Scholarships & Financial Assistance | University College

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

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 require, or would benefit from, financial assistance. To be eligible for a scholarship, you need to have received an offer to live at University College. While not compulsory, applicants who placed us as their college of first preference on their residential college application will be considered favourably . 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 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 2024 Scholarship Program are now open!

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. You need to have received a provisional offer from University College before submitting a scholarship application for consideration.


Applications close Wednesday 17 January 2024 @11:59PM
Successful applicants will be notified by 30 January 2024


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

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
ScholarshipOpen toCriteria
Barbara and Max Murray ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded 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 ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student who will value financial support
Chambers Family ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student undertaking studies at the University of Melbourne from regional Victoria who will value financial support
Corbett Family ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student from the Hepburn Shire region who will value financial support
Cox Family ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student from Tasmania who will value financial support
David Syme Charitable Foundation ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support
David Syme Charitable Foundation Media ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student undertaking studies in Media who will value financial support
Dr Alma Werner ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student who will value financial support
Dr Angela Milne ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student who will, in collaboration with the College, host the UC Leadership Dinner addressing global issues in 2022
Dr Anne G Jabara ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student undertaking studies in Science, where preference may be given to students focusing on biological or biomedical science
Dr Paul Lee ScholarshipAll undergraduate studentsIn 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 ScholarshipAll students Awarded to a student from regional Victoria who will value financial support
Kathy Skelton ScholarshipAll studentsIn 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 ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student who will value financial support
Muriel Crabtree ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student who will value financial support
QLS Group Wimmera Mallee ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded 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 ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded 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 ScholarshipAll studentsAwarded to a student who will value financial support
UC ScholarshipsAll studentsAwarded to students who will value financial support
Scholarships open to first year students
ScholarshipOpen toCriteria
Broughton Scholarship1st year students Awarded to a student who is first in their family to attend university
DMW Industries Doyle Family Scholarship1st year studentsAwarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support
Gates-Buchanan Scholarship1st year studentsAwarded to a student who will value financial support
Jill Williams Scholarship1st year studentsAwarded to a student from regional Victoria who will value financial support
Margaret Garson Medicine Scholarship1st year studentsAwarded 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 Scholarship1st year studentsAwarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support
Scholarships open to returning students
ScholarshipOpen toCriteria
Binding ScholarshipReturning studentsAwarded to up to two students from regional Victoria undertaking studies in STEM related fields who will value financial support
Deborah Seifert ScholarshipReturning studentsAwarded to a student from regional Australia based on academic results
Greta Hort-Dannebrog Foundation ScholarshipReturning studentsIn 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 ScholarshipReturning studentsIn 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 ScholarshipReturning studentsAwarded to a student from regional Victoria who will value financial support
McGregor Family Fund ScholarshipReturning studentsAwarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support
Meredith McComas ScholarshipReturning studentsIn memory of Meredith McComas (UWC 1939), Past-President of the College Council. Awarded to a student based on academic results
Ros Terry ScholarshipReturning studentsAwarded to a student who will value financial support
Stewardson Walpole ScholarshipReturning studentsAwarded to a student who will value financial support
UC Frappe Fort Leadership Scholarships3rd year studentsAwarded 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 ScholarshipReturning studentsAwarded to a student on the basis of contribution to College life and leadership
UC Staff ScholarshipReturning studentsAwarded to a student who will value financial support and who can demonstrate exceptional contribution to College life
Wheeler ScholarshipReturning studentsIn 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
ScholarshipOpen toCriteria
Ann Miller Indigenous ScholarshipIndigenous, 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 ScholarshipFemale studentsAwarded 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
Lady Boston ScholarshipReturning, female studentsIn 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 Scholarship1st year, female studentsIn 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
ScholarshipOpen toCriteria
Dr Elizabeth Shaw Graduate Medicine ScholarshipGraduate studentsAwarded to a student studying Biomedical Science and based on academic results and a personal statement
McGregor Family Fund ScholarshipGraduate studentsAwarded to a student from a regional location who will value financial support
Myra Roper ScholarshipGraduate studentsIn 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 Centrelink statements, tax returns and pay statements (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?

  1. Submit all information that is requested of you.
  2. 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.
  3. 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, with the Scholarship Committee normally meeting within one week of the close of applications.
Successful applicants for Round One 2024 will be advised by Tuesday 5 December 2023.
Successful applicants for Round Two 2024 will be advised by Friday 26 January 2024.

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?

Applications for the 2024 scholarship program are now open.
APPLY HERE

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 opportunity if further financial assistance is required throughout your studies.

External Scholarship Opportunities

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