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Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship (2026-2027)
If you are an international student who has completed high school under the Western Australian curriculum abroad, you are likely searching for substantial funding to study in Australia. The Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship is a prestigious, multi-million-dollar program designed specifically for you. This comprehensive guide covers the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship value, eligibility, and deadlines.
Whether you are looking for the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship 2026 intake or planning for 2027, this is your roadmap to securing this highly competitive Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship. We will break down exactly how to apply for the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship, ensuring you don’t miss a single detail regarding the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship requirements.
Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship: Your $50,000 Pathway to Studying in Australia
The Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship represents a monumental investment by the Cook Government to attract the brightest international talent to the state’s world-class universities. Replacing the previous bursary, this expanded Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship program injects $1 million annually into supporting offshore WACE graduates .
What is the WACE Scholarship?
The Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship is a financial award for high-achieving international students who completed their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) at an offshore School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) approved school . It is designed to cover living, travel, and study expenses, making the transition to tertiary education in Western Australia seamless.
Scholarship Value and Tiers (2026-2027)
The Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship is divided into two distinct tiers based on academic excellence:
- The Premier’s Excellence Award: Up to $50,000 is awarded to the top two international WACE graduates globally .
- The Premier’s Achievement Award: Up to $30,000 is awarded to 30 high-achieving international WACE graduates .
Who is Eligible for the Premier’s WACE Scholarship?
Understanding the strict eligibility for the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship is crucial before applying. The WA Government has set clear parameters to ensure funds go to deserving offshore students .
Eligible Applicants
To be considered for the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship, you must:
- Be an international student (not an Australian citizen or permanent resident).
- Have completed your WACE at an offshore SCSA-approved school within the last 12 months, or be on track to complete it within the next 12 months.
- Intend to enrol full-time at a Western Australian university or tertiary pathway provider.
- Be studying a course of at least one year’s duration (two consecutive semesters or three trimesters) .
- Commence your studies in the 2026 or 2027 academic year.
Ineligible Applicants
You are not eligible for the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship if you:
- Completed your WACE onshore (inside Australia).
- Completed your WACE offshore more than 12 months ago.
- Are enrolling in a course shorter than one year.
Participating Universities and Pathways
The Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship is valid at five prestigious universities and their partnered pathway providers. This gives you immense flexibility in choosing your field of study .
- The University of Western Australia (UWA)
- Curtin University
- Murdoch University
- Edith Cowan University (ECU)
- University of Notre Dame Australia
WACE Scholarship vs. Other WA Funding
To help you understand the value of the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship, here is how it compares to previous and similar offerings:
| Feature | Premier’s WACE Scholarship (Current) | Previous WACE Bursary | Premier’s University Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funding Body | WA Government | WA Government | WA Government |
| Max Value | $50,000 | $20,000 | $50,000 |
| Target Group | Offshore WACE Graduates | Offshore WACE Graduates | General International Students |
| Number of Awards | Up to 32 | Limited | Varies |
| Usage | Living, Travel, Tuition | Living, Travel, Tuition | Tuition Fees |
| Application | Self-application via SmartyGrants | Self-application | Self-application |
As the table illustrates, the new Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship is a significant upgrade from previous offerings, effectively more than doubling the financial support available to top students .
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship requires attention to detail. The process is managed through the SmartyGrants portal .
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before you open the application, gather:
- Your passport (as proof of international student status).
- Your WACE academic transcripts or predicted grades.
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) or letter of offer from a WA university/pathway provider.
Step 2: Access the Portal
Navigate to the official WA Government SmartyGrants portal. Click on “Start a submission” for the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship.
Step 3: Complete Registration
You will receive a reference number (e.g., WACE26####). Keep this safe for future correspondence.
Step 4: Submit
Complete the online form, upload your documents, and submit before the selection date. You will receive an automated acknowledgment email .
Important Dates and Deadlines
The Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship operates on a rolling basis, meaning applications are assessed as they come in, but specific selection dates are prioritized .
Upcoming Selection Dates
- 18 February 2026 (Priority assessment for Semester 2, 2026 intake) .
- 31 December 2026 (General deadline for the 2026-2027 cycle) .
Note: Incomplete applications are often deemed ineligible. Ensure all sections of the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship application are complete before the selection date.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Can I apply for the Premier’s WACE Scholarship if I am currently studying Year 12 in Australia?
No. The Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship is strictly for offshore international students. If you are studying WACE onshore in Australia, you are not eligible .
How is the scholarship money paid?
Funds from the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship are typically disbursed to reimburse expenses. Successful applicants must provide an Australian bank account details after enrolment is confirmed past the census date .
Does the scholarship cover full tuition?
While the $50,000 Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship provides substantial support, it is intended to cover a combination of living, travel, and tuition. It may not cover 100% of tuition for all courses, but it significantly reduces the financial burden .
Is this scholarship renewable every year?
The Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship is a one-off payment upon commencement of your studies, rather than an annual renewable stipend.
For the most authoritative information, always refer to these official sources:
- Official Application Portal: WA Government Application Info (wa.gov.au)
- Official Program Guidelines: Premier’s WACE Scholarship Guidelines (wa.gov.au)
- Study in Perth Official: Study Perth – Scholarships
Secure Your Future with the WACE Scholarship
The Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for high-achieving international students. With a total fund of $1 million available annually, the WA Government is actively seeking talented individuals like you to join its thriving academic community . Don’t miss the upcoming selection date.
Review the guidelines, prepare your documents, and submit your application for the Western Australian Government Premier’s WACE Scholarship today. Your journey to a world-class education in Western Australia starts here.
