Shaping Futures Full Degree Scholarship

Applications open
Amount

$25,000

Number available

1

Closing date

08 February 2026

Apply for this scholarship

Scholarship details

Donor

The donor of this scholarship requested anonymity, having contributed funds by way of a bequest to the University.

Establishment

The Shaping Futures Full Degree Scholarship was established in 2025, with the aim of helping students who are most in need.

This scholarship will be awarded to students who are managing their academic progress alongside complex personal circumstances such as:

  • Carer responsibilities
  • Financial disadvantage
  • Long term medical condition/disability or ongoing effects of abuse
  • Regional or remote disadvantage
  • Sole parent responsibilities
  • Additional equity attributes such as being an Indigenous Australian, having Refugee status or placement with an Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) provider.

It is hoped that the Shaping Futures Full Degree Scholarship will provide much needed support for students to continue to overcome adversity and maintain their achievements for the duration of their degree.

For more information on this scholarship, please review the full Terms and Conditions.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, you will need to:

  • Be enrolled in 1st year of an undergraduate degree program with the University of Newcastle.
  • Be intending to study on a full-time basis (minimum 60 units per year).
  • Demonstrate the impact of educational disadvantage such as carer and sole parent responsibilities, financial hardship, a long-term medical condition or disability, the ongoing effects of abuse, regional/remote disadvantage, or applicant attributes such as being an Indigenous Australian, having a Refugee background, or placement with an Out-of-Home Care provider.
  • Be an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident (including holders of a permanent humanitarian visa and New Zealand citizens with permanent residency).
  • Not be the recipient of another University of Newcastle donor-funded or sponsored scholarship concurrently.

Required Documentation

Required documents will be listed on the ‘Your Documents’ page of your application. The application portal accepts PDF only. A maximum of 3 PDF smaller than 5 MB can be added per document type upload field.

  • A personal statement (approx. 1 A4 page) outlining your academic achievements, career aspirations in the relevant area of study, and how this scholarship would assist you. This statement will cover all scholarships you are submitting for.
  • You may be required to provide documents to support your educational challenges and personal circumstances. These will be identified when you apply based on your individual application responses.

Benefit

This scholarship provides a total benefit of $25,000 up to a maximum term of 5 years. The scholarship provides $5,000 annually, paid as a lump sum in Semester 1 each year

Payment will typically be made 2-3 weeks after the census date or 2–3 weeks after you accept your offer if the census date has already passed.

Selection

Selection for this scholarship does not require review by a selection panel, however is highly competitive and will be based on a thorough assessment of each application and required supporting documents, considering both the eligibility criteria and the applicant's demonstrated educational disadvantage. Academic merit may also be considered where relevant.

College

Contact Details

Scholarships
Student and Academic Services
University of Newcastle
University Drive
CALLAGHAN NSW 2308

Phone: +61 2 4921 5000
Email: scholarships@newcastle.edu.au