Media releases

A record number of students are being supported through scholarships at Federation University Australia with 254 scholarships awarded in 2024.

This year the University, in partnership with generous donors, is awarding more than $859,000 worth of scholarships across its campuses.

Since Federation University’s formation in 2014, the number of scholarships has grown with each year, form just four.

Scholarships give students the opportunity to succeed in their studies without the stress of financial pressure, helping to cover costs including textbooks, petrol, groceries and computers.

In Ballarat, 150 scholarships have been awarded this year.

For Diploma of Community Services student Sarah Nilson, receiving the Foundation TAFE Scholarship has enabled her to purchase a laptop and participate fully in her studies.

“I can participate in every single class because I have a laptop,” Sarah said.

“It has given me the confidence that I can study and not stress about taking money from essential everyday living in order to save for one.”

A domestic violence survivor and mother of eight, Sarah’s lived experience prompted her to study community services and she hopes to eventually work in the area of men’s positive behavioural change, particularly supporting young men who are survivors of family violence.

Sarah said the scholarship had boosted her confidence in achieving her goals of eventually completing a Bachelor and Master qualification.

“The scholarship program is acknowledging that I’m worth it, that my education is worth it and that I’m doing the right thing,” she said.

“I want to encourage other people to put their hand up for help. I want to take that stigma away.”

More information about Federation University’s scholarships can be found at http://federation.edu.au/foundation.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“Scholarships help to ease the pressure of financial hardship for students, providing them with the opportunity to participate fully in their studies and fulfill their aspirations.”

“This is possible through the generosity of our donors and we are so delighted to be able to again award a record number thanks to these partnerships.”