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, giving 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 Gippsland, 76 scholarships have been awarded this year, including to Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) student Gianna Ziero who is receiving a Gippsland PHN Scholarship, one of 36 scholarships over 12 years with a total value of $500,000 which the organisation is offering Federation students that are pursuing a career in allied health in the region.

From a young age, Gianna knew she wanted to help people, particularly young children, and seeing the care her three-year-old brother received from his occupational therapist helped her settle on OT as a career.

“My overall goal is to become a practicing occupational therapist in my community and help reduce the waitlists in allied health,” Gianna said.

“I’m really loving the course so far and the OT cohort of students are so lovely and it’s lovely being in a small class. Everyone's just working with each other.”

Gianna was also awarded The Future of Allied Health Professionals Scholarship and said the scholarships will help her to pay for fuel to travel to campus and to dedicate more time to study.

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.”