LEAD Scholarship application information
Eligibility, selection criteria and rules
Eligibility
To be eligible for the LEAD scholarship you must:
- be an Australian citizen or hold a Permanent Humanitarian Visa
- currently be completing your senior schooling in Australia
- have demonstrated educational, social and/or financial disadvantage
- expect to gain admission to an Approved Program in the year of the award on the basis of predicted senior results and any applicable adjustment factors or on the basis of special entry pathways
- have not completed any prior tertiary study at bachelor level or higher (this does not include enrichment programs), and
- be available to participate in a formal interview on 30 November/1 December 2019 either in person or via video-conference.
Selection criteria
The scholarship is awarded to applicants by a selection panel based on the merit of their application and an interview process. The panel will assess each student’s application with consideration to the following:
- educational, social and/or financial disadvantage
- academic achievement in Year 11 and Year 12
- significant leadership, cultural, sporting and/or community service achievements
Offers to successful students will be conditional on receiving an offer of a place in a law program via QTAC. Offers are expected to be released in late December, following confirmation of results.
Rules
Please read the official rules for the scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) and the UQ Undergraduate Law Admission Scheme? Do I need to apply for both?
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is administered through QTAC. The EAS can help you if you have experienced circumstances that negatively affected your most recent studies. If you are eligible for the EAS, you may be assigned adjustment factors that improve your chances of getting an offer.
The Undergraduate Law Admission Scheme (ULAS) is administered by The University of Queensland. The ULAS committee considers the results of your EAS assessment in determining your application for entry into law at UQ.
If you are applying for ULAS you must also apply for the EAS and/or the Rural Access Scheme in order for your supporting documentation to be considered.
What constitutes educational, social and/or financial disadvantage?
There is no exhaustive list of what we will consider. However, you may:
- live or have lived in a rural or remote area
- come from a low-income family
- be the first in your family to attend university
- have had recent health issues
- have experienced other setbacks that have disrupted your schooling
We also encourage applications from students who identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person or have a refugee background.
How do I demonstrate educational, social and/or financial disadvantage? Do you need any supporting documents?
You must provide supporting materials regarding any disadvantages you have faced through the QTAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS) and/or the Rural Access Scheme (see above for details).
You may also wish to provide context for the disadvantage in your personal statement and/or during your interview.
What is the minimum QTAC OP Rank I need to achieve to gain entry into an undergraduate law program? Does it help if I apply for the ULAS?
In addition to your OP/Rank, the Undergraduate Law Admission Scheme (ULAS) takes into account the level of disadvantage you may have experienced (as identified by your EAS and/or the Rural Access Scheme application). The minimum QTAC selection rank you need to achieve for consideration under ULAS is 90 (excluding adjustments).
If you are applying for a LEAD Scholarship, it is important that you also apply for the ULAS. In recent years, regular admission into an undergraduate law program at UQ has required an OP 2 or rank of 98.
What are the key dates I need to remember if I want to apply for the LEAD Scholarship?
- Applications for 2020 close 15 November 2019.
- Please also make careful note of QTAC deadlines for applications, in particular for the Educational Access Scheme.
- Interviews for the LEAD Scholarship will take place on 30 November/1 December 2019.
- Offers to successful students will be conditional on receiving an offer of a place in a UQ law program via QTAC. Final offers are expected to be made in December following confirmation of QTAC results.
How can I prepare a strong application for the LEAD Scholarship? What should I write in my personal statement?
Successful candidates demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership in their schools and/or their communities. In addition to academic excellence, LEAD scholars are committed to making a positive impact on those around them, whether through volunteerism, sport, music or other pursuits.
Be sure to list all relevant achievements and take the time to consider how your personal statement will set you apart.
Please also take the time to review the selection criteria.
How do I prepare for a LEAD Scholarship interview?
If you are successful in being shortlisted for an interview, it means the committee wants to learn more about you based on what you provided in your written application. Come ready to speak about your achievements and your future interests.
There will be several people on the panel, so be sure to practice with friends, family or someone from your school beforehand. It will help you feel more at ease on the day of your interview.
Remember that the panel is excited to meet you. We only invite students to interview who we think are excellent!
If I receive a LEAD Scholarship can I also accept other scholarships?
LEAD scholars may hold other equity-based scholarships concurrently, but may not hold another scholarship based solely on academic achievement. UQ Young Achievers are encouraged to apply.
You’ll also need to check the conditions of any other scholarships for which you are applying regarding their restrictions.
Can I apply if I’m taking a gap year? Can I defer the scholarship?
Only students currently completing year 12 are eligible to apply. The scholarship can be deferred for up to one year in the year of the award.