The University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme (VCIS) 2026 is one of Australia’s most prestigious awards for outstanding international students.
Offering up to $60,000 in financial support, this scholarship is designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world who wish to pursue coursework degrees at the University of Sydney.
Starting from the 2026 intake, the scheme introduces enhanced benefits, including a new $60,000 scholarship value, making it even more competitive and attractive to students aiming to study in Australia.
Quick Summary of the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme
| Scholarship Name | University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme (VCIS) 2026 |
| University | University of Sydney, Australia |
| Funding Value | Up to $60,000 (in instalments, depending on award tier) |
| Eligible Students | International students (Bachelor’s or Master’s coursework programs) |
| Eligibility | Must have an unconditional offer of admission to a CRICOS-registered coursework degree |
| Deadline (S1 2026) | Round 1: 20 Aug 2025 • Round 2: 7 Oct 2025 • Round 3: 17 Nov 2025 |
| Deadline (S2 2026) | Round 1: 16 Feb 2026 • Round 2: 23 Mar 2026 • Round 3: 4 May 2026 |
| Application Process | No separate application — automatic consideration once an unconditional offer is received |
| Program Type | One-time scholarship upon commencement (non-renewable) |
About the Scholarship
The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme is designed to recognize and reward exceptional academic performance among international students. It applies to coursework programs only and is awarded once during the first year of study.
This initiative highlights the University of Sydney’s commitment to fostering global diversity, academic excellence, and access to education for international students.
Key Updates for 2026 Intakes
Beginning with the 2026 academic year, the program has introduced several updates:
- New $60,000 scholarship tier for outstanding candidates.
- A revised maximum cap of $40,000 for students who also receive the Sydney International Student Award.
- An updated termination clause (Clause 7.a.vi), with the financial threshold increased from $10,000 to $20,000.
These changes aim to enhance fairness and accessibility for future recipients.
Scholarship Benefits
The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme offers five scholarship tiers, depending on the student’s ranking against the selection criteria:
- $60,000 – payable over one year in two equal instalments per semester
- $40,000 – payable over one year in two equal instalments per semester
- $20,000 – payable over one semester
- $10,000 – payable over one semester
- $5,000 – payable over one semester
⚠️ Note: Availability of certain amounts may be limited to specified cohorts
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the VCIS 2026, applicants must:
- Be an international student.
- Apply for but have not yet commenced a Bachelor’s or Master’s coursework degree at the University of Sydney.
- Hold an unconditional offer of admission for a CRICOS-registered program delivered onshore in Australia.
Application Process
Unlike many scholarships, the VCIS 2026 does not require a separate application. Instead:
- All eligible international students who secure an unconditional offer of admission by the relevant deadline will be automatically considered.
- Offers are made subject to the availability of funds and based on academic merit.
Learn more and apply: University of Sydney – Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme
Application Deadlines
Here are the important close dates for the 2026 rounds:
Semester 1, 2026
- Round 1: 20 August 2025
- Round 2: 7 October 2025
- Round 3: 17 November 2025
- Special Round: For IB graduates (after 16 Dec 2025 results) and international UAC applicants (after 23 Dec 2025 offers).
Semester 2, 2026
- Round 1: 16 February 2026
- Round 2: 23 March 2026
- Round 3: 4 May 2026
Why Choose the University of Sydney?
- Ranked among the top universities in Australia and globally.
- A strong tradition of academic excellence and innovation.
- A welcoming, multicultural environment for over 25,000 international students.
- Generous scholarship programs that reward talent and diversity.
FAQs about the VCIS 2026
Do I need to apply separately for this scholarship?
No, eligible students are automatically considered once they receive an unconditional admission offer.
Can I renew this scholarship for later years?
No. The scholarship is awarded only once upon commencement and is not renewable.
What is the highest amount I can receive?
The maximum value for 2026 is $60,000, payable in instalments across one year.
Can students with the Sydney International Student Award also apply?
Yes, but there is now a $40,000 maximum cap for dual recipients.
Are both undergraduate and postgraduate students eligible?
Yes, the scholarship covers bachelor’s and coursework master’s programs at the University of Sydney.
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