Hello,
I'm not sure what kinds of grants and/or scholarships exist for aviation students in Australia, but here in the US you'd be eligible for all kinds. A few years ago I paid about $15 for a manual outlining a couple hundred scholarships and grants for aviation students and, being a white male, was eligible to apply for exactly four of them.
Do some research
here and
here. I think you'd be able to apply the money to the flight school or university of your choice.
I'm just finishing up a bachelor's degree in Aviation Flight Science up here in the US. I chose this route simply because I wanted to study something I enjoyed. Looking back, I'd say it was the easiest degree to earn in terms of book work and studying, mainly because I've been reading about and studying aviation for most of my life (not because I'm some wonder-student). If you're as hooked on it as you make it sound, you'll probably have a similar experience.
That said, a degree in something
other than aviation offers some serious advantages. First of all, your career as a pilot is only as good as your medical certificate. Should something come up, like a heart or vision problem, your flying will be over. A degree in something unrelated to aviation will give you something to fall back on should the worst happen or should you simply change your mind and decide to pursue other things.
If you decide to get a degree in aviation, you'll probably be faced with the decision of whether to attend an aviation-specific institution or a traditional university that has an aviation program. I chose the latter and am glad I did. It's nice to have groups of friends from other walks of life who discuss subjects other than airplanes. Also, traditional universities offer a great, well-rounded college experience with a much greater variety of extracurricular activities and sports to choose from.
That's all the advice I can think of for now...I've been staring at a screen for too long today and need to get out.
If you think of any specific questions, just let me know.
Best of luck to you!
-WN