How do I get a scholarship in Australia?

How can I get a scholarship in Australia?

• I don't have a lot of money to pay for college outside, my mom wants me to stay here, in Ecuador, for money matters, but I know I'm not going to get anywhere in life if I stay in this country. My uncles told me to look for scholarships in Australia, I have good grades and I am good student; but I don't know where or how to find information about this. I would like it to be in Sydney, where should I look for, and how could I get one?

• Answer:

  Unlike the US, scholarships for undergraduates are as rare as hens teeth. And that is for local students. We do not have a scholarship culture like there is in the US because universities are funded mostly by the government (whereas a large % of US universities funds come from donations). Since the money comes from the government - no scholarships are available. The very few there are (and I mean less than 100 international undergraduate students in Sydney) go to the #1 students of school (mostly from PNG, Pacific Islands and some SE Asian countries). Working in universities for over 10 years I have never heard of a scholarship holder from any American country for an undergraduate degree. The Australian view is that an international education is no-ones right. It is something you work for, save hard and then attain many years after finishing school if that is your desire. The scholarships available pay for tuition only - you still need to prove to the government that you have 15K a year in living expenses on top of what you can hope to pay through the limited work you will be able to get. It is not a cheap option. If you can afford it - fine- if not then look to your own country to educate you.