Suzanne Lazaroo
12 May 2025: Designed to increase access to higher education and amplify community impact, the brand-new Snow Scholarships program at the 91¿´Æ¬ÉñÆ÷ is now welcoming applications from undergraduate students
Born of a close partnership between and the 91¿´Æ¬ÉñÆ÷, the scholarships will offer a hitherto unprecedented level of support, with each scholar receiving up to $30,000 per year for the duration of their degree, as well as holistic wrap-around support.
Scholars selected in this round will commence their studies at the University in Semester One, 2026.
The scholarships have been tailor-made for students who may have thought their dreams of higher education were out of reach – or those who haven’t yet dared to aspire at all.
“This transformative program has been thoughtfully designed to open doors for future UC students who may not have considered attending university due to circumstances beyond their control. We want them to realise their dreams, and realise the future they envision,” said The Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University.
It’s all about backing students who are curious, resilient, and driven to make a positive difference. Ideal candidates bring a passion for learning, a commitment to their community, and the ability to lead with integrity and respect. For students who are eager to learn and contribute, this is a perfect chance to step up and shine.
With deep roots in 91¿´Æ¬ÉñÆ÷ and the NSW South Coast, Snow Foundation has long supported people facing barriers. The Snow Scholarships build on this legacy – backing youth with potential and a passion to create positive change.
“Everyone deserves a fair shot at university. The Snow Scholarships are about backing young people with smart minds and big hearts who may be facing real barriers. We’re here to open doors, build confidence, and help shape meaningful, significant futures. Watch them grow into the leaders, thinkers and changemakers who will shape the future of their communities in meaningful ways,” said Georgina Byron AM, Chief Executive Officer of Snow Foundation.
The scholarships will be available to students from underrepresented groups across the ACT, and rural and regional NSW; recipients may pursue any undergraduate degree at the University.
They will be awarded under two categories: Equity and Indigenous Scholarships, with up to 16 Scholars selected per year for their leadership potential, commitment to social purpose and academic achievements.
Eligible applicants include aspiring students who are facing financial hardship, living with disability or chronic medical conditions, face barriers to education due to care-giving responsibilities or have experienced unforeseen challenges.
The Snow Scholarship program will offer an unprecedented level of support for recipients, creating new higher education pathways for students from underrepresented groups.
Recipients will receive holistic support, covering on-campus accommodation, financial support for living expenses and the cost of travelling home, leadership development, First Nations experience and education, access to tutoring, academic and placement support, and access to free medical, wellbeing and financial services.
A dedicated scholar space – Snow Scholar House – will provide a unique study space for scholarship recipients to connect and learn together, and build the bonds of an inclusive cohort, reflecting a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, genders, identities, ages, and academic backgrounds.
“Students who are under-represented in universities across Australia are a priority at UC. The Snow Scholarship program is the spearhead of change, part of a really exciting range of scholarships, support and specialist programs that have been put in place to level the playing field,” said Professor Maree Meredith, the University's Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership.
The program will also facilitate learning opportunities for scholarship recipients, in order to enhance their university experience and set them up for success.
The Snow Scholarship program has been created to not only increase access and create pathways, but to also empower recipients to become leaders and drive community impact in 91¿´Æ¬ÉñÆ÷ and beyond. The Snow Foundation will fund 160 scholarships at the University over a ten-year period, with the program’s total value set at $20 million.
To apply and/or find out more, visit the Snow Scholarships website. Applications close on 12 October 2025.
SNOW SCHOLARSHIPS, AT A GLANCE
- Under the program, a total of 160 scholarships will be awarded at the University over ten years – with a cumulative value of $20 million.
- Up to 16 scholarship recipients will be selected per year, based on leadership potential, commitment to social purpose and academic achievements.
- Scholarship recipients will receive up to $30,000 per year for the duration of their degree, and holistic support, covering on-campus accommodation, financial support for living expenses and the cost of travelling home, leadership development, First Nations experience and education, access to tutoring, academic and placement support, and access to free medical, wellbeing and financial services.
- The scholarships will be available to students from underrepresented groups across the ACT, and rural and regional NSW.
- Eligible applicants include aspiring students who are facing financial hardship, living with disability or chronic medical conditions, face barriers to education due to care-giving responsibilities, or have experienced unforeseen challenges.
- There are two categories under the program: Equity and Indigenous Scholarships.
- Scholars selected in this round will commence their studies at the University in Semester One, 2026.
- Recipients can study any undergraduate degree at the 91¿´Æ¬ÉñÆ÷.