Glossary

Words you will see on scholarship websites and forms, explained simply. Each provider can use a word slightly differently: when in doubt, check its own definitions.

A–C

Admission (or offer of a place)

A university's decision to accept you on a course. Different from the scholarship, which pays for it. You often need both. See How scholarships work, from start to finish.

Allowance

Money paid to you regularly during the scholarship, for living costs. Also called a stipend.

Applicant

You, the person applying.

Award / awardee

The scholarship / the person who received it.

Band score

In IELTS, the score (0 to 9) for each of the four parts. See English tests (IELTS and others).

Bond

A formal commitment attached to a scholarship, for example to return home and work there for a set time. Breaking it can have consequences written in your agreement.

Certified copy

A photocopy checked against the original and signed as a true copy by an authorised person. In Vanuatu, Australia Awards explains this is done by a Commissioner of Oaths. See Getting your documents ready in Vanuatu.

CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)

A document from an Australian institution confirming your enrolment. You need it for an Australian student visa.

Commissioner of Oaths

A person authorised to certify copies and witness statements.

Cycle / round

One application period, from opening to closing date.

D–I

DAEU (Diplôme d'accès aux études universitaires)

A French diploma giving access to university for people without the baccalauréat. In Vanuatu, it is the "Year 14" or "CP" in some francophone schools.

DAP (demande d'admission préalable)

The prior admission request for a first year at a French university. See Studying in French.

Deadline

The last date (and sometimes time) to submit. Check the time zone.

Dependants

Family members (partner, children) who may come with you. Not all scholarships allow or fund this.

Eligibility

The conditions you must meet to apply (citizenship, age, grades, work experience…).

Enrolment

Officially registering as a student on a course.

Establishment allowance

A one-off payment to help you settle in when you arrive.

Fully funded

The scholarship covers all the main costs (usually tuition, travel and living costs). Always check the exact list.

GPA (grade point average)

An average of your university grades, often on a 4-point scale.

IELTS

The most common English test for study. See English tests (IELTS and others).

Intake

The start of a course (for example "2027 intake" = studies starting in 2027).

L–R

Licence

The French 3-year undergraduate degree (bachelor's level).

Nomination

When an office, employer or university puts your name forward for a scholarship. For some programmes, you cannot apply without it.

Notarised translation

A translation certified by a notary or other authorised person.

Obligation

Something you must do because of the scholarship, during or after it.

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

Health insurance required for the Australian student visa, unless you are exempt.

Partially funded

The scholarship covers only some costs. You must find the rest.

Postgraduate

Study after a first degree (graduate diploma, master's, PhD).

Referee / reference

A person who writes a letter about you / that letter. See Referee letters: who to ask and how.

Reintegration plan

A plan of how you will use your new skills when you return home. Australia Awards Vanuatu describes it as realistic examples of tasks, possible obstacles and how to overcome them.

S–Z

SCAC (service de coopération et d'action culturelle)

The cooperation and cultural service of a French Embassy. In Vanuatu, it receives the DAP "dossier blanc".

Shortlist

The smaller group of applicants chosen for the next stage (interview, test).

Sponsor

The organisation paying for your scholarship.

Stipend

See allowance.

TCF (Test de connaissance du français)

A French language test, required for the DAP unless you are exempt.

Transcript

An official list of the subjects you studied and your grades.

Tuition (fees)

What the university charges for teaching.

TVET

Technical and vocational education and training (trades, certificates, diplomas).

Undergraduate

A first university degree (bachelor's, licence) or a diploma before it.

VUEC

The Vanuatu University Entrance Certificate, taken in Year 13.