University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship 2027: Up to AUD $60,000
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme |
| Funded by | University of Sydney |
| Study level | Bachelor’s or postgraduate coursework master’s |
| Coverage | Up to AUD $60,000 depending on award level |
| Application | No separate scholarship application required |
| Semester 1 2027 close dates | 17 Aug, 5 Oct, 16 Nov 2026 |
| Semester 2 2027 close dates | 15 Feb, 22 Mar, 3 May 2027 |
| Official URL | https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/e/vice-chancellor-international-scholarships-scheme.html |
The University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme (VCIS) rewards high-achieving international students starting eligible coursework degrees. The key action is not a scholarship form: you must secure an unconditional offer by the relevant close date.
What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Top award | AUD $60,000 payable for one year in two semester instalments |
| Other levels | AUD $40,000, $20,000, $10,000, or $5,000 |
| Study type | Undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees usually delivered onshore |
| Award basis | Academic merit assessed from the admission application |
| Renewal | Awarded once during first year and not renewable |
| Availability | Subject to availability of funds |
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be an international student.
- Apply for, but not yet commence, an eligible CRICOS-registered coursework bachelor’s or master’s degree at the University of Sydney.
- Receive an unconditional offer of admission by the relevant close date.
- Accept the unconditional offer by the associated deadline if awarded.
- Remain enrolled after census date.
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are a domestic student.
- You are commencing a research degree rather than coursework.
- You have already commenced the eligible course.
- You receive an Australian Government scholarship.
- You miss the unconditional-offer close date for your intake.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose an eligible coursework degree
Check that your course is a CRICOS-registered undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programme.
Step 2: Apply for admission early
There is no separate VCIS form, so your admission application is the scholarship evidence.
Step 3: Secure an unconditional offer by the close date
For Semester 1, 2027, the remaining official close dates after September 2026 are 5 October and 16 November 2026.
Step 4: Accept your offer by the required date
The scholarship terms require recipients to accept by the relevant scholarship offer-round deadline.
Step 5: Maintain enrolment and academic requirements
For instalment awards, recipients must maintain satisfactory academic performance to receive later payments.
Comparison: Australia & New Zealand Options
| Scholarship | Level | Value | Deadline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney VCIS | UG/coursework master’s | Up to AUD $60,000 | Oct 5 / Nov 16, 2026 for S1 rounds | Coursework applicants with strong academics |
| University of Sydney RTP/USYDIS | Research master’s/PhD | 2027 stipend AUD $44,293/yr | Sep 11 / Dec 18, 2026 | Research applicants; see /university-of-sydney-rtp-scholarship-2027-guide |
| UNSW International Scholarships | UG/coursework PG | Full tuition, AUD $20,000/yr or faculty awards | Oct 30, 2026 | UNSW Term 1 applicants; see /unsw-international-scholarships-term-1-2027 |
| University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | Research master’s/PhD | Fee remission + stipend | Oct 31 reconsideration | Research candidates; see /university-of-melbourne-graduate-research-scholarships-2027-guide |
Insider Tips
1. Focus on unconditional offer timing
The decisive requirement is having an unconditional offer by the official close date. Conditional offers may not be enough.
2. Apply earlier than the scholarship round
Admission processing takes time. Submit well before 5 October or 16 November if targeting Semester 1, 2027.
3. Know that there is no separate essay
Because selection is based on admission merit, your academic documents and programme application carry the weight.
4. Check interaction with the Sydney International Student Award
The official terms mention a cap where students also receive the Sydney International Student Award.
5. Budget if you receive a smaller award level
The scheme has five levels. Do not plan finances assuming the AUD $60,000 top award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a separate scholarship application required?
No. The University of Sydney says no application is required; eligible students with unconditional offers are automatically considered.
Who can apply?
International students starting eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees.
What are the Semester 1 2027 close dates?
The official close dates are 17 August 2026, 5 October 2026, and 16 November 2026.
Is this for PhD students?
No. Research applicants should look at RTP/USYDIS instead.
Timeline Table
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Now | Choose eligible Sydney coursework degree |
| Sep 2026 | Submit admission documents if targeting Semester 1, Round 2 |
| 5 Oct 2026 | Semester 1, 2027 Round 2 close date |
| 16 Nov 2026 | Semester 1, 2027 Round 3 close date |
| 15 Feb / 22 Mar / 3 May 2027 | Semester 2, 2027 close dates |
Your Action Plan
1. Confirm your course is eligible coursework, not research.
2. Submit admission documents early enough for an unconditional offer.
3. Track the 5 October and 16 November 2026 Semester 1 rounds.
4. Prepare finances for all award levels, not only AUD $60,000.
5. Compare research-focused Australia options at /university-of-sydney-rtp-scholarship-2027-guide and /uwa-rtp-scholarship-2027-guide.
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