Deakin University announces 50 life-changing scholarships in honour of half-century celebration

The Deakin 50th Anniversary Excellence Scholarship has been developed to empower students and provide greater access to Deakin courses and higher education, in line with the university’s long-term commitment to accessible education.

'Since we opened our doors 50 years ago, Deakin has always been focused on providing opportunities for students regardless of their personal circumstances or where they live and these scholarships are a reflection of how we are continuing that commitment today,' Deakin Vice Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said.

'The scholarships recognise and encourage those students who have worked hard to achieve high academic results, but who may have thought attending Deakin was out of reach because they attend a school that has been under-represented in the past.

'Deakin is proud to lead the way in Victoria for student support, ensuring that students from all backgrounds not only access world-class university education, but are supported to succeed.

'Every year we welcome students from under-represented schools who, with the right support, go on to complete their studies and make a lasting impact in their communities. Through these scholarships we can ensure more of those students have this opportunity so that their drive to achieve continues well beyond high school and into their careers.'

The scholarships will be offered to the 50 students who receive the highest ATARs from Deakin's under-represented schools and have chosen Deakin as one of their VTAC course preferences, with recipients receiving financial assistance of up to $7,500 per year for the duration of their selected course. Recipients must also be studying an undergraduate bachelor degree commencing at Deakin in Trimester 1, 2026.

Deakin's Chief Advancement Officer Jimmy Buck said these scholarships are just one of many offered at Deakin created to broaden access to tertiary education and bridge social gaps.

'While these scholarships are a Deakin-led initiative, we have been fortunate enough to offer a number of important scholarships through the generous contributions of our donors who are making real-world changes with their gifts,' Mr Buck said.

'The gift of education is one that not only impacts the individual but it can have a positive ripple effect on family, friends and the wider community – all of which starts with that one person, family or organisation who made a decision to donate.'

Deakin is this year celebrating five decades of making a difference locally and globally, after the University was born on 10 December 1974 in a Geelong paddock where the Waurn Ponds Campus still stands today.

For more information visit the Deakin 50th Anniversary Excellence Scholarship webpage.