Today, more than ever, financial concerns are a significant barrier to students accessing and completing a university education. More than 20% of full-time undergraduate students survive on an income of less than $10,000 a year, with two-thirds experiencing financial distress during their studies.
Since its inception, Deakin has been committed to breaking down the barriers to educational opportunity. We recognise that widening access to tertiary education is absolutely essential in creating opportunity for people to succeed – it builds greater social mobility and generates a more enlightened, prosperous world. Financial disadvantage, geographical location or family situation should never be a barrier to the benefits of a university education.
Scholarships provide students with crucial support that enables them to focus on their studies, ultimately helping them to achieve their education and life goals. They promote equity, commend excellence and can lift future generations out of a cycle of poverty. Scholarship students often speak of the great sense of relief and confidence they feel from the easing of the financial burden and knowing that someone believes in them.
Philip Mulley, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SecureWorx, knows what it is like to struggle. Growing up in the country, he did not have access to the same opportunities as city kids and it was not until he began working in his first full time job that he was able to begin his tertiary education as a mature-age student at Deakin University.
The true impact of the scholarship is unquantifiable and to say that it has been life changing does not do it justice.
Max Power
Bachelor of Cyber Security student, SecureWorx Scholarship recipient
When asked about his motivation to create the SecureWorx Cybersecurity Excellence Scholarship, Mr Mulley says, 'Australia, Deakin and SecureWorx have allowed my family to achieve financial security, so I feel it is important to give back in some meaningful way.'
'I decided to support a scholarship because education, especially in cybersecurity, is a great vehicle for people to advance themselves and the country. I particularly wanted to help mature-age students and those from the country,' says Mr Mulley.
Max Power was the first recipient of the SecureWorx Scholarship. He had always had an interest in computers but financial struggles meant that he had to start working straight out of secondary school. In 2016, he decided to pursue his dream and enrolled as a mature-age student in what is now known as the Bachelor of Cyber Security. At the same time, he successfully applied for the SecureWorx three-year scholarship.
'The scholarship lifted a considerable financial weight and led to an internship at SecureWorx, where I now work full-time,' says Mr Powers.
The power of a scholarship
At Deakin, we know that education can change the entire course of a life, with impacts that last for generations to come. Meet Max, Kavery, Allias, Javid, Madhab and Bonnie, whose lives have been transformed by the gift of a scholarship.
Interested in finding out more?
How has education shaped your life? Donating to Deakin is a simple yet powerful way for you to transform the lives of students, providing them with the priceless gift of education. Learn more about how your donation can change lives.