PhD Scholarships | Essential Requirements for Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia | 🇦🇺🌍

Syed M S Mehdi

2 Mar 202413:49

Summary

TLDRThe speaker, M.S. Mehdi, discusses the process of acquiring a fully-funded scholarship for a Master's by Research degree in Australia at Deakin University, Melbourne. He emphasizes the importance of having a research background, a minimum of 80% in the last degree, and English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL scores. Mehdi also highlights the significance of a strong research proposal, connecting with potential supervisors, and preparing a professional resume. He touches on the optional aspect of publications and the necessity of a well-crafted motivation letter and statement of purpose. The video also covers the importance of meeting deadlines, maintaining communication with supervisors, and preparing financial documents for visa applications.

Takeaways

🎓 The speaker is a fully funded scholarship recipient at Deakin University, Australia, pursuing a PhD in Last Year.
📚 A minimum requirement for applying for a fully funded scholarship in Australia is having a Master's or MPhil degree with a research thesis.
💯 The candidate should have a minimum of 80% marks in their last degree to be eligible for most universities in Australia.
🗣️ English language proficiency is a must, with some universities requiring IELTS scores as proof, while others may accept TOEFL or PTE.
📈 The speaker emphasizes the importance of research background, including publications, which are optional but beneficial for the application.
🔗 Building a strong connection with potential supervisors is crucial, as they can support the application and provide guidance throughout the process.
📝 A well-prepared research proposal is essential, as it connects the candidate with their supervisor and outlines the research ideas and goals.
💼 A professional resume or CV is necessary, highlighting the candidate's academic and professional experiences.
💌 The process involves reaching out to potential supervisors via email, which requires a well-crafted cover letter tailored to each university and supervisor.
🏦 Financial proof, such as a bank statement, is necessary for visa applications, and it's recommended to have a statement showing sufficient funds for at least three months.
⏰ Adhering to deadlines is critical; missing them can lead to the application process being halted or delayed.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the speaker's presence at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia?
-The speaker is present at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia to utilize a fully funded scholarship for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree.
Why did it take the speaker around five months to create the video?
-It took the speaker around five months to create the video due to various challenges faced upon arrival in Australia, including the process of settling in and dealing with the initial displacement.
What are the first criteria for applying for a fully funded scholarship in Australia according to the speaker?
-The first criteria for applying for a fully funded scholarship in Australia is having a Master's degree by research or a PhD, and evidence of a research background.
What is the minimum marks requirement for the last degree in the context of applying for a scholarship?
-The minimum marks requirement for the last degree, typically a Master's by research, is 80% according to the speaker's experience and research.
Does the speaker mention any specific English language proficiency tests required by universities?
-Yes, the speaker mentions that some universities require scores from the IELTS test, with a minimum requirement of an overall band of 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any band.
What is the significance of publications in the context of applying for a fully funded scholarship, as per the speaker?
-Publications are considered an optional asset when applying for a fully funded scholarship. Having them can be beneficial, but their absence should not discourage applicants as the focus should be on fulfilling other essential requirements.
Why is having a good research proposal important for securing a fully funded scholarship, as explained by the speaker?
-A good research proposal is crucial because it connects the applicant with their potential supervisor and outlines the research idea, which can grab the supervisor's attention and interest, increasing the chances of selection for the scholarship.
What is the role of a professional resume or CV in the scholarship application process as per the speaker?
-A professional resume or CV is important as it showcases the applicant's qualifications, experiences, and skills, which are essential for the scholarship application process.
Why is it necessary to have a list of potential supervisors before applying for a scholarship, according to the speaker?
-Having a list of potential supervisors is necessary because it helps the applicant to establish a connection with them and understand their research areas, which is beneficial for aligning the applicant's research interests with the supervisor's expertise.
What is the importance of recommendation letters in the scholarship application process, as mentioned by the speaker?
-Recommendation letters are important as they provide external validation of the applicant's capabilities and potential, often from previous supervisors who have overseen the applicant's research, adding weight to the application.
Why should applicants maintain a bank statement as part of the scholarship application process, according to the speaker?
-Applicants should maintain a bank statement to demonstrate their financial capacity to support themselves during the study period, which is often a requirement for visa applications and to show financial preparedness for the scholarship application.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Introduction to Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia

The speaker begins by introducing themselves and their presence at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. They express their purpose for being there, which is to discuss a fully funded scholarship for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in the last year and beyond. The speaker mentions that they have received a lot of messages in their inbox and comment sections asking about how to acquire a fully funded scholarship. They acknowledge the challenges faced when arriving in Australia, such as the feeling of being lost, and they promise to share these experiences in detail in future videos. The speaker outlines that the video will be divided into two parts: the first part will discuss the prerequisites and criteria for applying for a fully funded scholarship in Australia, and the second part will provide a complete guide on the application process. They emphasize the importance of having a research-based master's degree or an MPhil with evidence of research background as the first requirement.

05:00

📚 Prerequisites for Fully Funded Scholarships

The speaker continues by detailing the prerequisites for applying to fully funded scholarships. They mention that a minimum grade requirement of 80% in the last degree obtained is common, although this may vary by university. They also discuss the importance of having a good English language proficiency score, as evidenced by IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, depending on the university's requirements. The speaker shares their personal experience, noting that they did not have any publications before landing the scholarship, indicating that while publications are a plus, they are not mandatory. They emphasize the significance of having a strong research background, which is often demonstrated through a research proposal that aligns with a potential supervisor's interests. The speaker also stresses the importance of establishing contact with potential supervisors and having a comprehensive list of targeted universities and supervisors, including their research areas of interest.

10:03

📝 Application Process and Supporting Documents

In the final paragraph, the speaker discusses the application process for fully funded scholarships, emphasizing the need for a well-prepared research proposal that connects with potential supervisors. They mention the importance of having a professional resume and cover letter when reaching out to supervisors. The speaker also advises on the necessity of having a comprehensive list of targeted universities and supervisors, including their research areas, to streamline the application process. They touch upon the importance of recommendation letters from previous supervisors and the need for a recent bank statement as part of the visa application process. The speaker shares their personal experience, suggesting that applicants should have a bank statement showing approximately 2 to 2.5 million in their account to cover expenses. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of meeting deadlines and maintaining communication with supervisors and university departments throughout the application process.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Fully Funded Scholarship

A fully funded scholarship covers all the expenses related to education, such as tuition, living costs, and sometimes even travel. In the video, the speaker discusses how he obtained such a scholarship to pursue his PhD in Australia, emphasizing the importance of understanding the requirements and process to secure one.

💡PhD Application Process

The process of applying for a PhD typically involves several steps, including meeting educational prerequisites, preparing a strong research proposal, and obtaining recommendation letters. The speaker outlines these steps, particularly in the context of applying to Australian universities, to help others navigate the process successfully.

💡Research Proposal

A research proposal is a document that outlines the research you plan to undertake during your PhD. It is critical in gaining the attention of potential supervisors and securing a scholarship. The speaker describes it as the initial connection with a supervisor and stresses its importance in the application process.

💡IELTS Score

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score is a requirement for many non-native English speakers applying to universities in English-speaking countries. The speaker mentions that a minimum overall band score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each section was required for his admission to Deakin University.

💡Research Background

A research background refers to the applicant's previous experience in conducting research, which is often demonstrated through a thesis or publications. The speaker highlights the necessity of having a research-oriented master’s degree or MPhil as a prerequisite for applying for a fully funded PhD scholarship.

💡Supervisor Connection

Building a strong connection with a potential PhD supervisor is crucial, as they play a significant role in the selection process. The speaker refers to this connection as 'oxygen,' essential for both securing the scholarship and succeeding in the PhD journey. He advises ensuring the research proposal aligns with the supervisor’s interests.

💡Publication Requirement

While publications are not always mandatory, they can significantly enhance an application. The speaker discusses that some candidates are selected without prior publications, but having them can improve the chances of securing a scholarship.

💡Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are endorsements from previous academic supervisors or professors, which attest to the applicant's abilities and qualifications. The speaker emphasizes their importance, particularly letters from those who supervised the applicant's most recent research work.

💡Statement of Purpose (SOP)

The Statement of Purpose is a document where the applicant outlines their motivations for pursuing a PhD, their background, and how it relates to their proposed research. The speaker explains its role in presenting the applicant’s story and connecting their past experiences to their future research goals.

💡Bank Statement

A bank statement is sometimes required to prove that the applicant has sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies, particularly when applying for a visa. The speaker mentions the importance of maintaining a bank statement even if the scholarship covers most expenses, especially when applying for dependent visas.

Highlights

Introduction to the speaker and the purpose of the video, which is to discuss the process of obtaining a fully funded scholarship for a Master's by Research degree in Australia.

Emphasis on the importance of having a research background for a Master's or MPhil degree and evidence of research thesis.

Requirement of a minimum of 80% marks in the last degree obtained for a research background.

The necessity of English language proficiency as proven by IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores.

The role of publications in the application process, with an analysis that their absence does not necessarily hinder scholarship chances.

The significance of a well-prepared research proposal in connecting with a potential supervisor.

The process of crafting a professional resume and the importance of a good cover letter when emailing potential supervisors.

The importance of having a comprehensive list of targeted universities and supervisors when applying for a scholarship.

The necessity of obtaining recommendation letters from previous research supervisors.

The requirement of a bank statement as part of the visa application process and its importance in proving financial stability.

Advice on getting documents attested and certified in advance to avoid delays in the application process.

Details on filling out the lengthy application form and the importance of meeting all deadlines.

The significance of the Statement of Purpose in expressing motivation and alignment with the scholarship application.

The potential for a research supervisor interview and how to prepare for it to showcase personality and research command.

The importance of adhering to deadlines and maintaining communication with supervisors and university departments.

Final thoughts and blessings from the speaker, MS Mehdi, signing off with well wishes for the viewers' applications.