Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships 2025 Now Open

Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation and Education Costs Scholarships 2025

The Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation and Education Costs Scholarships, funded by the Australian Federal Government, provide vital financial support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are experiencing financial hardship, especially those relocating from regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia.

These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden of accommodation and education costs, ensuring students can focus on their studies and achieve academic success.

Scholarship Benefits

Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (ICAS)

• Up to $3,000 per study period

• Assists with relocation and housing expenses for students who move from regional or remote areas to attend university.

Indigenous Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (ICECS)

• Up to $1,500 per study period

• Supports students with general study-related expenses, including books, technology, and other academic requirements.

Both scholarships are renewable for the expected remaining duration of the course, subject to eligibility and satisfactory academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all the following conditions:

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

• Be enrolled in at least 50 credits in an eligible course at Curtin University in Semester 2, 2025.

• Demonstrate financial hardship and low socio-economic status.

• Be enrolled in a pathway, undergraduate, or enabling course.

• Have relocated from a regional or remote area of Australia to study.

• Be an Australian citizen.

• Enrol as an internal/on-campus student, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

• Not have previously completed a course equivalent to a bachelor degree (unless it is a prerequisite to the current course).

• Not already be receiving:

  • An Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation or Education Costs Scholarship

  • A Student Start-up Scholarship/Loan through Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

  • A Relocation Scholarship through Services Australia

  • ABSTUDY Residential Costs Option (RCO)

  • Any other accommodation scholarship

Important:

• Students currently receiving a Services Australia Scholarship/Loan or Relocation Scholarship must cancel it before applying.

• Students with ABSTUDY RCO should carefully consider whether this or ABSTUDY is more beneficial.

• This scholarship cannot be deferred.

Eligible Courses

• Enabling courses

• Associate Degrees

• Bachelor Degrees

Faculties and centres include:

• Centre for Aboriginal Studies

• Faculty of Business and Law

• Faculty of Health Sciences

• Faculty of Humanities

• Faculty of Science & Engineering

• Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

Application Process

Step 1: Access the Online Application

Step 2: Complete the Application

• Fill in the form thoroughly.

• Applications can be saved and continued later.

• Refer to Curtin’s “Applying for Scholarships” guide for tips.

Step 3: Submit the Application

• Deadline: 12 December 2025

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation receipt via student email.

Step 4: Assessment

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Responses to application questions

• Demonstrated financial hardship

• Evidence of low socio-economic background

Step 5: Outcome Notification

• Outcomes will be communicated through the Scholarships Channel (Student OASIS) from 15 September 2025 onwards.

• Processing may take 4–6 weeks.

• Offers are made on a rolling basis until the closing date or until funds are exhausted.

Step 6: Acceptance

• Successful applicants must accept their offer through the Scholarship Channel (Student OASIS) within the specified deadline.

• Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and availability of funds.

Recipient Responsibilities

Scholarship recipients must:

• Remain enrolled in an eligible course.

• Maintain enrolment in at least 50 credits per study period.

• Achieve a course weighted average (CWA) of at least 50 each semester.

Contact Information

Scholarships Office – Curtin University

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who funds the Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships?
The scholarships are funded by the Australian Federal Government to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students facing financial hardship.

2. What is the difference between the Accommodation and Education Costs Scholarships?

• The Accommodation Scholarship supports relocation and housing expenses.

• The Education Costs Scholarship covers study-related expenses such as textbooks, technology, and learning materials.

3. Can I apply for both scholarships?
Yes, students may be eligible for both, provided they meet all requirements and are not already receiving conflicting scholarships.

4. Are these scholarships available for postgraduate students?
No, the scholarships are only available for pathway, enabling, associate degree, and bachelor degree courses.

5. Can I defer my scholarship if I take a break from study?
No, the scholarship is not deferrable.

6. What if I already receive ABSTUDY Residential Costs Option?
You cannot receive both. You must decide which option better suits your circumstances.

7. When will I know the outcome of my application?
Notifications begin from 15 September 2025, with decisions made on a rolling basis.

8. What happens if I fail a unit?
You must maintain a CWA of at least 50 to retain the scholarship. Failing may impact eligibility for continuation.

9. Can international students apply?
No, applicants must be Australian citizens.

10. Where can I get help with my application?
You can contact the Curtin Scholarships Office at [email protected] or 1300 222 888 for guidance.