Sixth cohort of Hansen Scholars joins the University of Melbourne

The 2025 Hansen Scholars with University of Melbourne Chancellor and Program patron Ms Jane Hansen (middle row, far left, University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston (middle row, second left) and Program Director Dr Gayle Allan (back row, far right). Picture: Drew Echberg.

Twenty-three students from across Australia have been awarded the 2025 Hansen Scholarship, the most generous and broad-based undergraduate scholarship offered at the University of Melbourne.

The annual scholarship is awarded to high-achieving students who demonstrate a commitment to helping and leading others, and experience financial or other barriers to studying at the University of Melbourne.

The 23 Hansen scholars will be supported with a full scholarship for the duration of their bachelor’s degree at the University of Melbourne, alongside a living allowance, mentoring and pastoral care, academic, cultural, career and other development opportunities, and free accommodation in the purpose-built student residence Little Hall.

"Supporting young people to access university based on merit, not financial means, remains a key focus of our Hansen Little Foundation,” said Jane Hansen AO, Program Patron and University of Melbourne Chancellor.

“In its sixth year, the program has proven how these students can excel academically, make the most of their time at university and pursue bold career aspirations after graduation.

“These bright young Australians in our 2025 cohort have each not only achieved outstanding academic results, but they have also demonstrated a genuine interest in community and the welfare of others.

“These accomplished young people who otherwise would have faced significant hurdles to attending university can now access a transformative education at the University of Melbourne, and I look forward to watching and celebrating in their future success.”

Ms Hansen and new University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston, presented certificates and met the 2025 Hansen Scholars at a ceremony on the Parkville campus yesterday.

The 2025 Hansen Scholars are: Jenna Ackland (Girton Grammar School VIC), Chillara Ackrell (The Rivers Secondary College – Lismore High Campus NSW), Freya Campbell (Mount Clear College VIC), Madeline Currant (Launceston College TAS), Deniz Daymen (St Albans Secondary College VIC), Evelyn Heath (Koonung Secondary College VIC), Lauchlan Kentish (Hellyer College TAS), Aiesha Kilgannon (Willunga High School SA), Ryan Leong (Perth Modern School WA), Xinyi Luo (Seymour College SA), Gabriel Moore (St Joseph's Regional College NSW), Hezekiah Moules (Oberon High School VIC) Audrey Mueller (Ringwood Secondary College VIC), Lyton Namawanda (Sunshine Beach State High School QLD), Vanessa Novak (UWC ISAK Japan NSW), Natalie Ryan (Salesian College Sunbury VIC), Syazwani Saifudin (Hoppers Crossing Secondary College VIC), Jack Sheffield (Ivanhoe Grammar School – Plenty Campus VIC), Mia Sinosic-Cass (North Sydney Girls High School NSW), Ruslana Tarauniekh (Viewbank College VIC), Monishi Tripura (Darwin High School NT), Christine Warnakula (Burgmann Anglican School ACT), Mingjia Xia (Dandenong High School VIC).

More information here about the Hansen Scholarship.