The Iglu Guide | Blog
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 your story, in your own voice
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? Write like yourself rather than like you’re filling out a form. The applications that stick with us are the ones that sound like an actual person wrote them, quirks, humour and all.
3. 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.
4. Get your paperwork sorted early
A few practical things are worth checking off well before the deadline:
- Your Year 12 report card, or confirmation of a tertiary offer
- A reference letter from a teacher, coach, coordinator or employer who can speak to your character
Ask for your reference early, since a rushed one rarely does you justice. Having everything ready to go means you can focus your energy on the parts of the application that really let you shine.
5. 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
– Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
– Currently living in regional Australia or New Zealand
– Graduating Year 12 this year, or graduated last year
– Starting university next year
– New to Iglu
The scholarship covers your first year living at Iglu. That’s a 12-month stay in Melbourne or Brisbane, or a 44-week stay in Sydney.
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. However, you will need to provide proof of enrolment upon moving 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.
Our No Visa, No Offer, No Pay policy means you can cancel your agreement without charge if you’re declined entry to your intended course of study, with your holding deposit refunded. Check our Cancellations Policy for cut off dates and terms and conditions.
