
Student life
A $25,000 scholarship eased the pressure

At Charles Darwin University, we welcome and celebrate unique study journeys, which is why our scholarships are awarded for more than just academic achievement. We recognise community involvement, personal and financial circumstances and more.
Here, five students share how a scholarship from CDU helped their studies.
$25,000 for academic achievement
For Nicholas, receiving a $25,000 Dean’s Scholarship for his Year 12 results was a game-changer. He’s studying a five-year engineering degree and credits the scholarship for easing the financial pressure. Now he can spend less time worrying about making ends meet, and more time focused on his studies.
“I’ve been able to put the money towards purchasing the textbooks I need, and any leftovers from each semester I can put towards unit fees," he says.
$14,000 scholarship for hard-working refugee
John Chol Deng Chol fled his home in South Sudan at just 10 years old, escaping a civil war that killed four of his brothers.
More than a decade later, he’s at CDU studying to become a nurse and thanks to a $14,000 scholarship for humanitarian entrants or refugees, he can pay down this student loan faster.
Up to $5,000 for studying remotely
Thanks to a scholarship, Janelle Guyirkuyir can worry less about finances while she focuses on finishing her online degree in one of the most remote parts of the Northern Territory.
With dreams to work alongside her mum in the local school on Milingimbi Island, off the coast of the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land, Janelle started a teaching degree through CDU.
Her scholarship has somewhat eased her worries about family responsibilities, travel, accommodation and food.
$10,000+ for aspiring teenager
Nurse-in-training Jubilee didn’t think university was an option for her. But thanks to her involvement in CDU’s Team Aspire, a program for Northern Territory high schoolers, she was able to access free coaching, advice and peer support – and a three-year scholarship.
Her scholarship has funded a new laptop, excursions and extra materials to support her studies, something she says “motivates [her] towards graduating and beginning a career as a nurse.”
Four-year scholarship for Indigenous legal eagle
Jared’s interest in law started in high school and despite not getting the Year 12 marks he was hoping for, he made it to CDU via an enabling program.
A four-year scholarship recognised his aspirations as an Indigenous student in the Territory and was a “real opener” for him, unlocking opportunities for better placements and more exposure to the legal sector.
His scholarship was “the best decision” he ever made.
Charles Darwin University awards more than $1.5 million in scholarships each year for a wide range of achievements and circumstances. Explore scholarships.
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