The Iglu Guide | Blog
7 tips for a standout Iglu Regional Scholarship application
First things first, congratulations! Finishing school is a big deal, and deciding to pack up and study somewhere new takes a special kind of courage. If you’re from regional Australia or New Zealand and finishing Year 12 or about to start university, the Iglu Regional Scholarship could help with rental assistance during your first year living with us.
We’re not just after your grades. We want to know who’s actually moving in: what makes you laugh, what you’re proud of, what you’ll bring to a building full of people who are all figuring out this same big adventure. So here are our tips for making your application really stand out.
1. Show us the full picture, not just your grades
Great marks matter, but so does everything else you’ve been up to. Music, sport, debating, drama, part-time work, volunteering, student council: if you’ve been involved, tell us about it. A well-rounded application says a lot about the kind of person you’ll be in an apartment full of new faces, and we love building a community made up of all kinds of interests and talents.
2. Tell us about your journey, not just your destination
You don’t need a dramatic story to make an impression, just an honest one. What’s it like where you’re from? What are you leaving behind, and what are you looking forward to? A bit of context helps us understand what this move actually means for you.
3. Let your personality come through
This isn’t a job application, so it doesn’t need to sound like one. Write like yourself. The applications that stick with us are the ones that sound like an actual person wrote them, quirks, humour and all.
4. Show us how you’ll show up for the community
Living at Iglu means common rooms, group events and a lot of new experiences with people you’ve just met. If you’ve got examples of times you’ve pitched in, included others, or helped a group get along, this is the place to mention them.
5. Get your paperwork sorted early
A few practical things are worth checking off well before the deadline:
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency (Australia or New Zealand)
- Evidence of your regional address
- Your Year 12 report card, or confirmation of a tertiary offer
Having these ready to go means you can focus your energy on the parts of the application that really let you shine.
6. Ask someone who knows you well for a reference
A teacher, coach, coordinator or employer who can speak to your character will always add more than a generic reference. Give them plenty of notice as a rushed reference rarely does you justice.
7. Mark the key dates and don’t leave it until the last minute
Expressions of interest usually open in April, with full applications opening in September. Register your interest to be notified as soon as applications open. Planning out your key points and preparing your documents ahead of time will give you a much calmer run at writing an application you’re proud of.
Frequently asked questions
The Regional Scholarship is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, currently living in regional Australia or New Zealand who are finishing Year 12 or about to start university, and new to Iglu.
It covers your first year living at Iglu, a full 12-month stay.
Scholarship rooms vary by property, from shared apartments to studios. Available room types depend on which Iglu property you’re applying for.
Expressions of interest usually open in April, with full applications following in September. Registering your interest means you’ll be notified in advance of applications opening, giving you time to prepare.
No, you don’t need an offer to apply. You will need your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) by the time you move in.
Absolutely. The scholarship is one pathway into Iglu, but it’s not the only one. You’re welcome to apply for a room through our regular booking process regardless of the outcome.
