VCIS Scheme is the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme for exceptional international students; the VCIS Scholarship provides up to $60,000 to support high-achieving students who commence a CRICOS-registered coursework degree at the University of Sydney.
The University of Sydney awards the VCI Scheme to outstanding international students on commencement of an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree. The scholarship is offered once during the first year of commencement and is subject to availability of funds and the scholarship terms and conditions.
VCIS Scheme Benefits
- $60,000 payable for one year in two equal instalments per semester.
- $40,000 payable for one year in two equal instalments per semester.
- $20,000 payable for one semester.
- $10,000 payable for one semester.
- $5,000 payable for one semester.
VCIS Scheme Eligibility Criteria
- Be an international student.
- Have applied for but not yet commenced a bachelor’s degree or a coursework master’s degree that is a CRICOS registered award program usually delivered onshore at the University of Sydney.
- Receive an unconditional offer of admission by the relevant close date.
- Applicants commencing a second degree at the University of Sydney are eligible provided they have not previously held the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships.
- Recipients of scholarships provided by the Australian Government are not eligible.
How to Apply for VCIS Scheme
- No application is required; all eligible students who have secured an unconditional offer of admission by the closing dates will be automatically considered.
- Applicants must complete the Acceptance of their Unconditional Offer by the relevant deadline associated with their scholarship offer round and remain enrolled after census date.
- Deferral or suspension of the Scholarship is not permitted except in exceptional circumstances.
- The payment will be made on or after the relevant census date and the Scholarship is offered subject to the availability of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the VCI Scheme. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how automatic consideration works for applicants.
What is the VCIS Scheme?
The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships (VCIS) are awarded to exceptional international students commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework full degree at the University of Sydney. The scholarship offers several award amounts based on academic ranking and is only awarded once during the first year of commencement.
Who is eligible for the VCIS Scheme?
To be eligible you must be an international student, have applied for but not yet commenced a bachelor’s degree or a coursework master’s degree that is CRICOS-registered and usually delivered onshore, and receive an unconditional offer of admission by the relevant close date.
How much funding does the VCIS Scheme provide?
Five scholarship amounts are offered: $60,000 (one year in two instalments), $40,000 (one year in two instalments), $20,000 (one semester), $10,000 (one semester), and $5,000 (one semester). Availability of some amounts may be limited to specified cohorts.
Do I need to apply separately for the VCIS Scheme?
No application is required. All eligible international students who have secured an unconditional offer of admission by the listed closing dates will be automatically considered for the scholarship.
What are the closing dates for VCIS consideration?
The page lists specific close dates for offer rounds. For example, Semester 1, 2027 Round 1 closes 17 August 2026. Applicants should check the relevant round close dates listed on the scholarship page for their intake.
Can recipients defer or suspend the scholarship?
Deferral or suspension of the Scholarship is not permitted except in exceptional circumstances, as stated in the scholarship terms and conditions. The scholarship is offered subject to availability of funds and specific rules apply to acceptance and enrolment.
Are recipients of other scholarships eligible to receive VCIS?
Recipients of scholarships provided by the Australian Government are not eligible. Additionally, students who receive a Sydney International Student Award can only receive a VCIS to a maximum value of $40,000.
How and when is the scholarship payment made?
Payments are made on or after the relevant census date. For awards payable in two instalments, recipients must maintain a minimum semester average mark (SAM) of 65 and have no outstanding fees to receive the next payment.
Can the scholarship be transferred to another degree or university?
The Scholarship is transferable to another major, degree or faculty within the University of Sydney but is not transferable to another university.
What could cause termination of the VCIS Scheme?
The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient withdraws or fails to enrol, becomes a domestic student, commences part-time study without approval, does not maintain satisfactory academic performance, is found guilty of serious misconduct, accepts another University-administered scholarship exceeding A$20,000 per annum, or fails to resume study after approved leave.
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