Scholarship stories - Alumni, University of Melbourne

Support is helping Rebekka strive for better health in her communities

Rebekka’s family fell into hard times while she began her Honours studies that demanded all her time and energy. But thankfully, critical financial support gave her a lifeline.

Scholarship support helped Reagan recover from a difficult year

Through support from the Melbourne Access Scholarship, Reagan had the breathing space to deal with grief and uncertainty in his life while starting a new chapter at the University.

David’s scholarship is helping him flourish

For students facing disadvantage, exploring all that university life has to offer can become a low priority. Through donor support, David is making the most of his experience.

Donor generosity supports Tyallah to blaze a trail

The Paul and Donna Dainty VCA Award supported Yorta Yorta and Chinese woman Tyallah to transition from the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) to professional acting.

Enabling greater Indigenous representation in law

A Melbourne Law School Indigenous Student Scholarship helped Maggie immerse herself in her law studies, leading to an opportunity in the School’s Indigenous Law and Justice Hub.

Supporting a career change to teaching

The Wei Family Education Scholarship is enabling Dionne to transition from a career in strategic communications to teaching where she can help students reach their full potential.

Setting up students to thrive in their career

Bachelor of Commerce alum Belinda Tran describes how the First in the Family Scholarship, made possible by generous donors, helped her through her first year of studies.

Opening the doors for future generations

Thanks to the generous support of our donor community, Melbourne Access Scholarships are enabling students who experience disadvantaged circumstances to embrace all that the University of Melbourne has to offer.

Liam is building a better future with donor support

Today, Liam is thriving in his studies and looking forward to a bright future. But only five years ago, the idea of attending university felt out of reach.

Hansen Scholarships help students realise their potential

The Hansen Scholarships have been presented to some of Australia’s high-achieving students who face economic or other barriers, giving them the opportunity to study for the full three years of a bachelor’s degree.

Support underpins a bright career in wastewater management

A range of scholarships, including one funded by University of Melbourne alumni from his home town of Mildura, helped carry Sam Skinner on his nine-year academic journey.

Generosity helped Kasey find her feet in a difficult year

While the pandemic isolated Kasey from her family and proved to be emotionally difficult, the Bertalli Family Foundation Scholarship provided critical support.

Scholarship helped Claudia achieve a family first

Claudia Cox’s dream of attending university had its challenges. The Grant F. Marani First in Family Scholarship helped her succeed through it all.

Lizzy Barnes-Keoghan: A chance to learn

If it hadn’t been for the May Dunn Scholarship, Lizzy would have dropped out of uni and abandoned her studies.

Tyson Holloway-Clarke: An emerging future leader

To call Tyson a high achiever is in some ways an understatement.

Catherine Phillips: Growing in confidence

The ExxonMobil Scholarship and Internship helped Catherine to build up her skills and confidence.

Celeste Guzzo: Recognising community engagement

For Celeste, helping others is second nature. Her commitment to community engagement has now been recognised.

Averil Astall: College experience through scholarship

Averil had her heart set on studying at University. There was only one problem: the cost.

Jemima Amery-Gale: Vet Science researcher receives boost

The Cybec Foundation scholarship allowed Jemima to continue her important research.

Bridget Loughhead: Giving rural students a helping hand

The Mildura Alumni Scholarship helped Bridget to move to Melbourne and discover her true passion for mathematics.

Grace Newton: Young lives remembered through scholarship

The memory of two young University of Melbourne students lives on through the Alexander and Bridget Jones Memorial Scholarship.

Given the chance to compete on world stage

First in the Family Scholarship recipient Sopone Souphanh has not taken her opportunities at Melbourne for granted, working hard to compete among the best across the globe.

One woman’s enthusiasm inspires generations

For over 65 years Nancy Millis (1922 - 2012) was a trailblazer for women in science.

Scholarship aims to empower women in the Super industry

The inaugural recipient of the Cbus Super Mavis Robertson Scholarship said she is proud to be an ambassador of the scholarship.

Smart Steps

A timely scholarship is driving a quest to help people get back on their feet – literally.

A Helping Hand

A memorial gift is supporting rural and regional students.

Lasting Legacy

How giving back became a crusade for a devotee of the arts.

Hands-on Learning

A dedicated fund is helping students make the most of the university’s dookie campus.