Deakin University Dawn Wade Foundation Scholarship 2026

Awarded to undergraduate students from under-represented Australian public schools, providing financial, accommodation and wellbeing support to help you thrive at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds or Waterfront campuses in Geelong.

Thanks to the generosity of the Dawn Wade Foundation, Deakin proudly offers one of our largest equity scholarships, designed to support students who need it most.

Thinking about studying at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds or Waterfront campuses in Geelong, but worried it might be out of reach? This is your opportunity to access the resources, support and community that can help you succeed – at university and beyond.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirments
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 7, 2026
• Study LevelUndergraduate
• SponsorDeakin University
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyDeakin University
• Eligible CountryAustralia

Benefits

Total value of up to $25,268 per year, including: 

• Living allowance of up to $9,500 (includes a $500 cash payment in Week 1 of Trimester 1 and Trimester 2, plus up to $4,250 after census in Trimester 1 and 2).
• Accommodation allowance of up to $15,000 (for students living on campus at Waurn Ponds or Waterfront).
• Deakin Active gym membership, valued at up to $768.

Requirements

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

• be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa
• have completed Year 12 at an underrepresented Australian public school in 2025
• be commencing an undergraduate bachelor degree at Deakin University in Trimester/Semester 1, 2026
• be enrolled full-time in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
• be enrolled at either Waurn Ponds or Waterfront Campus
• live within the City of Greater Geelong or be relocating from a rural or regional home
• be experiencing an area of hardship affecting your studies.

Selection Process

Preference will be given to students who are the first in their family to attend university.

To retain this scholarship, you’ll need to:

• provide an introductory statement about your goals and what it means to receive the scholarship
• submit a completion statement at the end of your degree
• not hold any other Deakin scholarship at the same time
• be open to engaging with the Dawn Wade Foundation, such as participating in meet-and-greet opportunities.

Application Deadline

January 7, 2026

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to Deakin University on applicantportal.deakin.edu.au to apply

For more details, visit Deakin University Scholarship webpage