Indigenous Placement / Work Integrated Learning (WIL)/Placement Bursary

If all the below statements describe you and your current situation, you are eligible to apply for the WIL Bursary:

• I am  enrolled at James Cook University as a domestic undergraduate student,  identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander either full‑time or part‑time.
• I am enrolled in, or approved to undertake, a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or placement that is: compulsory or formally approved as part of their course requirements; and confirmed  at the time of application.
• I have, am or will complete a minimum of 1 week or 36 hours in length, arranged within the 2026 academic year.
• I am an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holder
• I am not in receipt of any other scholarship equal to or greater than $2500 per teaching period.

Prior to completing an application, you should carefully read the Bursary Rules below. Applicants wanting to apply for this bursary must attach the following documents to their application.

• Confirmation of placement.
• Receipts of additional costs that you will incur by undertaking this placement e.g additional childcare, limited public transport, fuel cost, parking fees etc.
• Any other supporting documentation that would assist the Selection Committee in assessing the merit of the application.

When applying for a bursary it is very important that you answer all the questions and include all relevant documents. Your application and relevant documents must be submitted before the closing date. If an application is incomplete, it will not be considered.

Your application is checked for completeness and eligibility, and you will receive an email confirmation after it has been received. After the closing date it will be individually assessed and put forward to a selection committee who will rank your application against others who have applied.

Being eligible does not guarantee a bursary

If you meet the bursary eligibility criteria it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be awarded a bursary. There are a limited number of bursaries and there are often more applicants than bursaries.

Applicants are ranked against eligibility criteria and then scholarships are awarded to applicants who best meet that eligibility criteria. If you’re unsuccessful it doesn’t mean that you’re not in need; rather, it means that there are other applicants who’ve been assessed as being in greater need. You may still be eligible to re-apply in the future.

The bursary value for eligible applicants is $500 and will be paid in one instalment within 4 weeks after acceptance of the award.

Introduction

Students, identifing as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, enrolled in a confirmed placement of a minimum of 1 week or 36 hours in length, arranged within the 2026 academic year will be eligible for a $500 bursary.

This bursary is subject to the provisions of the James Cook University Coursework Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants Policy.

Value and payment of the bursary.

The value of the bursary is $500 and will be paid in one installment within 4 weeks after acceptance of the award.

Eligibility Criteria

If all the below statements describe you and your current situation, you can apply for the WIL/Placement Bursary:

• I am  enrolled at James Cook University as a domestic undergraduate student,  identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander either full‑time or part‑time.
• I am enrolled in, or approved to undertake, a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or placement that is: compulsory or formally approved as part of their course requirements; and confirmed  at the time of application.
• I have, am or will complete a minimum of 1 week or 36 hours in length, arranged within the 2026 academic year.
• I am an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holder.
• I am not in receipt of any other scholarship equal to or greater than $2500 per teaching period.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted on the official application form no later than the date set by the Selection Committee for the year in which the award is to be made.

Applicants must submit with the official form, where appropriate:

• Confirmation of placement.
• Receipts of additional costs that you will incur by undertaking this placement e.g additional childcare, limited public transport, fuel cost, parking fees etc.
• Any other supporting documentation that would assist the Selection Committee in assessing the merit of the application.

When applying for a bursary it is very important that you answer all the questions and include all relevant documents. Your application and relevant documents must be submitted before the closing date. If an application is incomplete, it will not be considered.

Administration of the Award

The Fund shall be administered by the Scholarships Office, Student Services, on behalf of the Selection Committee.

The funds shall be held in an account in the name of the University and shall be administered by the officer of the University charged with administering the program.

Appeal Process

A student may request a review of any decision made pursuant to this policy by lodging the request in writing with the Manager, Student Finance & Examinations, within 14 days of the date of notification.

If not satisfied with the outcome of the review a student may then lodge an appeal under the JCU Student Review and Appeals Policy.

FAQs

• Do I need to complete the WIL/Placement before receiving payment?

No, but you must have either completed or be enrolled in the WIL/placement subject in 2026.

• Do I need to pass the WIL/Placement subject?

No, but this may be considered during the assessment of applications and when ranking occurs.

Examples of Supporting Documentation

Centrelink for Students:

• Assessable Income for Centrelink
• Payment Finder
• Student Start Up Loan
• Study Assist
• Living on a Student Budget
• Australian Tax Office