API PowerUP Scholarship 2026
Applications Now Open - Closing 30 June 2026
​The API’s PowerUP Scholarship is your gateway into the Australian power sector.
This is more than financial support. It gives you access to real industry opportunities, paid placements, and a national community that supports your journey from university through to employment.
If you are interested in a technical career in the power sector, start your application now.
Start Your Application Now
Step 1: Join PowerUP (if you haven’t already)
Join our free student community to access opportunities, events, and updates.
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Step 2: Start Your Application
You can begin immediately and return to your application at any time.
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Important:
Do not wait until everything is prepared. Start now so you understand what is required and can build a strong application.
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What is the PowerUP Scholarship?
The PowerUP Scholarship supports undergraduate students who are motivated to pursue a technical career in the Australian power sector.
Successful applicants receive:
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$1,000 per year financial support
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Exclusive access to paid industry placements with API member organisations
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Exposure to graduate recruitment opportunities
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Access to the national PowerUP student community
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Invitations to industry events, webinars, and networking opportunities
Eligibility (2026 Intake)
You must be:
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Studying in an undergraduate course for a technical career in the power sector
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Studying at an Australian university
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In 1st or 2nd year of an undergraduate course (or 3rd year of a 5 year degree)
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Eligible to work in Australia
What You Will Be Asked
Your application includes three written responses and one video submission.
You can start your application now and build your responses over time.
Written Questions
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Question 1
What interests you about the Australian power sector, and what has influenced this interest so far?
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Question 2
Describe a time where you have taken initiative to learn something new, solve a problem, or get involved in an opportunity. What did you do, and what did you learn?
Question 3
How do you see yourself contributing to the power sector in the future, and what would you like to learn or experience over the next few years to get there?
Video Submission
Your Task
Record a short video (maximum 3 minutes) and address the following:
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Why you are interested in a career in the Australian power sector
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What specifically excites you about the future of energy or the electricity system
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One example that shows how you approach learning or taking on a new challenge. What did you do?
Video Requirements
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Maximum length: 3 minutes (strict limit)
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Upload your video to YouTube and provide the link
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Speak directly to camera
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Important:
Videos longer than 3 minutes may not be fully assessed due to transcription limits in our review process.
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YouTube Upload Settings (Important)
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Set your video to Unlisted (not Private)
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Ensure the link works and is accessible
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Enable captions (closed captions)
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Check captions are reasonably accurate before submitting
Videos that cannot be accessed or transcribed properly may not be fully assessed.
What a Great Application Looks Like
A strong application is not about having the most experience. It is about showing clear thinking, effort, and genuine interest.
A great application typically:
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Clearly explains why the power sector interests you, with specific influences
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Includes at least one real example of initiative, showing what you actually did
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Reflects on learning, not just describing activities
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Communicates ideas clearly and simply
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Shows curiosity about the future and a willingness to learn
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The best applications feel genuine, thoughtful, and specific
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Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid
Before you begin, avoid these common mistakes:
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Being too general
Statements without examples or explanation -
Not showing what you have done
Strong applications include real actions, not just intentions -
Repeating the same ideas
Your video and written responses should add different insights -
Rushing your video
Unclear, overly long, or scripted videos are often weaker -
Missing key details
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video over 3 minutes
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incorrect YouTube settings
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incomplete responses
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The strongest applications are clear, specific, and show real effort over time
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Strong applications:
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Use specific examples
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Show what you have done, not just what you want to do
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Explain your thinking and learning
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Are clear and easy to follow
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Sound authentic
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Weaker applications:​
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Use generic statements
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Lack real examples
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Repeat the same ideas across responses
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Focus only on outcomes (e.g. jobs)
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Feel overly scripted or impersonal
Before You Submit Your Video
Content
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I explained why I am interested in the power sector
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I included a specific example that influenced my interest
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I explained what excites me about the future of energy
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I included one real example of learning or a challenge
Communication
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My ideas are clear and easy to follow
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I used a simple structure
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I spoke naturally
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I did not repeat my written responses
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Technical
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My video is under 3 minutes
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My audio is clear
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My YouTube video is set to Unlisted
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Captions are enabled
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The link works
Not Part of PowerUP Yet?
The PowerUP community connects you with:
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Scholarships and placements
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Industry professionals
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Career opportunities in the power sector
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience in the power sector to apply?
No. We are not expecting prior industry experience. Strong applications show curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn, not existing expertise.
What if I am not sure exactly what career I want yet?
That is completely fine. We are looking for students who are interested in the sector and open to exploring opportunities, not those with everything already planned.
What makes a strong application?
Strong applications are specific, clear, and include real examples. They show what you have done, how you think, and why you are interested.
How important is the video?
The video is a key part of your application. It helps us understand how you communicate, your level of interest, and how you approach learning and challenges.
Can I go over 3 minutes in my video?
No. The maximum is 3 minutes. Videos longer than this may not be fully assessed due to transcription limits.
What happens if my YouTube link does not work or is set to Private?
If we cannot access your video, it may not be assessed. Make sure your video is set to Unlisted and the link works before submitting.
Can I edit my application after submitting?
This will depend on the application system settings. We recommend reviewing everything carefully before submitting.
When should I apply?
As early as possible. Starting early allows you to improve your responses and submit a stronger application.
Final Note
This scholarship is competitive, but achievable.
We are looking for students who are:
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curious
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motivated
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willing to take initiative
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ready to engage with the industry​
Thank you to our Scholarship Sponsors
