The Primary selection criterion for Cowan Grants is that of financial constraint. Students applying for Cowan grants need to be able to demonstrate this as well as the ability to undertake tertiary studies.

Most Cowan Grants go to students from rural or regional backgrounds; many qualify for Centrelink payments, though some do not because of capital assets of their parents. Most Cowan Grants are given to students intending to study in Adelaide at a University or TAFE College, but there are now grants for UniSA Mount Gambier, Whyalla, and JCU Cairns students.

The Trustees give funds each year to the organisations listed below. These organisations then call for applications or nominations and select students for scholarships or grants. Each organisation has different scholarships or grants, and differing ways of applying for them. Read the following pages to find suitable ones for you.