Application Process

Please view our Financial Assistance at The Women’s College brochure (see right) for an overview about our Bursaries and Scholarships.

The Women’s College Bursaries aim to support the tertiary study aspirations of residents from financially disadvantaged families who might not otherwise have access to The Women’s College experience.

Our Scholarships are open to future and current residents who have applied for residency at The Women’s College. They are awarded to full-time university students who have demonstrated excellence in academia, sport and cultural pursuits as well as outstanding leadership.

Please ensure that you read carefully the eligibility guidelines and application process below.

The links to the application forms and the closing dates for 2024 applications are as follows:

Bursaries & Scholarships Deadline Apply now
Bursaries Friday 29 September 2023 Applications are now closed
General Scholarships Friday 15 December 2023 Applications are now closed
Financial-Need Scholarships Friday 15 December 2023 Applications are now closed

The Women’s College selection process is competitive and unfortunately not all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are able to be awarded a bursary. Bursaries range up to $20,000 per year but on average are $4,700 each.  They are offset in equal amounts against each term’s fees.

Eligibility of Applicants

To be considered for the bursaries, residents must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

  • Australian citizen
  • Low-income financial status or a change in financial/family circumstances ie. hardship as a result of drought, COVID
  • Motivated, with demonstrated academic potential to succeed at university
  • Supportive family environment

Application Process 

The Women’s College invites all future and current residents to apply for a bursary in 2024.

With each application, the following documentation is required:

  1. Online Application Form for residency in 2024 (completed and signed by relevant parties) and deposit paid (not relevant if applying for a Semester 2 Bursary)
  2. Copy of all relevant School/ University Reports (not relevant if applying for a Semester 2 Bursary)
  3. Evidence of financial position, including: most recent Australian Taxation Office. Notice of Assessment/s for parents/guardians (if applicable) and/or current Centrelink (Services Australia) or Veteran’s Entitlements statements (e.g. JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension, Family Tax Benefit Part A and/or Part B etc.) and
  4. Personal statement from the resident

Note: We are aware that all circumstances differ so if you don’t meet the criteria for a bursary (due to combined family income, etc) please still apply but you will need to thoroughly outline why College fees will place significant financial strain on your family.

Application Closing Date

Applications for 2024 bursaries (including all supporting documentation) must be received by the College by 5:00pm on Friday 29 September 2023. Incomplete applications and/or those without the necessary supporting documentation will not be considered.

For more information, please contact our Admissions Officer – Phone: (07) 3377 4500.

Explanatory Notes

The Women’s College aims to support the tertiary study aspirations of residents from low- income and disadvantaged families. It is therefore essential that applications include sufficient information and documentation to enable the selection panel to undertake a full assessment of the family’s financial circumstances.

Families who have experienced a change in financial circumstances since their last ATO Assessment should provide any relevant supporting documentation.

Selection of Bursary Recipients

Selection of recipients is carried out by a panel which may comprise of Senior Management, College Council and Donors. In addition to the Program’s eligibility criteria, the resident’s leadership potential and/or demonstrated community involvement may also be taken into consideration in the selection process.

Bursary Activities and Commitment

Students require the full support of their parents/guardians with their move to Brisbane and application to the College (if applicable). It is important that all parties are aware of the commitment and expectations associated with receiving a bursary.

Requirements and Expectations of Bursary Recipients

It is a requirement for all recipients of  The Women’s College bursaries to:

  • Be enrolled and attending University as a full-time student or have applied to QTAC and expecting a positive outcome
  • Consistently demonstrate a high level of commitment to their studies, as evidenced through attendance, academic progress and behaviour
  • Provide The Women’s College with their results at the end of each semester
  • Contribute to The Women’s College community through sport, cultural and community activities as well as a high level of attendance at College events such as Formal Dinners
  • Serve as a role model to other residents through exemplary behaviour
  • Actively participate in any scheduled bursary activities which may include attending the annual Dividere Dinner for donors, presenting to the College Council, writing to College donors on how the bursary has been used to support your college experience and/or participating in any College fundraising promotional activity ie. annual Giving Appeal. Residents who do not meet the requirements and expectations outlined above may forfeit their bursary.

Scholarship Program Overview

The Women’s College scholarships aim to support the tertiary study aspirations of residents, predominantly regardless of background or financial circumstances, to realise their full potential. This excludes the Joan Metcalfe Scholarship, The Stan and Maureen Duke Foundation Scholarship and the Mary Wooza Scholarship, which are financial need-based.

We offer a wide range of scholarships that are made possible through the generous support of our donors.

Scholarships are open to both future and current residents of the College, who have demonstrated excellence in academia, sport, community service and cultural pursuits as well as outstanding leadership.

Scholarships vary from $4,000 per annum and are offset in equal amounts against each term’s fees.

Eligibility of Applicants

To be considered for a scholarship, residents must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

  • Motivated, with demonstrated academic potential to succeed at university
  • Supportive family environment

Selection Criteria

Your application will be assessed by the following criteria.

  • Accepted at The Women’s College as a future or current resident who studies full time at University
  • Proven excellence in academia, leadership, sport or cultural pursuits
  • Demonstrated contribution to your school/college community (i.e. how did you use your talents to benefit the wider community)
  • How you would contribute to the community at The Women’s College if not answered above
  • Able and willingness to be involved in the Inter-College Competition (ICC) representing The Women’s College

Funds will be credited to cover College residential fees and are offset in equal amounts against each term’s fees.

It is expected scholarship recipients will continue to give back to their community and at College events and to inspire their peers to do so.

The online application MUST include an academic record, a 500 word written submission addressing the selection criteria and the names of at least two referees. Shortlisted candidates may be required for an interview with the Head of College.

Application Closing Date 

Applications for 2024 scholarships (including all supporting documentation) must be received by the College by 5:00pm on Friday 15 December 2023. Incomplete nominations and/or those without the necessary supporting documentation will not be considered.

For more information, please contact our Admissions Officer on (07) 3377 4500 or visit this page.

Requirements and Expectations of Scholarship Recipients

It is a requirement for all recipients of The Women’s College scholarships to:

  • Be enrolled and attending University as a full-time student or have applied to QTAC and expecting a positive outcome.
  • Consistently demonstrate a high level of commitment to their studies, as evidenced through attendance, academic progress and behaviour.
  • Provide The Women’s College with their results at the end of each semester.
  • Contribute to The Women’s College community and participate in
    The Inter-College Competition (ICC) through sport, cultural and community activities as well as a high level of attendance at College events such as Formal Dinners.
  • Serve as a role model to other residents through exemplary behaviour.
  • Actively participate in any scheduled scholarship activities which may include presenting to the College Council, writing to College donors on how the scholarship has been used to support your College experience and/or participate in any College fundraising promotional activity.

Residents who do not meet the requirements and expectations outlined above may forfeit their scholarship.

All scholarship applications for 2024 must be submitted either at the time of your residency application for future and current residents, or, by no later than the closing date.