Seventh cohort of Hansen Scholars joins the University of Melbourne

The 2026 Hansen Scholars with University of Melbourne Chancellor and Program patron Ms Jane Hansen (back row far left, University of Melbourne Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis (back row, second right) and Program Director Dr Gayle Allan (back row, far right). Picture: Drew Echberg.

Twenty-five students from across Australia have been awarded the 2026 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.

Among the 25 students, the program’s seventh cohort, are a talented cellist, a fundraiser for a not-for-profit organisation, the editor of a literary-based school program, the director/producer of a school musical and a member of Zoos Victoria’s Youth Advisory Committee.

The 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.

Program Patron and University of Melbourne Chancellor Ms Jane Hansen AO and Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis AC presented certificates and met the students at a ceremony on the Parkville campus yesterday.

“It is my great pleasure to congratulate the 2026 Hansen Scholars and welcome you to the University of Melbourne,” Ms Hansen said.

“It is a privilege to witness year after year the transformative impact of an excellent education. Our scholars graduate as well-educated, curious and principled young people, confident of their way forward and yet maintaining a humility and interest in their community and the welfare of others.”

Ms Hansen acknowledged Professor Davis’ role in establishing the program while he was Vice-Chancellor from 2005-2018. “It was his leadership and commitment to deliver on our vision which has made all of this possible.”

She also paid tribute to former Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston, who met the 2025 cohort last year.

“Professor Johnston will be greatly missed for her unwavering conviction to expanding access to tertiary education,” Ms Hansen said. “For her it was a moral imperative, essential to unlocking potential, strengthening our society and shaping a prosperous future.”

The 2026 Scholars are:

Mattias Aidt, Geelong High School, VIC; Ciara Allen, Victoria University Secondary College, VIC; Lex Blockey, The Geelong College, VIC; Grace Campbell, Merewether High School, NSW; Mengze Cao, Seymour College, SA; Sage Deenen, Leongatha Secondary College, VIC; Mia Dellas, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, VIC; Jia Yue Fang, Doncaster Secondary College, VIC; Iola Fleming, Hobart College, TAS; Philip Habib, Richmond High School, VIC; Christopher Hatano, Stretton State College, QLD; Matthew Hunt, Daylesford College, VIC; Aiden Huntly, Queensland Academies – Creative Industries Campus (QACI), QLD; Murray Ingram, Hellyer College, TAS; Stephanie Lee, East Doncaster Secondary College, VIC; Ashlyn Lewis, Ballarat Clarendon College, VIC; Grace Li, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, VIC; Coen Lim, Overnewton Anglican Community College, VIC; Xi Xi Liu, Sydney Girls High School, NSW; Daisy Sully, Coffs Harbour Senior College, NSW; Ivan Tinoco Liu, Prahran High School, VIC; Marla Toma, MacKillop College Werribee, VIC; Chelsea van Ree, St Francis De Sales Regional College, NSW; Stella Varney, Prahran High School, VIC; and Vicky Wei, Presbyterian Ladies' College, WA.

More information here about the Hansen Scholarship.