1. The purpose of our policy
This policy states the principles under which Adelaide University establishes and administers coursework scholarships, grants and prizes, and should be read in conjunction with the Coursework Scholarships, Grants and Prizes Procedure.
2. Who our policy applies to
2.1 Inclusions
This policy applies to scholarships, grants and prizes for students enrolled in coursework programs where Adelaide University administers funding and makes the final decision regarding recipient selection.
2.2 Exclusions
This policy does not apply to:
- scholarships, grants and prizes exclusively for students in higher degrees by research
- opportunities for paid work experience with industry and internships.
3. Our scholarships, grants and prizes policy principles
3.1 We invest in opportunity and excellence
We provide a range of coursework scholarships, grants, and prizes to support our students in achieving success and to advance Adelaide University’s strategic objectives, goals, and values.
3.2 We uphold donor integrity and partnership We respect the rights and intentions of donors and partners, while Adelaide University reserves the right to decline offers of external funds.
3.3 We safeguard fairness and independence
Donors do not participate in recipient selection or administration of schemes. They must not have any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest to ensure the fairness, independence, and integrity of the selection process.
3.4 We establish clear and compliant rules
Each scholarship, prize and grant has a set of approved rules that comply with the terms of the gift or funding agreement (as applicable), outlining administration requirements, eligibility and selection criteria, value, administration, and any other conditions under which they are offered.
3.5 We promote equity and transparency in selection
Eligibility and selection processes for scholarships, grants and prizes will be fair, transparent, and consistently applied, and are designed to mitigate the risks of unconscious bias in the selection of recipients.
3.6 We govern through accountability and review
Scholarships, grants and prizes are established, managed and reviewed in accordance with our approved policies and procedures.
4. Definitions used in our policy
Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.
Scholarship is an award that assists a student to undertake or complete a program of study at Adelaide University for a nominated duration. This is generally disbursed through periodic payments or fee reductions for a specific period of time.
Grant means a one-off award that assists a student to meet specified costs of commencing study or completing a component of study, including placements or international exchange, and is paid to the student or, where specified by the grant conditions, directly to an external supplier of eligible goods or services; it does not reduce tuition or other Adelaide University fees.
Prize is an award that recognises outstanding academic achievement, academic development, or any other criteria specified in the rules.
Student means a person enrolled in an enabling program, award or non-award coursework study, a research program, a short course or microcredential at Adelaide University.
5. How our policy is governed
This policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.
| Parent policy | Academic Progress Review Policy |
|---|---|
| Policy category | Academic |
| Approving authority | co-Vice Chancellors/Vice Chancellor and President |
| Policy owner | Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Student Experience and Success |
| Responsible officer | [Director, Scholarships and Admissions Standards] |
| Effective from | 19 December 2025 |
| Review date | [3/4/5 years after date this version is approved, TBC] |
| Enquiries | Interim Central Policy Unit/[Central Policy Unit] staff.policy.enquiries@adelaideuni.edu.au |
| Replaced documents | None |
6. Legislation and other documents related to our policy
Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| Associated procedures | Coursework Scholarships, Grants and Prizes Procedure Graduate Research Scholarships Procedure Philanthropy and Fundraising Policy [University Medal and Chancellor Awards Procedure] |
| Related policy documents | [HDR Scholarships and Prizes Policy and Procedure] Coursework Scholarships, Grants and Prizes Procedure Coursework Scholarships, Grants and Prizes Procedure |
| Coursework Scholarships, Grants and Prizes Procedure |
Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 |
7. History of changes
| Date approved | To section/clauses | Description of change |
|---|---|---|
| 31 May 2024 | N/A | New policy “Scholarships, Grants and Prizes Procedure” |
| 19 December 2025 | Title | It is changed to “Coursework Scholarships, Grants and Prizes Policy” |
| Our scholarships, grants and prizes policy principles | Principles are expressed as “We” statements, accompanied by concise explanatory text that reflects values, strategic intent, and governance responsibilities. | |
| The whole document | Fully revised into the 2025 Adelaide University standard policy format; incorporated plain language, definedterm capitalisation, inclusive phrasing, and consistent numbering; removed outdated formatting and redundant content. |
At the time of writing, Adelaide University’s organisational structure, position titles, and committee names have not been confirmed. Square brackets [ ] indicate placeholders for these details. Brackets are also used to identify policy elements that are subject to further decision-making or confirmation. These will be updated once final decisions are made.