for assessment varies depending on the number of applications received, the complexity of the scholarship and the selection requirements involved.

For example, some scholarships require additional verification as part of the assessment process. This may include confirming Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background, verifying a specific practicum or placement allocation, or confirming other eligibility requirements with the relevant authorised University area. These additional checks may take extra time to complete.

The Scholarships team aims to assess applications and notify applicants as soon as practicable. However, receiving an outcome may take some time after the application closing date, and we appreciate your understanding.

If there are delays to the expected timeframe, we will provide an update where possible.

Confidentiality and privacy

Scholarship applications often contain personal, financial, academic and other sensitive information. Information provided as part of your application is handled confidentially and accessed only by those involved in administering, assessing or otherwise appropriately supporting the scholarship process.

Selection committee members and other individuals involved in the assessment process are required to maintain confidentiality and declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest. Your information will be handled in accordance with the University's privacy requirements.

General principles

Our scholarship assessment and selection processes are guided by the following principles:

• Fairness: applications are assessed against the advertised eligibility and selection criteria.
• Consistency: eligible applications are assessed using a consistent approach appropriate to the scholarship.
• Transparency: scholarship requirements and selection criteria are communicated clearly to applicants.
• Confidentiality: personal information provided by applicants is treated appropriately and only accessed by those who need it for legitimate purposes.
• Impartiality: conflicts of interest are identified and managed to support fair decision-making.
• Evidence-based assessment: selection decisions are based on the information and evidence provided by applicants and relevant scholarship requirements.
• Purpose: scholarships are awarded in accordance with their intended purpose and eligibility requirements.

Contact us

Need help?

For more information or to get in touch, contact our Scholarships Office:

Email: scholarships@nd.edu.au
Fremantle: +61 8 9433 0545
Sydney: +61 2 8204 4228