How to apply for a scholarship to study at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge

Before you start your application process you should contact the Trust to arrange a time to discuss your application.

Application process

There are 3 steps to completing the application process. Applicants should:

Step 1: Call the Trust to discuss your application and college choice.

Step 2: Apply to the University of Oxford and/or the University of Cambridge for admission to a degree program and for acceptance to a participating Oxford or Cambridge college - check university admission deadlines.

Step 3: Apply to the Trust for a Charlie Perkins Scholarship before 14 October 2011.

Note: You must be accepted by the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge in order to be eligible to receive a Charlie Perkins Scholarship.

Applying to study at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge

Before applying you should check your preferred university’s website – Oxford or Cambridge - to clarify exact entry requirements and application deadlines for your chosen course/s. The Trust encourages candidates to consider applying to both Universities to increase their chances of being accepted into their program of interest.

You should take some time to thoroughly read through the following university information before starting on the application process as errors may delay your application.

Deadlines

The deadline for students who wish to apply for study at the University of Oxford is 20 January 2012. An exception to this is for programs offered by the Medical Sciences Division and in Philosophy where the deadline is 6 January 2012.

The deadline for students who wish to apply for study at the University of Cambridge is 1 December 2011.

When you apply to Oxford or Cambridge you will be required to nominate two of the listed participating colleges.

There is no limit to the number of applications to different courses you can make. However, you will need to provide the full set of necessary supporting materials for each application you submit.

Application fees

The application fee for each program at the University of Oxford is £50, and £35 per application for the University of Cambridge.  If you are applying for more than one course you will need to supply separate application forms and payments for each program.

When you submit your application, you will be asked to pay the application fee by providing your credit card details to a secure server. The charge is not refundable.

For paper applications you may make payment by cheque or an international banker’s draft in UK Pounds Sterling, both of which must be drawn on a UK bank.  The University of Oxford also has a facility to pay by debit or credit card.

For more information on paying application fees, see the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge websites.

More information

The academic year at Oxford runs from October to June. The year is divided into three 8-week terms, Michaelmas (Oct-Dec), Hilary (Jan-Mar), and Trinity (Apr-Jun)).

The academic year at Cambridge runs from October to June. The year is divided into three 8-week terms, Michaelmas (Oct-Dec), Lent (Jan-Mar), and Easter (Apr-Jun).

You can:
> download an Oxford or Cambridge application form, or
> apply online for Oxford or Cambridge.

Applying for a Charlie Perkins Scholarship

Before applying interested candidates must contact the Trust to arrange a time to discuss your application.

Overview
	Submit your application to the University of Oxford by 6 or 20 January 2012 or to the University of Cambridge by 1 December 2011
	Submit your application to Charlie Perkins Trust, received or postmarked before 5pm AEST 14 October 2011
	The selection panel will produce a shortlist of candidates for interview during November 2011
	Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the selection panel during November 2011 and the announcement of successful candidates will be made once acceptance to Oxford or Cambridge is confirmed
	Successful candidates will then be flown to Oxford or Cambridge to visit colleges to make their college selection
	In 2012 the University of Oxford term commences on 7 October and the University of Cambridge on 2 October. Some courses may require attendance earlier and Fresher's week is usually a week earlier.

Deadlines for the Charlie Perkins Scholarships
	Applications open 9am AEST Monday 15 August 2011
	Applications close 5pm AEST Friday 14 October 2011. NOTE: Only applications received or postmarked before 5pm AEST 14 October 2011 will be considered.

Eligibility
Applicants must
	be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
	identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
	be accepted as such by the community in which you live or have lived.

Applicants must provide a written statement confirming their Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. In addition you are required to provide a signed statement in writing from the Aboriginal Heritage Association, Aboriginal Corporation or Land Council of the community in which you live or have lived, confirming the above.

	have tertiary qualifications
	be accepted into any graduate degree program offered at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge – it should be noted that this will require a First Class Honours degree, upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent.

Selection of successful applicants will be based on the academic success of the candidates and their potential to contribute as leaders and role models.

Ready to apply?

What you need to provide in your application
	Completed application form - see link below
	Personal statement in the form of a covering letter (three pages max.). Your letter must include information on: - your background and connection to your community (at least one page) - what you want to study at the University of Oxford/Cambridge and why - how you see yourself contributing to your community or Indigenous Australia, or to Australia more generally.
	Curriculum vitae (CV)
	Five references - at least two academic; one from your community or an elder in the community; two of your own choice.* The references could cover, for example: - your academic accomplishments - your likelihood of succeeding at Oxford or Cambridge - your current and previous leadership roles, including positions of leadership in Indigenous Australia or community more generally - your aspirations and how likely you are to achieve them. * NOTE: References already submitted to Oxford or Cambridge may be used.
	Academic transcript/s
	Passport size photo of yourself

> Download the Charlie Perkins Trust application form [Word doc.]

You will find an application checklist attached to the application form. Please check your application thoroughly as any errors may delay the process.

Where to send your application:
Charlie Perkins Scholarships
The Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust
PO Box 1054
Randwick NSW 2031

Quick overview of the process

Step 1: Contact the Trust to discuss your application

Step 2: Submit your application to the University of Oxford by 6 or 20 January 2012, or to the University of Cambridge by 1 December 2011

Step 3: Submit your application to the Charlie Perkins Trust by 14 October 2011.