The Herman and Lesley Derksen Backstage Scholarships at Edith Cowan University 2026

The Herman and Lesley Derksen Backstage Scholarships honour the life and generosity of Lesley Derksen, a passionate educator and lifelong supporter of the performing arts. Raised in Kalgoorlie, Lesley developed an early love of performance through speaking, singing, and theatre. She later studied literature and history dedicating her career to teaching English, taking great joy in supporting young people’s learning and creativity. A committed supporter of WAAPA, Lesley especially valued backstage practitioners, whom she regarded as the “unsung heroes” of every production, and she delighted in celebrating student success. Following her passing in September 2024, this scholarship reflects her enduring commitment to education and the arts The scholarships support full-time WAAPA students enrolled in the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Production and Design), across backstage specialisations. 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 30, 2026
• Value$10,00
• Study LevelUndergraduate
• SponsorEdith Cowan University (ECU)
• School to studyEdith Cowan University (ECU)
• Course to studyPerforming Arts
• Eligible CountryAustralia

Benefits

• Each scholarship is valued at $10,000, with five Excellence and five Equity Scholarships available.

Requirements

To be eligible for this scholarship you must:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
• have and maintain an academic progression status of GREEN;
• not currently be in receipt of another scholarship valued of $5000 per year; and
• be currently enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Performing Arts Y97, Majoring in Production and Design MAAAII and undertaking one of the following specialisations;
  • Costume
  • Design
  • Lighting
  • Stage Management
  • Props and Scenery
•  

Selection Process

Eligible applications will be assessed by a Selection Committee.

Selection will be based on:

• Demonstrated need and personal circumstances

Application Documents

Applicants will be required to provide a personal statement of no more than 500 words addressing the following;

• Detail circumstances which have had a significant impact on your capacity to study and outline what you hope to achieve upon completion of your studies. You should also indicate how the Scholarship will help you achieve these goals.

Check also:
ANU Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026
University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Excellence Scholarships: Students currently enrolled in the eligible course will automatically be considered for the Scholarship . The Selection Committees decision will be based on the professional judgement of the Executive and Executive Dean (or their nominated person/s) The successful recipients will be contacted.
• Equity Scholarships: Application is made via the ECU Online Scholarship Application Portal. 

For more information, kindly visit the ECU Scholarship webpage.