Approaching a decade of difference
The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program has become a launchpad for students to live extraordinary lives. As it approaches its 10th anniversary, we reflect on what makes the Program so transformational and the possibilities still to come.
📷 Ma & Morley Scholars pictured on their China immersion tour.
Two friends, one idea, generations of impact
From a chance encounter between Jack Ma and the Morley family in Hangzhou, China, to an enduring friendship and a lasting scholarship legacy, the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program has always been about connection. The Program, just shy of its 10th anniversary, has shown what’s possible when values, opportunity and support align.
Since its launch, the Program has opened hearts and minds for hundreds of Scholars and continues to foster meaningful opportunities. Scholars from diverse backgrounds are accessing and staying at university, succeeding in their studies and developing a clearer sense of who they are and how they want to contribute to society through their future careers.
By reducing financial pressure, building community and offering experiences that stretch perspectives, the Program is shaping confident, values-led leaders with humility, global awareness and a strong commitment to giving back.
Every Scholar’s journey is unique, and their stories are eye-opening. Throughout 2027, we will share their stories and achievements, celebrating how Scholars carry the Program’s ethos beyond the University and create ripples of innovation, equity and opportunity across communities in Australia and beyond.
We are grateful to the Jack Ma Foundation, whose transformational gift made the Program possible, and to the Morley family for their ongoing involvement and support. We look forward to celebrating 10 years of impact in 2027.
Impact by numbers
- 254 Scholars
- 9 cohorts
- 116 Ambassadors
- 2,326 Program applications
Real-world impacts
- 151 Action Projects
- 9 Scholars awarded prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarships
- $57,000 raised by Scholars for youth homelessness
Program success
- 9 out of 10 Scholars stay at university
- 9 out of 10 Scholars complete their degree
- Scholars consistently achieve high academic results
The Program felt like a companion to me. It keeps reminding me of why I do what I do, and that there are other people working towards the same goals.”
Georgia Young
2018 Ma & Morley Scholar
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) Student
To find out more about the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program, please visit newcastle.edu.au/ma-morley
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Contact
- Office of Philanthropy
- Phone: 02 4921 8612
- Email: donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au
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