The Ali Chan Scholarship is a meaningful opportunity for students pursuing careers in construction, building, engineering, architecture, or property in Australia. Supported by the Banna Foundation and established in memory of Ali Chan, it provides $10,000 in financial support spread across two years to help a high-achieving student push their academic performance to the next level. This is not just money towards your studies. It is a recognition of your ambition, your leadership, and your commitment to entering one of Australia’s most vital industries.
This scholarship is designed for students already enrolled at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in specific undergraduate programs related to construction, engineering, architecture, or property economics. It rewards those who have already demonstrated strong academic performance in their first year and who show genuine motivation to contribute to the construction and building sector.
This post covers everything you need to know: who qualifies, what the scholarship offers, how to apply, important dates, selection criteria, tips for a strong application, and answers to common questions.
Scholarship Overview
| Field | Information |
| Scholarship Name | Ali Chan Scholarship |
| Host University | University of Technology Sydney (UTS) |
| Host Country | Australia |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate |
| Funding Type | Partial (Merit-based financial award) |
| Value | $10,000 AUD |
| Duration | Two (2) years |
| Number of Recipients | One (1) per cycle |
| Application Opens | 11 May 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 1 June 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Who Can Apply | Australian/NZ citizens and Australian permanent residents enrolled at UTS in eligible programs |
Eligibility
You must meet ALL of the following criteria to be considered for this scholarship:
Citizenship: You must be an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, or hold an Australian permanent resident visa or permanent humanitarian visa. International students on student visas are not eligible.
Enrollment Requirement: You must be currently enrolled in one of the following UTS programs at the time of applying:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring in Civil Engineering or Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) combined with a Diploma in Engineering Practice or Industry Practice degree, majoring in Civil Engineering or Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Bachelor of Construction Project Management
- Bachelor of Property Economics
- Bachelor of Design in Architecture
Year of Study: You must be in your second year of an eligible degree at the time of applying. This means you must have completed a minimum of 36 Credit Points or the equivalent.
Academic Performance: You must have achieved a minimum Distinction average (WAM of 75 or above) in your first year of study. A strong academic record is central to this award.
Application Process: You must submit your application through the official UTS Scholarship Application Form online. Applications submitted outside of this platform will not be accepted.
Interview: At the discretion of the selection committee, you may be required to attend an in-person interview. Make sure you are available and prepared for this possibility.
Eligible Countries
This scholarship is not an international award. It is restricted to students based on citizenship or residency status, not country of origin. To be eligible, you must hold one of the following:
- Australian citizenship
- New Zealand citizenship
- Australian permanent resident visa
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa
You do not have to have been born in Australia or New Zealand. If you are a permanent resident or hold a permanent humanitarian visa in Australia, you qualify on the citizenship requirement, provided you meet all other criteria.
Eligible Fields of Study
This scholarship is NOT open to all fields of study. It is specifically targeted at students in construction, engineering, architecture, and property-related disciplines at UTS.
Eligible courses and majors are:
- Civil Engineering (within the Bachelor of Engineering Honours program)
- Civil and Environmental Engineering (within the Bachelor of Engineering Honours program, including dual-degree pathways with Diploma in Engineering Practice or Industry Practice)
- Construction Project Management (Bachelor of Construction Project Management)
- Property Economics (Bachelor of Property Economics)
- Architecture (Bachelor of Design in Architecture)
If you are enrolled in any other course or major not listed above, you are not eligible for this scholarship.
Benefits
This scholarship provides the following:
- Financial Award: A total of $10,000 AUD paid over two years.
- Duration of Support: The scholarship runs for two years, providing ongoing financial support to help you focus on your studies and career development.
- Recognition: As one of only one recipient chosen per cycle, this award carries significant weight on your academic record and CV. It signals to future employers in the construction and building sector that you were selected on merit, leadership, and career motivation.
Note: The scholarship does not appear to include tuition coverage, accommodation, travel, or health insurance. It is a financial assistance award. For specifics on how funds are disbursed, refer to the Conditions of Award on the UTS website.
Required Documents
Prepare the following before starting your application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Online Application Form: Completed through the official UTS Scholarship Application Form portal.
- Academic Transcript: Evidence of your first-year results showing a minimum Distinction average (75+ WAM). This should be an official UTS transcript or interim academic record.
- Proof of Enrollment: Confirmation that you are currently enrolled in an eligible degree and in your second year (minimum 36 Credit Points completed).
- Proof of Citizenship or Residency: A copy of your Australian or New Zealand passport, or documentation showing your Australian permanent resident visa or permanent humanitarian visa status.
- Statement/Personal Statement: A written response demonstrating your motivation to pursue a career in the construction and building industry, as well as evidence of initiative and leadership in extra-curricular activities.
- Evidence of Extra-Curricular Activities and Leadership: Details of roles, positions, projects, or community activities that demonstrate initiative beyond academics.
- Interview Availability Confirmation: Be prepared to confirm your availability for an in-person interview at UTS if the selection committee requests one.
Check the official UTS Scholarship Application Form for the full and final document checklist before submitting.
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility. Go through every requirement listed in the eligibility section above before proceeding. Make sure you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, enrolled in an eligible program, in your second year, and have a 75+ WAM from your first year.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Collect your academic transcript, proof of citizenship or residency, enrollment confirmation, and any evidence of extra-curricular activities or leadership experience. Having everything ready before you start the form will save you time.
Step 3: Draft your personal statement. This is the heart of your application. Write about your motivation to work in the construction and building industry, specific experiences or goals that drive you, and how this scholarship will help you perform at a higher level.
Step 4: Document your leadership and extra-curricular involvement. Think beyond academics. Volunteering, student organisations, community projects, industry internships, and similar activities all count. Write these up clearly with dates, roles, and outcomes.
Step 5: Visit the UTS Scholarships page. Go to the official UTS scholarship portal and locate the Ali Chan Scholarship listing. Read the Conditions of Award carefully before submitting.
Step 6: Open the UTS Scholarship Application Form. Access the online form at: https://forms.uts.edu.au/index.cfm?FormId=1757
Step 7: Complete the online application form. Fill in all required fields accurately. Upload all supporting documents in the requested formats. Do not leave any fields blank unless they are marked as optional.
Step 8: Review your application thoroughly. Before submitting, re-read every section. Check that your personal statement is clear, your documents are all attached, and your contact details are correct.
Step 9: Submit your application before the deadline. The application closes on 1 June 2026. Do not wait until the last day. Submit early to avoid technical issues.
Step 10: Prepare for a possible interview. If shortlisted, the selection committee may invite you for an in-person interview at UTS. Be ready to speak about your career goals, academic record, and extra-curricular activities in more detail.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | 11 May 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 1 June 2026 |
| Shortlisting | To be Determined |
| Interviews (if applicable) | To be Determined |
| Final Results Announced | To be Determined |
| Scholarship Payment Begins | To be Determined |
Check the UTS Scholarships office or the official listing for updates on shortlisting and results timelines.
Application Deadline
The Ali Chan Scholarship application closes on 1 June 2026.
Applications submitted after this date will NOT be accepted. Late or incomplete applications are explicitly excluded from consideration. Submit early.
Selection Criteria
The Ali Chan Scholarship selection committee looks at more than just your grades. Here is what they evaluate:
- Academic Merit (WAM): Your Weighted Average Mark from your first year is considered. The minimum is 75, but competitive applicants will likely have higher scores.
- Impact of the Scholarship: The committee considers whether receiving this award will genuinely increase your ability to complete your degree at a higher level of performance. This means they want to see that the financial support will make a real difference to your studies and future.
- Initiative and Leadership: Demonstrated involvement in extra-curricular activities, student leadership, community work, sports, cultural activities, or any non-academic pursuits that show initiative and character.
- Motivation for the Construction and Building Industry: This is critical. The scholarship was created to support students who genuinely want to enter the construction or building sector. Your application must make your career direction clear and convincing. Vague or generic statements about “wanting to make a difference” will not stand out.
- Interview Performance (if applicable): If invited to interview, your ability to articulate your goals, reflect on your experiences, and engage with the selection committee will also factor into the final decision.
Important Tips
- Apply as early as possible. The window between opening (11 May) and closing (1 June) is only three weeks. Do not procrastinate. Begin gathering your documents and drafting your personal statement from the moment applications open.
- Make your connection to the construction and building industry specific. Don’t just say you’re interested. Mention an internship, a project, a mentor, a personal experience, or a specific area of the industry you want to work in. Specificity tells the committee you are serious.
- Treat your personal statement like a job application, not a school essay. Write for professionals who will be reading dozens of applications. Be clear, direct, and compelling. Cut any waffle.
- Use your extra-curricular record strategically. If you’ve been part of a student engineering society, competed in a construction-related competition, or volunteered on a community project, lead with these. They speak directly to the initiative and leadership criteria.
- Check that your WAM qualifies before applying. A WAM below 75 will disqualify your application. If you are close to the threshold, verify your current average with your student results portal or academic advisor before spending time on the application.
- Read the Conditions of Award on the UTS website. This document contains details about how the scholarship is paid, what obligations you take on as a recipient, and what happens if your circumstances change. Know what you’re agreeing to.
- Prepare for the interview before you are invited. Don’t wait to receive an interview invitation to start preparing. Practice answering questions about your career goals, your academic journey, and your leadership experiences. The committee wants to meet a confident, thoughtful applicant.
- Contact UTS Scholarships if you have questions. Reach the team at scholarships@uts.edu.au. If anything in the application or the eligibility criteria is unclear, ask before the deadline rather than guessing.
- Do not submit an incomplete application. Incomplete applications are rejected outright. Double-check that every document is attached and every field is filled before you hit submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply for the Ali Chan Scholarship?
No. This scholarship is limited to Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, and holders of Australian permanent resident visas or permanent humanitarian visas. Students on temporary visas, including student visas, are not eligible.
I am in my first year. Can I apply now and start the scholarship next year?
No. You must be enrolled in your second year of an eligible degree at the time of applying, meaning you must have already completed a minimum of 36 Credit Points. The application window for the current cycle closes on 1 June 2026, and the applicant must be in second year at that point.
Do I need a WAM of exactly 75, or higher?
A minimum WAM of 75 (Distinction average) is the stated threshold. However, since only one recipient is selected, applicants with higher WAMs will likely be more competitive. The minimum is a floor, not a guarantee.
What does “two years” mean in terms of the $10,000 payment?
Do I receive $5,000 per year? A: The total award is $10,000 over two years. Check the Conditions of Award on the UTS Scholarships website for the precise disbursement structure.
Is the interview compulsory?
The interview is at the discretion of the selection committee. Not every applicant will be called for one, but if the committee requests your attendance, it is expected. The interview is in-person at UTS.
Can I apply if I am enrolled in a double degree that includes one of the eligible courses?
Yes. The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) combined with a Diploma in Engineering Practice or Industry Practice degree is explicitly listed as an eligible pathway. For other double-degree combinations, contact scholarships@uts.edu.au to confirm your eligibility before applying.
What happens if I submit my application after 1 June 2026?
Late applications will not be considered. This is stated explicitly in the scholarship conditions. There are no exceptions. Submit before the deadline.
Who can I contact if I have a question about my application?
Reach out to the UTS Scholarships team directly at scholarships@uts.edu.au. They are the authoritative source for any questions about eligibility, the application process, or the conditions of the award.
Official Link
Apply for the Ali Chan Scholarship here: https://forms.uts.edu.au/index.cfm?FormId=1757
