Scholarships to help you attend university
Each year Youthrive Victoria offers a number of scholarships for Year 12 students who are planning to go to university.
The number and value of scholarships we offer each year is dependent on funding and donations.
University scholarships are funded by private donors, philanthropic trusts and sponsors and provide up to $10,000 per year for three years plus transition and career mentoring and leadership development opportunities.
Scholarships are awarded to Year 12 students who have leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to a strong, just and sustainable rural and regional Victoria.
Applications are open to Victorian Year 12 students who plan to attend university after they complete secondary school. Each rural/regional school can endorse a maximum of three applicants.
Selection criteria include demonstrated leadership capacity or potential, financial need, desire to return to rural Victoria after graduation, community service and academic ability.
From 2011-2018 university scholarships were known as Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation scholarships and included those provided from the original Helen Macpherson Smith Trust Scholarship Endowment of $750,000.
Youthrive Victoria Rural Scholarships are provided by private donors, trusts and sponsorships.
Need assistance? email info@youthrivevic.org.au or call (03) 6281 8303
Key Dates for University Scholarships
2025 Applications open: June 17th, 2024
2025 Applications close: Midnight August 23rd, 2024
2025 Principal Endorsements close: Midnight August 30th, 2024
2025 Application assessment process:
- Each application will be individually assessed. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the selection panel.
- All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their applications.
2025 Scholarships presented: December 2024 – February 2025
Youthrive Victoria provides a range of university scholarships. These are provided by various donors as listed below.
Youthrive Victoria University Scholarships
- Provided by Youthrive Victoria, philanthropic trusts and private donors.
- Awarded to Victorian rural or regional Year 12 students assessed as having leadership qualities and a commitment to contributing to a strong, just and sustainable rural and regional Victoria.
- Scholarship consists of $10,000 payment to recipient for three years plus mentoring and leadership development.
Helen Macpherson Smith Rural Scholarship
- Provided by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust Rural Scholarship Endowment.
- Awarded to Victorian rural or regional Year 12 students assessed as having leadership qualities and a commitment to contributing to a strong, just and sustainable rural and regional Victoria.
- Scholarship consists of $10,000 payment to recipient for three years plus mentoring and leadership development.
Chris and Marli Tilley Scholarship
- Established by the Tilley family in memory of their parents and proudly sponsored by Findex Stawell and other local donors.
- This scholarship is open to Year 12 students from Stawell Secondary College who plan to attend university the following year and consists of three elements: financial support for three years; mentoring and leadership development opportunities.
- Financial support varies according to additional private donations but is usually $6000 per year for three years.
Community Bank Creswick & District
- Provided by the Community Bank Creswick & District for a student commencing 2024
- Awarded to Victorian rural or regional Year 12 students assessed as having leadership qualities and a commitment to contributing to a strong, just and sustainable rural and regional Victoria.
- Scholarship consists of $10,000 payment to recipient for three years plus mentoring and leadership development.