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Dawn Wade Foundation Scholarship
Applications open Monday 8 September 2025 and close 5pm Wednesday 7 January 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.
Value
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.
Duration
- This scholarship is awarded for 3 or 4 years, depending on the normal full-time duration of your course.
Am I eligible?
Ensure you meet all criteria before submitting an application. If you've already submitted an equity schemes (SEAS) and scholarships application through VTAC, you'll automatically be considered for this scholarship – there's no need to reapply for this scholarship direct to Deakin.
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 criteria
Preference will be given to students who are the first in their family to attend university.
Maintaining this scholarship
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.
Offer rounds
The scholarships will be offered progressively from mid-January 2026 until all scholarships have been awarded and taken up. If you're successful, you'll be notified via email.
To give yourself the best chance possible of being considered in all offer rounds, submit your application and supporting documentation by 5pm on Wednesday 7 January 2026.
Round one
To be considered for a round one scholarship offer, you must submit your scholarship application and all supporting documents by 5pm on Wednesday 7 January 2026, and have received an offer to study a bachelor degree at Deakin's Waurn Ponds or Waterfront campuses in 2026.
We will be aiming for full allocation of available scholarships in this round.
Re-offer round
To be considered for any remaining scholarships, you must submit your scholarship application and all supporting documents by 5pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026, and have received an offer to study a bachelor degree at Deakin's Waurn Ponds or Waterfront campuses in 2026.
About the donor
The Dawn Wade Foundation, established in 1985, is a family philanthropy dedicated to supporting education and the Geelong community. Through this scholarship, the Foundation seeks to bridge social gaps by helping students from underrepresented backgrounds access and succeed in higher education.
Ready to apply?
If you've already submitted an equity schemes (SEAS) and scholarships application through VTAC, you'll automatically be considered for this scholarship – there's no need to reapply direct to Deakin.
Alternatively, register and log in to Deakin's Scholarship Application Portal, then select 'Undergraduate Scholarship Application Tri/Sem 1 2026'.
Numbers of this scholarship are limited; not all eligible applicants will receive one. If you're successful, you'll be notified via email; usually within six weeks of the application closing date. Unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted.
Supporting documents
As part of the application process you're required to upload supporting documentation by the various round closing dates listed above.
Make sure you choose the correct document type when you upload your documents – it will make a difference. If your documents are uploaded into the incorrect type they will not be considered when assessing your application. Remember, it's quality, not quantity, you need to provide.
Aim to provide documents that are current, relevant and concise.
Supporting documentation required for this scholarship includes:
- evidence of your financial hardship (if applicable)
- evidence of your medical condition (if applicable).
How to write a successful application
Applying for a scholarship isn't just about meeting the eligibility criteria. It’s your opportunity to stand out and be recognised for where you’ve come from and where you want to go.
Missed the application deadline?
This scholarship is yet to be confirmed for any future offerings. Please check back for updates.
