The University College Scholarship Program provides support to those students hoping to join the UC residential college.
“We would like to thank Reg and Norma for their generosity in establishing the Binding Scholarship. The Scholarship has had a massive impact on our families and our ability to be at College and to have access to the right resources to be able to achieve in our academic endeavours.”
– Oliver Humphris and Tom Cottrell, Science Students
The UC Scholarship Program recognises academic excellence and supports students who will require, or would benefit from, financial assistance. To be eligible for a scholarship, University College should be placed as your college of first preference on your residential college application. All matters regarding applications are treated with strict confidentiality.
Current opportunities
UC Scholarship Program
UC is a proudly independent residential college, founded on the basis of equity and access for all. We offer a wide range of scholarships as outlined below. The level of financial support varies, but most scholarships range between $1,000 per year and $7,000 per year. We also offer some larger scholarships which have quite specific donor criteria. Scholarships are awarded based primarily on financial need, however applicants are also considered in terms of other criteria, including academic performance, location, area of study, indigenous background and more.
Applications for the 2023 Scholarship Program closed on 30 January 2023 – All scholarship allocations for 2023 have been finalised, and no further scholarships will be awarded for the 2023 academic year.
Applications for the 2024 Scholarship Program will open in August 2023.
Please note, we are a residential college offering accommodation for students (not courses) – if you are looking for University of Melbourne scholarships, please visit their website.
In submitting your application, the UC Scholarships Committee will use the information provided to determine which scholarships you are eligible for within the UC Scholarship Program – you do not need to apply for any scholarship specifically.
If you have any questions or concerns at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact our Fundraising and Alumni Relations Advisor on +61 3 9349 9113 or Advancement@unicol.unimelb.edu.au
We held a webinar for new students with more information about the scholarship application process – please reach out on the email above if you would like a recording of this session.
University College gratefully acknowledges the support of the following donors and Foundations that generously provide the following scholarship support to our student cohort.
Scholarships open to all students
| Scholarship | Open to | Criteria |
| ADFAS Yarra Fine Arts Scholarship | All students studying fine art disciplines | Awarded to one student undertaking a course in a Fine Arts discipline, who will value financial support |
| Barbara and Max Murray Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support, ongoing for up to three years. Preference may be given to students who are first in their family to attend university |
| Botha Family Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
| Chambers Family Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student undertaking studies at the University of Melbourne from regional Victoria who will value financial support |
| Corbett Family Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student from the Hepburn Shire region who will value financial support |
| Cox Family Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student from Tasmania who will value financial support |
| David Syme Charitable Foundation Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support |
| David Syme Charitable Foundation Media Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student undertaking studies in Media who will value financial support |
| Dr Alma Werner Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
| Dr Angela Milne Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student who will, in collaboration with the College, host the UC Leadership Dinner addressing global issues in 2022 |
| Dr Anne G Jabara Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student undertaking studies in Science, where preference may be given to students focusing on biological or biomedical science |
| Dr Paul Lee Scholarship | All undergraduate students | In memory of Dr Paul Lee (UC 1996), set up by his friends, in honour of his achievements in Medicine. Paul entered University and College with a perfect IB score and was a high achieving Medical student. Prior to his passing, he made a significant contribution to research in endocrinology. Awarded to an undergraduate Science, Medicine or pre-Medicine student who has demonstrated: 1) Exceptional academic achievement; 2) A strong sense of community and contribution to College life; and 3) An interest in pursuing a career in science or medicine research. |
| Hughes Family Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student from regional Victoria who will value financial support |
| Kathy Skelton Scholarship | All students | In memory of former senior student of University Women’s College, Kathy Skelton (UWC 1964). Awarded to a student from a regional location based on academic results who will value financial support |
| Lovell Chen Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
| Muriel Crabtree Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
| Nelson Alexander Foundation Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
| QLS Group Wimmera Mallee Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student from the Wimmera Mallee region of Victoria undertaking studies at the University of Melbourne with financial need, ongoing for a maximum of three years |
| Triggs Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student based on their contribution to the life of the College and academic results. Preference may be given to female students who attended a Government High School |
| Tweddle Family Scholarship | All students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
| UC Scholarships | All students | Awarded to students who will value financial support |
| Ursula Hoff Scholarship | All students | In memory of Dr Ursula Hoff, former Curator of the National Gallery of Victoria and Secretary of the University Women’s College Council. Awarded to a student studying Art History, Curatorship, or Creative Arts and based on a 300 word personal statement. The statement should highlight a commitment to the study of one of these fields |
| YMF Kathy Avdiev Memorial Scholarship | All students | In memory of Kathy Avdiev and proudly supported by the Youth Music Foundation of Australia. Awarded to a student studying music, on the basis of an audition |
Scholarships open to first year students
| Scholarship | Open to | Criteria |
| Broughton Scholarship | 1st year students | Awarded to a student who is first in their family to attend university |
| DMW Industries Doyle Family Scholarship | 1st year students | Awarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support |
| Gates-Buchanan Scholarship | 1st year students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
| Jill Williams Scholarship | 1st year students | Awarded to a student from regional Victoria who will value financial support |
| Margaret Garson Medicine Scholarship | 1st year students | Awarded to a Biomedicine or Science student based on academic results and supported by a 300 word personal statement about what drives them to become a doctor upon completion of their studies. The statement should demonstrate the personal benefits this scholarship will bring and highlight past academic achievements |
| McGregor Family Fund Scholarship | 1st year students | Awarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support |
| The Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation Scholarship | 1st year students | Awarded to a student from the Western District of Victoria who will value financial support |
Scholarships open to returning students
| Scholarship | Open to | Criteria |
| Binding Scholarship | Returning students | Awarded to up to two students from regional Victoria undertaking studies in STEM related fields who will value financial support |
| Deborah Seifert Scholarship | Returning students | Awarded to a student from regional Australia based on academic results |
| Greta Hort-Dannebrog Foundation Scholarship | Returning students | In memory of Dr Greta Hort, the first appointed principal of University Women’s College. Awarded to up to two students studying at the University of Melbourne (one Arts and one Arts or other) for exchange to Aarhus University, Denmark |
| Jill Eastwood Scholarship | Returning students | In memory of Jill Eastwood. Awarded to a student on the basis of academic results as well as making a significant contribution to College life |
| Jill Williams Scholarship | Returning students | Awarded to a student from regional Victoria who will value financial support |
| McGregor Family Fund Scholarship | Returning students | Awarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support |
| Meredith McComas Scholarship | Returning students | In memory of Meredith McComas (UWC 1939), Past-President of the College Council. Awarded to a student based on academic results |
| Ros Terry Scholarship | Returning students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
| Stewardson Walpole Scholarship | Returning students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
| UC Frappe Fort Leadership Scholarships | 3rd year students | Awarded to up to two, 3rd year students (one female and one male) on the successful development and presentation of a project to be delivered during the course of their 3rd year in College. A project brief should be submitted no longer than one page and include Project Title, Aim, Method and Budget. |
| UC Leadership Scholarship | Returning students | Awarded to a student on the basis of contribution to College life and leadership |
| UC Staff Scholarship | Returning students | Awarded to a student who will value financial support and who can demonstrate exceptional contribution to College life |
| Wheeler Scholarship | Returning students | In memory of P J Wheeler and Dr Mary Wheeler, former Deputy Head of University Women’s College. Awarded to a student who will value financial support |
Scholarships open to female students
| Scholarship | Open to | Criteria |
| Ann Miller Indigenous Scholarship | Indigenous, female students | Awarded to up to two indigenous, female students undertaking studies at the University of Melbourne Download the Ann Miller Indigenous Scholarship expression of interest form. |
| Barbara Howlett Scholarship | Female students | Awarded to a female student from a regional location who is undertaking studies in a STEM related field at the University of Melbourne and who maintains high academic standards and contributes to the life of the College. Preference will be given to students who attended a Government Secondary School |
| Hurrell Family Scholarship | All female students | Awarded to a female student from Victoria pursuing a career in STEM related fields via studies at the University of Melbourne |
| Lady Boston Scholarship | Returning, female students | In memory of Lady Margaret Joyce Boston of Faversham (UWC 1947). Awarded to a female student based on their contribution to the life of the College |
| Lena McEwan-Soroptimist International Scholarship | 1st year, female students | In memory of Dr Lena McEwan, Australia’s first female plastic surgeon and former Deputy Principal of University Women’s College. Awarded to a female student who will value financial support |
Scholarships open to graduate students
| Scholarship | Open to | Criteria |
| Dr Elizabeth Shaw Graduate Medicine Scholarship | Graduate students | Awarded to a student studying Biomedical Science and based on academic results and a personal statement |
| McGregor Family Fund Scholarship | Graduate students | Awarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support |
| Myra Roper Scholarship | Graduate students | In memory of Miss Myra Roper AO, former Head of College. Awarded to a graduate student from China based on background and personal statement. The statement should demonstrate the personal benefits this scholarship will bring and highlight recent academic achievements |
Scholarship FAQs
Who is eligible for a UC scholarship?
The UC Scholarship Program is open to all new and returning undergraduate and graduate students of University College. Please note, they are primarily based on financial need, which must be demonstrated when you apply.
How much financial assistance will I receive?
The level of financial assistance is determined by a means-tested assessment of each family and an individual student’s capacity to pay College fees. Assistance is offered on the condition that all other means of financial support have been explored and exhausted. Scholarships currently range from $1,000 up to covering the majority of your yearly college accommodation fees.
When do I need to submit my UC scholarship application?
To be considered for a scholarship you need to have been offered a place at University College. You also need to provide evidence to support your financial claims, such as group certificates, Centrelink statements, tax returns (or the equivalent documents from your country of origin).
Who decides if I am granted a UC scholarship?
The UC Scholarships Committee is a sub-committee of the University College Council. This Committee is responsible for the distribution of University College scholarships. All applications are vetted in advance by our Fundraising and Alumni Relations Advisor. The decision of the committee is final.
Tips for applying for a UC scholarship?
- Submit all information that is requested of you.
- Let your personality shine through in your personal statement. This gives us an idea of your background, what you care about and why you want to be part of the UC community. A good personal statement makes a big difference.
- You don’t need to apply for any specific scholarships. We will identify any potential scholarships that you qualify for.
How many scholarships does University College offer per year?
This ranges year to year. We offered 60 scholarships in 2023.
When will I find out if I have received a UC scholarship?
We try to allocate all scholarships as soon as possible after applications close for each round. So you should know soon after the committee meets for each round, usually the next day.
What if I miss out on receiving a UC scholarship?
We currently offer approximately 60 scholarships, and while you have a good chance of getting one, you may miss out, or the financial support might not be enough to assist with fully funding the financial gap. Some students are able to combine financial assistance from the government such as Youth Allowance and the Relocation Grant, from family or friends, from external trusts and foundations, as well as from university scholarship programs together with a UC scholarship and a local part-time job to cover their fees.
Do you have scholarships available in semester two?
Not usually, unless another student has forfeited their scholarship. Some years we offer a second semester round, but this is not common.
What if I miss the application deadline?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any applications received after the application closing date(s).
How do I apply for a UC scholarship?
The 2023 Scholarships Program is now closed. Applications for 2024 will open in August.
If you wish to apply for the Ann Miller Indigenous Scholarship, please complete the Ann Miller Indigenous Scholarship expression of interest form and submit to the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Advisor via email or return to the College via post.
How do I find out more information?
For further information on the UC Scholarship Program, please contact our Advancement department at advancement@unicol.unimelb.edu.au or phone +61 3 9349 9113.
External opportunities
Each of the listed scholarship opportunities are offered by external organisations and universities and are not covered by an application to the UC Scholarship Program. You will need to apply separately for each external opportunities if further financial assistance is required throughout your studies.
