Dreaming of studying overseas? The Giles Family Foundation Scholarship 2025 at Swinburne University in Australia makes it possible with a generous AU$7,000 grant. Swinburne alumnus Michael H. Giles, who once benefited from an overseas scholarship himself, now funds this award to help other students “spread their wings and study overseas”. In 2025, five Swinburne students will be selected for this amazing opportunity to take on a semester abroad. This friendly scholarship blog will guide you through the details – from who can apply and what’s covered to how to apply step-by-step.
Scholarship Overview
The Giles Family Foundation Scholarship is a semester exchange grant for Swinburne students. It offers AU$7,000 towards travel and living expenses when you study at a partner university overseas in Semester 2, 2025. In practice, you’d use this to ease costs like flights, housing, or daily expenses abroad. The scholarship is stacked on top of any OS-HELP loan you may also take, giving even more financial support. Each year, only five recipients are chosen through a competitive process. Winners become part of an exclusive group of Swinburne students whose global adventure was kick-started by this scholarship.
Many recipients and the selection committee find this opportunity truly life-changing. As Michael Giles himself says, overseas study can be “transformational,” and he loves helping new students achieve it. If you crave a new challenge or have always wanted to explore the world, this scholarship could be your gateway.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, check that you meet all official requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be an Australian citizen. (New Zealand citizens or PRs are not mentioned on the official page, so stick to Australians).
- Course Standing: Enrolled full-time at Swinburne in 2025, and at least second year or above (includes Honours, and postgrads).
- Study Abroad Program: Already approved for an overseas Semester 2, 2025 exchange at one of Swinburne’s partner universities. This means you have (or will have) an offer letter from Swinburne Abroad and ideally from the host campus. You must provide these offer letters with your application.
On top of the basic criteria, applicants must submit:
- Video Presentation: A short (up to 3 minutes) video uploaded online. In it, explain your motivation for studying abroad, your commitment to community service, and your leadership potential. (Just share a download link in your application package.)
- Written References: Two letters vouching for you – one character reference (from a community leader, employer or teacher) and one academic reference (from a tutor, school principal, etc.).
Meeting these requirements is crucial. The official scholarship page spells them out clearly, so double-check that you tick every box before preparing your application.
Benefits and Funding
This scholarship delivers tangible support for your adventure:
- Scholarship Amount: A one-time payment of AU$7,000, intended to ease the financial burden of your overseas semester. You can use it for airfare, accommodation, living costs or any study-abroad expenses.
- Extra Support: You can also use an OS-HELP loan at the same time for further funding. OS-HELP is an Australian government loan program for students going overseas – talk to Swinburne’s finance office if you’d like to combine them.
- Number of Awards: There are 5 scholarships available for 2025, so the chances are good if you make a strong application.
- Experience: Beyond money, you’ll gain life experience, international exposure, and the chance to network globally – benefits that can boost your studies and career.
All funds are released when you provide proof that you’ve been accepted by your host institution and confirmed your spot through Swinburne Abroad. Until then, it’s a promise of support to plan your trip. Five students will share this honor, so make sure your application stands out!
How to Apply
Ready to take the plunge? Here’s how to prepare a winning application:
- Gather Documents: Secure your exchange program acceptance. You’ll need an offer letter from Swinburne Abroad for your semester exchange, and if possible, an acceptance letter from the host university. Prepare your video and upload it to a shareable cloud link. Have your two references (with contact details) ready as PDFs or letters.
- Online Application Form: Visit Swinburne’s official scholarship portal and select the Giles Family Foundation Scholarship from the list. Fill out the online form completely, attaching all the above documents.
- Submit Before Deadline: Submit your application and all supporting materials by 30 June 2025. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. (Set reminders and start early – the deadline goes by quickly!)
- Review and Submit: Double-check everything before hitting send. Make sure your video link works and that your references clearly address your community service and leadership qualities. Follow the Swinburne Scholarship Application Help Guide if you need tips on formatting or uploading.
Ready to spread your wings? Apply for the Giles Family Foundation Scholarship 2025 now! This blow link takes you to the official Swinburne scholarship form. Be bold in your video and letters – show them your passion for global learning.
Important Deadlines
- Application deadline: 30 June 2025 (all materials must be in by this date).
- Program dates: Successful applicants will study abroad in Semester 2, 2025 (typically August–November). Be sure your exchange permission covers this term.
Missing the deadline means missing out, so mark it on your calendar now. Once the applications close, they won’t consider late entries.
Tips for Applicants
- Show passion: In your video, speak from the heart. Why does studying abroad excite you? Share a quick story or goal. Authentic enthusiasm goes a long way.
- Highlight service and leadership: The scholarship loves community-minded leaders. Mention any volunteer work, clubs or projects you’ve led. Be concrete.
- Practice your video: Dress neatly, pick a quiet spot, and keep it under 3 minutes. Remember to discuss all three prompts (motivation, service, leadership) succinctly.
- Choose references wisely: Ask people who really know you. Give them time to write a thoughtful letter. Provide a brief outline of the scholarship so they can tailor the reference.
- Start early: Collect documents and draft your answers weeks in advance. That way you can polish the video and essays without rushing.
- Ask for help: If you have questions, contact Swinburne’s Fees and Scholarships Team (scholarship@swin.edu.au) or use their “Help me apply” service. They can clarify any confusing parts.
Remember: a personal and well-prepared application can set you apart. Treat this like a job interview – practice speaking clearly, organize your thoughts, and double-check every detail. You’ve got this!
Conclusion
The Giles Family Foundation Scholarship 2025 at Swinburne University in Australia is a golden opportunity to make your dream of studying abroad come true. With a $7,000 grant and only five spots, it’s competitive – but if you meet the criteria and show your best self, you could be selected. Gather your documents, polish that video, and apply by June 30, 2025. Don’t keep this chance to yourself: share it with classmates or friends who also have the travel bug. Imagine the stories you’ll have studying in another country – this scholarship is your first step toward that adventure. Good luck, and happy travels!
Your adventure is calling – take the leap and make it happen!
