BHVI

Fees for international students are approximately $29,500 per annum at the University of New South Wales. Additionally, an average living allowance of about $23,000 per annum would be necessary to undertake studies in Australia.

However, there are various scholarships available at different times that international students are eligible to apply for. The most competitive of these cover both university fees and a living allowance. Others award fees only or may cover a part living allowance.

Several types of scholarships are available through the Brien Holden Vision Institute.
Students may apply for Australian Postgraduate Awards (APAs) through the University of New South Wales (www.unsw.edu.au). These scholarships are extremely competitive and are usually awarded to undergraduates with a good First Class Honours degree. APAs provide a basic living allowance for three years.

Postgraduate candidates can also apply for Australian Postgraduate Awards (Industry). These involve collaboration with industry and include provision for postgraduate scholarships. Advertisements for graduates to hold these scholarships are made in the Australian press. Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (EIPRS) are available for international students. Again, these are highly competitive awards. EIPRS provide university fees and funding for living allowance and can be applied for through the University of New South Wales.  

AUSAID Scholarships (www.ausaid.gov.au) are available to students from certain countries and eligibility is determined by a number of factors, including the level and field of study. The type of assistance varies from country to country. The award for some students will only cover tuition fees, while for others it will also include a living allowance and airfares.

Each year the Brien Holden Vision Institute provides a number of scholarships for students with local or permanent resident status engaged in research projects for higher degrees. Brien Holden Vision Institute Postgraduate Research Scholarships carry a stipend equivalent to that of an APA(I) award. International students based with overseas collaborators may also apply for scholarships to cover payment of University fees. The Brien A Holden Postgraduate Research Scholarship is awarded for research in contact lens studies in its broadest sense. Preference is given to international optometry applicants from developing countries.

The Essilor/ICEE Postgraduate Research Scholarship was established to encourage prospective students to research in the area of presbyopia or internet education. There are no residency requirements and it carries a stipend equivalent to that of an APA award. Eligibility for this scholarship is based on outstanding academic merit and financial need may also be taken into consideration.