Merit-based and equity scholarships, including awards given on the basis of financial need, are exempt from Centrelink’s income assessment up to $8,054 (2018). Any amount from scholarship(s) payments over $8,054 per annum is considered personal income and may affect your fortnightly Centrelink payment(s).
Make sure that you report any scholarship that you receive to Centrelink. For more details, visit Centrelink's website.